Thermage Vs Coolsculpting
At the end of the day, each procedure has its own benefits and drawbacks. Coolsculpting is non-invasive, which means that it doesn’t require any incisions or anesthesia. It can be used on multiple areas at once, but results are often limited to a few inches of fat removal per treatment session. Thermage on the other hand uses radiofrequency energy over a period of time to tighten skin and reduce wrinkles. Thermage is more invasive than Coolsculpting because it requires a local anesthetic and incision with each treatment session; however, Thermage results tend to be longer lasting than those from Coolsculpting as they cause collagen production within the treated area rather than simply freezing unwanted fat cells (which naturally regenerate).
In this guide, we review the aspects of Thermage Vs Coolsculpting, thermage vs ultherapy, What is the downside of Thermage, and is coolsculpting or laser lipo better.
Thermage Vs Coolsculpting
Thermage and Coolsculpting are both thermally based methods that use cold to shrink fat and release toxins. Thermage uses radio frequency technology to tighten skin, while Coolsculpting uses a suction device to target unwanted fat cells. While both of these procedures can improve the appearance of your body and help you lose weight, there are some key differences between them that make each one better for certain people. In this article we’ll compare the two body contouring options and help you decide which treatment is best for you!
What is Thermage?
Thermage is a non-invasive procedure that uses radiofrequency energy to heat the deep layers of the skin and stimulate collagen production. This helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as improve skin tone and texture.
What does a Thermage treatment feel like?
Thermage does not use lasers or any other form of heat. Thermage uses radiofrequency (RF) energy, which is similar to the way microwaves heat food. The RF energy is absorbed by your skin and travels through it until it reaches the deeper layers of your skin. There it causes effects similar to exercise: muscle tightening, collagen production and improved tissue elasticity.
It feels like a hot pinprick on your face; no pain at all if you have had numbing cream applied beforehand, but some discomfort afterwards as you heal from the treatment.
What does Thermage cost?
The cost of Thermage depends on the area you’re interested in treating, but generally it is more expensive than Coolsculpting by about $200. It’s also less expensive than Sculpsure, which costs between $500 and $1,500 per session. On average, liposuction can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000 or more depending on where you live and how large an area needs to be treated.
If you want to see a difference without breaking your budget for non-invasive skin tightening options like Thermage or Coolsculpting, consider doing some research into surgical procedures such as laser lipolysis (which uses lasers to break up fat cells) or radiofrequency (RF). Both of these tend to be pricier and can lead to longer recovery times than non-surgical treatments like Thermage/Coolsculpting/RF Radiofrequency Body Contouring Treatment or Liposculpture—but they will deliver results that last longer if done properly by an experienced professional
How long does a Thermage results last?
In most cases, you will see a permanent result with Thermage. Your body continues to produce new collagen over time, but we have not found anything that can increase the amount of collagen you have in your skin. The only way to maintain the results is by continuing to live a healthy lifestyle and maintain your weight at an appropriate level.
If you have had Thermage done an average of 2 years ago and are now maintaining your new weight, then you should expect to maintain the same results for another 2-3 years (or longer). If you changed your diet and exercise routine after having Thermage done, then it is possible that your results could last even longer than 6 years.
CoolSculpting vs. Thermage vs. Sculpsure for body contouring
CoolSculpting
CoolSculpting is a non-invasive procedure that freezes fat cells, which are then naturally eliminated from your body. This procedure is done through the use of cryolipolysis, a method of eliminating fat with cold temperatures. The CoolSculpting system can safely and effectively treat areas such as love handles, inner thighs and bra bulge with no downtime or recovery period required after treatment.
Thermage
The Thermage Contour treatment uses radiofrequency energy to tighten skin and improve the appearance of cellulite. This treatment can be performed on most parts of your body to reduce signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles while tightening loose sagging skin in problem areas like underarms & knees quickly & comfortably without surgery.*
Sculpsure vs Thermage vs Coolsculpting for Body Contouring: Which is Right for You?
How does Coolsculpting work?
