All fat may be unwanted fat, but not all body fat is created equal. If you’re considering CoolSculpting or truSculpt ID, it’s important to understand which fats these procedures eliminate. Because what you’ve got and what you’re looking to shed matters. And luckily, determining the difference doesn’t require looking under a microscope.
So what is the difference between visceral and subcutaneous fat? And why does it matter?
These terms may sound scientific, but they’re actually quite simple. One is surface level while the other requires long-term lifestyle changes to minimize. Similar yet different, the more you understand your body, the easier it is to transform your body, through diet, exercise, body sculpting, surgical procedures, or otherwise.
Visceral
Think fat is fat? Think again! Visceral fat refers to fat deep within a body’s cavity, underneath muscles and around organs. To reduce this type of fat, lifestyle changes like healthier diets and increased exercise are required. Because this type of fat lives deep within versus directly beneath the skin, non-invasive procedures can’t address it. In fact, the only surgeries that reduce visceral fat are LapBand surgery and gastric bypass. Visceral fat takes long hours and hard work to reduce and, in some ways, is the toughest fat to shed.
Subcutaneous
On the flip side, subcutaneous fat is fat that’s directly beneath the skin’s surface. Think of that soft pouch hugging your belly or the excess fat beneath your arms. While visceral fat requires massive lifestyle changes to minimize, subcutaneous fat is difficult in other ways. Oftentimes, it’s the last layer of fat to leave us after a long weight loss transformation. That stubborn chub is why many turn to CoolSculpting, truSculpt ID, and, more drastically, under-the-knife procedures like liposuction.
If you’re unsure whether you’ve got visceral or subcutaneous fat, consider this: when you squeeze your problem area, can you hold the excess fat in your hands? Or are you larger than you’d prefer overall. If it’s the former, you’re most likely looking at subcutaneous fat and would be a fantastic fit for non-invasive body sculpting procedures like CoolSculpting and truSculpt ID.
CoolSculpting & truSculpt ID
So why do these fats matter? While CoolSculpting and truSculpt ID are fantastic options for those looking to treat slight problem areas, if you’re working towards a major weight loss goal, these procedures aren’t for you. That’s because CoolSculpting and truSculpt ID only treat subcutaneous fats and are designed for patients very close to their ideal body weight and just looking for final touch-ups. Think of CoolSculpting and truSculpt ID as the finish line of your body transformation. Attacking visceral fat is the starting line.
So…how does it work?
If you’re ready to shed excess fat and put a finishing touch on your fitness transformation, consider the latest painless and non-invasive technology.
To reach those pesky problem areas, CoolSculpting targets and freezes fat cells just beneath the skin’s surface. When fat cells freeze, they die off. No extra work required, once dead, the body naturally eliminates them and you’re left less bloated, toned, and tighter. Despite the chill, CoolSculpting won’t damage your skin, nerves, or muscles.
Similarly, truSculpt ID uses radiofrequency technology to reduce fat in targeted areas. Rather than the chill of CoolSculpting, truSculpt ID uses heat to kill fat cells below the skin’s surface.
In Sum
Aside from a brief biology lesson, it’s important to consider these fat differences as you begin or complete your body transformation. Neither CoolSculpting nor truSculpt ID is intended for major weight loss – they’re procedures for toning, tightening, and finally feeling like the best version of yourself. Because when those last few pounds feel like the hardest, sculpting procedures do the impossible.
Michigan’s #1 CoolSculpting Provider
Call Body Sculpting Spa in St Clair Shores to schedule a Free Consultation and find out if CoolSculpting or other treatments are tight for you. We specialize in noninvasive fat reduction and body sculpting procedures with a customized plan that works for you. Other spa, skin and body sculpting services include TruSculpt iD, Fibroblast for skin tightening, microneedling services, ThermiSmooth for wrinkle reduction, spa facial enhancements and so much more. If you are thinking of making a change, we’d love to help you reach your goal. Contact us today!