Body Contouring 101: Fat Reduction vs. Weight Loss

One of the biggest misconceptions about Chevy Chase, Maryland body contouring procedures like lipo or CoolSculpting is that they are meant to aid in dramatic weight loss.

The truth is that body contouring is designed to eliminate localized fat and reshape targeted areas. But it will not change your weight.

This has to do with the fact that fat reduction and weight loss are not one in the same.

For this reason, Chevy Chase, Maryland patients should be aware of the key differences between fat reduction vs. weight loss before undergoing a body contouring treatment.

Fat Reduction vs. Weight Loss – What Happens to Fat Cells?

When it comes to fat reduction vs. weight loss in Maryland, it’s important to understand how fat cells are addressed.

Weight loss is achieved through diet and exercise modifications and causes fat cells to become smaller. However, if you gain weight, fat cells remain in place and can expand at any time.

A body contouring procedure like CoolSculpting or liposuction actually removes, rather than shrinks, fat cells in order to sculpt problem areas.

Fat Reduction vs. Weight Loss – How Can You Measure Results?

Following body contouring, many people believe that they will get on the scale and see that they are 15 pounds lighter. However, this is not the case.

Body contouring and subsequent fat reduction produce visible slimming and improve proportions. Patients may also note that their clothes look and fit better.

On the other hand, weight loss is measured using a scale and may also decrease the size of your body.

With that being said, weight loss is unable to spot reduce your abdomen, thighs, arms, or chin the way that CoolSculpting or liposuction can.

In fact, many people seek body contouring treatments to conquer fat bulges that persist even after weight loss.

Fat Reduction vs. Weight Loss – What Are the Long-Term Implications?

Body contouring treatments are designed to destroy fat cells and eliminate localized fat pockets. This means that once fat leaves the body, it is gone for good.

Accordingly, treatments like CoolSculpting and liposuction provide permanent results – as long as patients don’t experience significant weight fluctuations.

In comparison, weight loss can be very temporary. If an individual’s caloric intake exceeds their output, fat cells are able to enlarge, and they will gain weight. Just ask anyone who is constantly losing and regaining the same 5-10 pounds.

Learn More About Body Contouring

If you are considering liposuction or CoolSculpting, please call our office today to schedule a comprehensive consultation with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Eliot Battle or board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Kelly Bolden.