CoolSculpting uses a device that cools the fat cells in a targeted area. When you exercise, your body naturally burns calories and expends energy. CoolSculpting works in a similar way by “tricking” your body into thinking it needs to burn more calories than normal. This causes your body to activate its natural defense mechanisms against the cold temperatures, which results in the death and removal of those targeted fat cells over time.
CoolSculpting takes about an hour per treatment session and is performed without any downtime afterward.
How cold does Coolsculpting get?
The Coolsculpting device is not as cold as ice. You will experience a slight stinging sensation when the device is on your skin, but it will not hurt you. However, if you experience intense pain that does not go away after a few minutes and/or if you have numbness in the area where you had treatment done, get medical attention immediately!
Coolsculpting works by freezing fat cells in your body. This causes them to be eliminated from your body by natural processes over time (about 9 months). The cooling device itself does not actually freeze anything; it just makes things cold enough for fat cells to freeze themselves! Because of this difference between Coolsculpting’s cooling process and typical ice packs or gel wraps (which use water), we can safely say that Coolsculpting doesn’t cause frostbite like these other products do — instead it simply makes some parts of your skin feel colder than others until they return back up towards normal temperature levels again once treatment has finished up completely.
Does Coolsculpting hurt?
The CoolSculpting procedure is performed in your doctor’s office and does not require anesthesia. The numbing cream that is applied to the treated area may cause some slight discomfort during treatment, but this will fade as you continue to use the device.
CoolSculpting is a non-surgical, non-invasive procedure that targets fat cells underneath your skin using cooling technology. The process works on all areas of the body where there are unwanted bulges such as hips, thighs, abdomen and more!
Coolsculpting doesn’t require surgery or downtime; instead it involves multiple sessions over several weeks that stimulate your body’s natural ability to eliminate excess fat cells through a process called apoptosis (natural cell death).
How much fat can you lose with Coolsculpting?
If you’re hoping to lose weight, Coolsculpting is not a good option. The procedure itself will not cause you to lose weight, and it can only remove a minimal amount of fat in one treatment. However, if you use it in conjunction with healthy eating and exercise, the results may be more noticeable than if you were just exercising alone.
Coolsculpting results are also not permanent; they are dependent on the area treated, so it’s possible that fat cells could return after several years or even months (although they likely won’t be as large). The effects of further Coolsculpting sessions can improve your body composition by continuing to target areas where excess fat is being stored.
Is there any downtime after Coolsculpting treatments?
Coolsculpting is designed to be performed in a series of treatments, and there is no downtime between sessions. You can resume normal activities immediately after treatment, including exercise, swimming and bathing. You can also return to work right away as well as apply makeup immediately after treatment.
Coolsculpting works by cooling down the fat cells so they are destroyed when they re-warm (which happens within minutes). As this occurs, some patients experience discomfort or mild pain during their Coolsculpting procedure that lasts for about an hour or so afterward; however, this should not preclude you from returning home immediately after your appointment ends.
Fat Freezing vs. Fat Burning? Which is Better For Me?
If you’re looking to decrease fat, CoolSculpting will be more effective. If you’re looking to lose weight, FatsFreezing is the most efficient way to achieve your goals. Both are safe, but each has its advantages and disadvantages.
- When it comes to reducing fat in a targeted area, Coolsculpting can be used on any area of the body (although some areas are less effective than others). The device is placed on the skin where you want to reduce fat and then cools down your cells until they die off and shrink in size over time. This causes them to burn off their energy stores instead of storing it as fat which can lead to weight loss over time if you follow a healthy diet plan with regular exercise.*
- However, one major downside of using this method is that it does require multiple sessions for optimal results; meaning that investing in these treatments means having multiple visits per month over several months or even years depending upon how much treatment you need.*
thermage vs ultherapy
Treatment times for noninvasive procedures that treat aging skin can take less than 90 minutes and require little to no downtime.
That’s why methods like Thermage and Ultherapy are gaining ground for people who want to minimize wrinkles, tighten skin, and appear younger.
