Difference between Surgical and Nonsurgical Body Contouring

In surgical body contouring, incisions are made for liposuction, excision of excess, tightened fascia and muscle, as well as other techniques for retouching resistant fat pads. Common types of surgical procedures performed include tummy tucks (abdominoplasty), liposuction, arm lifts (brachioplasty), thigh lifts, and complete body lifts. They are designed to produce radical changes in the shape and proportions of the body.

In contrast, nonsurgical body contouring employs minimally invasive, non-incision, non-anesthetic technologies that displace fat cells and tighten skin. Examples of noninvasive procedures are cryolipolysis (more commonly referred to as CoolSculpting), laser lipolysis, radiofrequency procedures, and ultrasound treatments. While results may not be as pronounced, these treatments provide low downtime and low risk.