Both procedures address similar issues, but there are also key differences to be aware of when deciding which method is best for you.
Thermage is a nonsurgical procedure that uses radiofrequency (RF) to help tighten and smooth skin by promoting new collagen growth. RF waves induce heat into the skin that treats outer skin and then extends inward.
Thermage is generally recommended for:
One advantage to Thermage is its ability to treat larger areas. A single treatment takes about 30 to 90 minutes depending on the treatment area, and there is little to no downtime.
Ultherapy uses ultrasound imaging to bypass the skin’s surface and stimulate collagen production in the desired areas.
Ultrasound is best known for targeting smaller, deeper skin layers. In this way, Ultherapy is touted as treating the skin from the inside out.
Ultherapy is the only FDA-cleared, non-invasive procedure for lifting and tightening the areas around the:
The company that designed Ultherapy put protocols in place that allow it to be used on the face. It’s specifically approved for use on the lower face.
Procedures are done in a medical office and a local anesthetic can be used to help prevent discomfort. However, it’s not enough to manage the pain during treatment.
Currently, PRO-NOX, which is nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is primarily used for pain management. It doesn’t replace the anesthetic, but in combination with other pain management protocols, such as taking ibuprofen (Motrin) prior to the procedure, it helps with pain relief.
Skin may appear red and irritated immediately following treatment, but this typically resolves in a few hours. You can resume regular activities following the procedure, as no downtime is required.
Thermage and Ultherapy are similar in many ways, but there are some notable differences to be aware of before deciding on the right treatment for you.
Types of energy
The main difference between Thermage and Ultherapy is the type of energy each uses to restore collagen production. Radiofrequency is used for Thermage, while Ultherapy uses ultrasound.
This energy difference is important because ultrasound can generally reach deeper into the dermal layer.
Treatment areas
Another key difference between the two methods is the areas treated.
If you’re looking to target the neck and décolleté area, then Ultherapy is the method of choice. These areas are not treatable with Thermage. Ultherapy is also best suited for mild to moderate skin laxity.
You may consider Thermage if you’re looking to target skin other than the face and neck.
In addition to the face, Thermage also works on sagging skin on the abdomen, thighs, arms, and buttocks — areas not approved for treatment with Ultherapy.
Timing of results
Both procedures take about the same time to perform. But in general, you can expect to see full results from Ultherapy in 2 to 3 months after treatment.
Results with Thermage can take 6 months.
FDA approval
Both Ultherapy and Thermage are FDA-approved nonsurgical procedures that addresses the signs of aging.
Nonsurgical procedures are an excellent option for people who cannot have surgery or wish to go with a noninvasive treatment.
According to the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, these treatments are best suited for people who have mild to moderate skin laxity but do not require the dramatic lifting only possible with surgery.
See your doctor
The best way to know which procedure is right for you is to schedule a consultation with a board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon. They can help you decide if you are a candidate for Ultherapy or Thermage.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, skin-tightening procedures are not right for anyone:
Candidates for Ultherapy
In general, candidates for Ultherapy have some degree of skin laxity under the neck or chin or wrinkles on the chest, especially if you want to treat the skin around the neck and décolleté.
Candidates for Thermage
Thermage is recommended if you’re middle-aged and do not need a surgical facelift or want to go with a non-invasive approach. You should have mild to moderate skin sagging in these areas:
Thermage is also a good choice if you want to target larger areas like the thighs and abdomen.
The preparation for each procedure is relatively the same. Since they’re nonsurgical procedures, there’s not much you need to do before arriving at the office.
For both treatments, come with a clean face, free of skin products and makeup. You may also want to avoid chemical treatments and facial peels prior to treatment.
Both Thermage and Ultherapy are done in-office with little to no downtime.
That said, there are differences in how each procedure is performed.
Thermage
According to a 2020 review of studies, a cooling spray will protect the skin surface, helping reduce any pain you may experience during the procedure.
Ultherapy
It’s not uncommon to experience intermittent feelings of heat and tingling during the treatment when the device is delivering ultrasound energy into your skin.
Thermage results vary and depend on the treatment area.
In general, most people see gradual results over 2 to 6 months following one Thermage session. Depending on your skin, results last 1 to 2 years.
Ultherapy results appear over 2 to 3 months as new collagen lifts skin on the neck and chin. Results may improve over 3 to 6 months and can last a year, though multiple treatments may be required.
According to a 2014 study, improvements in skin laxity were observed 3 months after an Ultherapy procedure in 58.1 percent of the 93 people who received the treatment.
Overall improvements were seen in 63.6 percent of the 93 people in the study after 90 days.
While most people see results with one treatment, some may require more than one visit. To maintain results, you may need an Ultherapy treatment once a year.
What is the downside of Thermage
When patients search for leading non-surgical treatments to tighten and lift the skin, two notable procedures often crop up on people’s beauty radar: Thermage® CPT and Ultherapy®. Both treatments deliver skin tightening and skin lifting benefits without the need for invasive surgery or downtime.
However, on closer inspection, there is a range of significant differences between the two. These range from which areas they treat, to which technologies they use to enhance sagging, aged or wrinkled skin. In this article, we explore these similarities and differences to help you decide which one to pick when it comes to Thermage versus Ultherapy. Here is our detailed comparison:
Skin Lifting and Tightening with Thermage and Ultherapy
Thermage and Ultherapy are two leading non-surgical technologies. As two of the world’s best skin tightening and lifting treatments, they give patients the ability to lift and tighten sagging or loose skin across the body while smoothing the skin’s texture and strength, without the need for any injections, surgery or scalpels. This means zero downtime or recovery. The treatments have also both received an official seal of approval from the FDA for their clinically proven results.
Benefits of Thermage and Ultherapy
Both treatments are one of the most popular anti-ageing procedures. Traditionally, a surgical facelift was the go-to solution. But thanks to smart innovations in skincare technology, Ultherapy and Thermage can tackle the symptoms of ageing head-on, without the arduous recovery time of plastic surgery.
As we age, our skin gradually loses its ability to reproduce collagen and elastin proteins. These two essential structural proteins are crucial components that connect our inner skin tissues. They help to keep them taut, hydrated and firm. But after the age of 20, we lose elastin and collagen at a rate of 1% per year. This means that by the time we hit our 30s and 40s, our skin is on a downward natural path towards wrinkles, looseness, sagging.
Thankfully, these procedures stimulate the production of collagen and elastin over time to give us tighter and firmer skin that is youthfully remodelled. Their dual benefits are outlined below:
Thermage Vs Ultherapy: What do they do?
While the two treatments stimulate the natural reproduction of collagen to tighten and lift the skin, they do so using different technologies. Both technologies use heat energy as a way to encourage our skin cells to replenish and remodel. Whereas Ultherapy utilises ultrasound heat to stimulate collagen renewal deep within the skin, Thermage uses radiofrequency energy to kickstart collagen production in superficial skin layers. The primary goal of each technique is slightly different, but collagen renewal is their simultaneous raison d’etre.
The purpose of each treatment
Thermage tightens and re-contours the skin using radiofrequency (RF) energy. It has become a firm favourite with celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow thanks to its ability to create flawlessly understated results that refresh, lift and tighten the skin. The radiofrequency heat that Thermage delivers works to three-dimensionally contract existing collagen proteins. At the very same time, it stimulates new ones to form. This collagen rejuvenation process makes Thermage a game-changing treatment when it comes to lifting the structure of sagging skin across the body, while also enhancing the visual texture and appearance of wrinkled and crepey skin. It can even smooth out the appearance of cellulite!
Ultherapy uses cutting-edge ultrasound technology to strengthen and lift the skin from deep inside. It utilises micro-focused ultrasound with visualisation (MFU-V) energy to reach the same depths that plastic surgeons can reach when they perform a surgical facelift. This has made Ultherapy the go-to treatment for patients who require a non-surgical facelift without any side effects or downtime. By heating deep skin tissues with ultrasound, the skin responds by reproducing fresh collagen stores over time. This helps patients to achieve tighter skin that withstands the downward effects of gravity while keeping the skin toned, firm and youthful. Use it across the face, neck and decolletage to revitalise and uplift the skin.
Thermage Vs Ultherapy: How do they work?
Radiofrequency and ultrasound energies work in slightly different ways to reboot and encourage collagen production in our skin.
Thermage: Radiofrequency (RF) energy
Using a highly advanced radiofrequency laser, Thermage uses a smooth-tip handpiece to instantly heat up the dermis layer of the skin to 40-55 degrees Celsius. This stimulating heat energy contracts collagen proteins in a three-dimensional way within the collagen-rich dermis layer of the skin. This heat energy refreshes the skin in the same way as a deep skin chemical peel, but without damaging the outer epidermis. The RF heat energy also accelerates the regeneration of damaged skin cells, which is why Thermage is so effective at revitalising and smoothing crepey ‘orange peel’ skin and cellulite.
Ultherapy: Ultrasound (MFU-V) energy
Ultherapy uses highly targeted micro-focused ultrasound energy to stimulate collagen renewal in the deepest layer of the skin, called the SMAS layer. This unique process creates a momentary heatwave in the targeted treatment area by transmitting high-intensity frequency ultrasound waves. The Ultherapy device instantly heats up skin to 60-70 degrees Celsius, resulting in the regeneration of collagen and elastin proteins. The technology also utilises 3D visualisation, giving practitioners the ability to visually detect depleted areas of collagen in the SMAS layer with their own eyes. This facilitates a highly targeted and accurate skin regeneration treatment.
Thermage Vs Ultherapy: How deep do they penetrate the skin?
Thermage – the dermis to the subcutaneous fat layer
A Thermage treatment only penetrates into shallower areas of skin tissues, from the dermis, just below the surface of the skin, to the layer of subcutaneous fat tissues. However, it covers a wider area of the body and delivers a greater volume of energy in one session when compared to Ultherapy.
Ultherapy – deep penetration to the SMAS layer
Ultrasound stimulates deeper layers of skin tissue, enabling it to reach the fibromuscular layer or ‘SMAS’ layer that sits just above a person’s muscle tissue. This layer of skin becomes thinner as we age, allowing wrinkles and sagging skin to form. The technology therefore penetrates deeper than Thermage and is able to target multiple layers of the skin for a longer-lasting effect.
Thermage Vs Ultherapy: Treatment areas
Thermage leads the way when it comes to the number of body areas that it can target. It can treat the face, eyes, neck and stomach as well as problem issues like ‘bingo wings’ on the arms. Thermage has the ability to treat:
The FDA has approved Ultherapy for use across a smaller range of areas like the brow line, chin and chest. But it stands out thanks to its ability to treat the muscle fascia area like a standard surgical facelift does. This is why Ultherapy is so famed for its non-surgical facelift and non-surgical brow lift. It can treat:
Thermage Vs Ultherapy: Treatment Sessions
A typical Thermage treatment session takes from 30-90 minutes to complete, depending on the areas being treated. Unlike many other body contouring treatments, Thermage can be delivered in a single session, with results that can last for years.
Ultherapy is a quick and easy treatment that patients can fit into a busy schedule. It takes between 60-90 minutes for a facial treatment, while a chest treatment is delivered more quickly in approximately 30 minutes. In the vast majority of cases, only one treatment is required to produce noticeable lifting and skin tightening results.
Thermage Vs Ultherapy: Candidates
Both Thermage and Ultherapy are suitable for patients who want to tighten and lift sagging or loose skin. However, Thermage can treat skin laxity issues across a wider range of body areas, putting it into the realm of classic body contouring techniques like EMSculpt, which are designed to reshape and recontour the body. It is particularly suited to patients who are interested in contouring sagging areas of skin across the thighs or abdomen. We have had much success in using Thermage to treat cellulite and crepey skin across the abdomen and neck area for example, in addition to the thighs. It is the ideal treatment for patients who suffer from an uneven skin texture.
Ultherapy leads the way when it comes skin tightening across the face. It is ideal to lift sagging jowls and brows while improving the appearance of lines and wrinkles across the face. Thermage can also minimise the appearance of wrinkles across the face. But Ultherapy has the edge at skin tightening in areas like the brow and jowls. This is thanks to its deeper penetrating technology, which rebuilds collagen and elastin proteins from deep inside.
We have also noticed that Ultherapy tends to have more dramatic results on thinner areas of the skin. Men are great candidates for Thermage because of this as they have thicker skin layers than women. Thermage has also stood out when treating patients with oily skin. Although officially, both procedures are suited to candidates with a range of different skin types.
Thermage Vs Ultherapy: Results
Both treatments have the potential to transform the visible appearance of a patient’s skin by making it look fresher, more lifted and rejuvenated. However, it takes a different amount of time for optimal results to show through for each treatment, and each procedure has slightly different benefits when it comes to skin correction.
Thermage CPT results in an immediate tightening effect thanks to its 3D collagen contraction. However, it can take up to 6 months for the best results to show through. A single treatment session can generate lifting and tightening results for 1-2 years after treatment, but this depends on the texture and quality of a patient’s skin before they have the treatment.
Ultherapy also has an immediate revitalising result. But best results tend to show through more quickly than Thermage, peaking at around 3-4 months post-treatment. Evidence has also shown that results are long-lasting with Ultherapy. Many of our patients have enjoyed lifted and tightened skin for 1-2 years after a single treatment session.
is coolsculpting or laser lipo better
So you’re ready to get rid of a pesky patch of fat that just won’t respond to diet or exercise. You’ve heard of CoolSculpting and laser lipo, but you’re not sure which one is right for you.
It’s best to start with the basics! The main difference between CoolSculpting and laser lipo is how these treatments work to destroy your unwanted fat cells.
What Is CoolSculpting?
CoolSculpting uses a non-invasive technology called Cryolipolysis- a controlled cooling that kills your fat cells while sparing the overlying skin. These destroyed fat cells are naturally eliminated from your body over time. As this procedure is well tolerated, no anesthesia is needed.
With CoolSculpting, you are essentially freezing away the fat beneath your skin. The procedure isn’t meant for individuals with excessive weight, but rather healthy-weight individuals with stubborn pockets of fat on their bodies that don’t respond to diet or exercise.
What happens during CoolSculpting treatment?
During a CoolSculpting treatment session, your provider will place a CoolSculpting applicator on the treatment area. This will feel very cold for several minutes, and there may be a pulling or sucking sensation. The area will become numb while the fat cells are frozen.
After the procedure, you can return to your normal activities almost immediately. The frozen fat cells will die and be processed away over the next few weeks to months.
What Is Laser Lipo?
Laser liposuction, also known as laser lipo or laser lipolysis, is an invasive surgical procedure that manually sucks out undesired subcutaneous fat. There are several types of lipo treatments, and the newer modalities incorporate power assisted equipment and laser or ultrasound to better extract fat with less trauma. The laser may also help with skin contraction. All methods of lipo require anesthesia, which usually administered by an infiltration of numbing fluid to the area being treated, and the insertion of a metal tube into tissue via a small surgical incision. With laser lipo, a laser fiber is also inserted through a small tube into your body where it ruptures those fat cell membranes, liquefying the fat, that is then suctioned out by the metal cannula.
What happens during laser lipo treatment?
Laser lipo can be performed at a doctor’s office under local anesthesia. You will be awake for the procedure, but a clinician will numb the area so you can avoid discomfort.
First, your provider will make a small incision in your skin and insert a tiny laser that liquefies the fat. Next, they will insert a tiny tube called a cannula to suck out the melted fat. After the procedure, you will likely need a few days of downtime before returning to work.
What is the expected recovery of CoolSculpting vs Laser Lipo?
Both treatments are relatively quick, lasting about 1-2 hours, depending on how many areas you are targeting. There is only mild discomfort during these procedures.
CoolSculpting has virtually no downtime- you can return to your normal activities immediately after treatment. Common short-term sensations reported after treatment include mild soreness, minimal swelling/bruising, and temporary numbness in the area treated.
Laser lipo requires several days of downtime and significant bruising and swelling are expected. There is a (small) risk of infection in the treated area, scarring at the surgical incision site, and of the laser energy burning your skin. In addition, some patients may develop dimpled or lumpy tissue in the treatment area. This may be temporary due to swelling, or could be a more permanent result requiring surgical correction. To decrease this risk, most surgeons recommend wearing compression body garments and refraining from vigorous activity/exercise for a period of four to six weeks post treatment.
CoolSculpting Treatment Results vs. Laser Lipo Results
Both CoolSculpting and Laser Lipo can be effective fat reduction procedures with minimal downtime and fast recovery. You can use either to remove fat from specific areas of the body, including:
Laser lipo has the advantage of seeing a reduction of volume within the first week, but it can take up to 6 months for final results. Laser lipo treatment is more aggressive with a single procedure reducing fat in the treatment area by 50-70%. However, revision liposuction procedures may be required- particularly if dimpling or lumps occur.
CoolSculpting results can be seen as early as 3 weeks with final results visible at 3-4 months with an average permanent tissue reduction of 20-25%. Depending on the area being treated, and your unique needs, you may require more than one treatment to obtain optimal results.
Which Procedure Is More Convenient?
CoolSculpting typically takes 30 minutes to an hour and allows you to return to your normal activities the same day. Laser lipo typically takes about an hour per area and often requires a few days of downtime. For most people, CoolSculpting is a more convenient procedure overall, although both options are more convenient than surgery.
CoolSculpting vs. Laser Lipo Safety
Both laser lipo and CoolSculpting are fairly safe, effective treatments for fat removal for people with any skin type. There are minimal possible side effects. However, it’s important to remember that laser lipo is a minor surgical procedure, while CoolSculpting is noninvasive.
Laser lipo carries some of the same risks and side effects as in traditional liposuction, although on a smaller scale. Common risks and side effects of laser lipo include mild pain or numbness; loose, lumpy, or discolored skin; and a temporary burning sensation after the session. In rare cases, patients may develop scar tissue under the skin, an infection, blood clots, and skin necrosis at the incision site.
CoolSculpting side effects can include mild stinging, pain, or aching; redness; bruising; swelling; and temporary skin sensitivity. In very rare cases, some people may experience paradoxical adipose hyperplasia, in which treated fat cells at the site get bigger instead of shrinking away and require treatment with traditional liposuction.
CoolSculpting vs. Laser Lipo Cost
Generally speaking, laser liposuction costs a bit more than CoolSculpting. An average laser liposuction treatment may cost $2,500 to $5,500 per area, while a CoolSculpting treatment may be $2,000 to $4,000 total for two or more areas. In most cases, neither treatment is covered by insurance.
The cost of a laser liposuction treatment depends on the treatment area, your location, and the provider. Generally, treatments in the upper part of the stomach and around the knees cost more than treatments in the lower stomach, back, buttocks, thighs, or hips. The grand total will depend on which and how many treatment areas you choose.
CoolSculpting costs also depend on the treatment area. However, the cost of each treatment is generally substantially less in each area. You may be able to get several areas treated with CoolSculpting for the same amount you would spend on treating a single area with laser lipo.
However, some patients need more than one CoolSculpting session to see their desired results. It’s difficult to determine how many sessions you will need without a consultation, so we recommend talking to a clinician about what results you can expect.
Am I a Good Candidate for CoolSculpting or Laser Lipo?
The best candidates for either treatment are individuals who are in good general health, near their ideal weight, and seeking to refine their body shape. Neither treatment is recommended for an individual who wishes to remove a large amount of fat. These are primarily cosmetic rather than weight loss treatment procedures.