If you are considering nonsurgical body contouring procedures, you’ve likely come across two options – SculpSure and CoolSculpting®. Both get rid of stubborn fat and subtly contour the body. However, you may wonder, “Which is better SculpSure vs CoolSculpting?“
This article doesn’t replace a consultation with a cosmetic medical professional. We will offer some basic information about both SculpSure and CoolSculpting®, including the science behind each procedure. Before making a decision it is crucial to understand the benefits of body contouring. Our goal is to give you a little data to help you choose your best option.
Whether you’re looking to sculpt your abdomen, eliminate love handles, slim thighs, or even rid the waddle of that pesky double chin, understanding the differences between SculpSure and CoolSculpting® can help you choose the right treatment that best aligns with your body goals.
Do You Prefer Hot or Cool?
SculpSure destroys fat cells using heat, while CoolSculpting freezes them. Don’t worry; both treatments are relatively comfortable and both nonsurgical body contouring options eliminate the need for significant downtime that more invasive procedures require. This means you can return to your normal life sooner without taking time off work.
When looking at each in more detail, you may notice a few similarities. Both offer spot reduction or target fat loss. While you can’t “spot reduce” through diet and exercise, you can through cosmetic procedures like Sculpsure or CoolSculpting.
How SculpSure Works
SculpSure uses laser technology to target fat cells in a specific area and destroy them. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how it works:
- The SculpSure machine wraps around the targeted area, kind of like a “belt.”
- SculpSure’s device uses laser energy to target and heat up fat cells under the skin without harming the skin’s surface.
- The laser raises those fat cells’ temperature, which damages their structural integrity.
- Over the next three months, these damaged fat cells are flushed out by your lymphatic system.
- Ultimately the fat cells are permanently destroyed.
- You start seeing as soon as six weeks, with peak results at 12 weeks.
During the treatment, you’ll initially feel a cooling sensation. This helps keep the skin comfortable. Underneath the skin’s surface, the fat cells heat up. While this happens, many patients describe a deep warmth or tingling sensation during the treatment. Since the laser pulses on and off, you may notice alternating hot and cold sensations. The treatment lasts around 25 minutes. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgery, the laser treatment heats fat cells to about 107 degrees Fahrenheit.
How CoolSculpting® Works
CoolSculpting® uses a technique called Cryolipolysis to crystalize and eliminate fat cells. Here’s how it works:
- Using a proprietary applicator, your provider applies cold to specific targeted areas of your body.
- The cold creates ice crystals within the fat cells, causing them to freeze and rupture. Fat cells are more vulnerable to cold temperatures than other cells, like your skin.
- Over the next few weeks, your body naturally releases the destroyed fat cells by reabsorbing them.
- The results unfold gradually over a few weeks, which some patients appreciate as it looks more natural, like the results from diet and exercise.
Each CoolSculpting treatment may take 30-70 minutes, depending on the area of the body being treated including CoolSculpting for double chin. During treatment, you may notice a tingling cooling sensation and a slight pulling or tugging sensation. CoolSculpting cools targeted fat cells to a temperature range between 30.2 and 39.2 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
What Kind of Results Can You Expect?
With both SculpSure and CoolSculpting, results unfold gradually, starting a few weeks after treatment up until around three months afterward. Since it is gradual, it seems more like a natural fat loss than a more immediate procedure like liposuction. This is because of the body’s own natural process of flushing discarded fat cells. However, there are options on how to speed up CoolSculpting results.
According to the manufacturer, SculpSure usually destroys around 24% of targeted fat cells. At the same time, CoolSculpting® destroys between 20% and 25% of targeted fat cells, according to its manufacturer. Both provide similar permanent fat loss results. While those fat cells are gone, you can still gain weight and expand the remaining fat cells. In both cases, you maintain your results through traditional nutrition, portion control, and exercise.
Why Neither SculpSure nor CoolSculpting® Are Weight Loss Methods
While SculpSure and CoolSculpting may sound promising since you lose body fat without diet and exercise, you can’t use them as a way to lose weight. Both treatments are recommended for people who are relatively close to their healthy weight range. People often ask does CoolSculpting tighten loose skin? The short answer is yes.
Both really only destroy small amounts of targeted fat. This means the procedures are best for re-contouring your body and permanently changing the proportions. So if you have stubborn fat that clings despite reaching a healthy weight through diet and exercise, this may be ideal. Everyone has areas like this, including the lower belly, hips, thighs, or other areas where the body retains a little extra fat.
People at their ideal weight often see the results they want after just one treatment. Some people need more treatment sessions to see their desired results. Your provider will help you to You can opt for another treatment after around three months, giving your body time to flush out all the fat destroyed by the first treatment.
Side Effects to Be Aware Of
The FDA cleared both SculpSure and CoolSculpting for safety within specific guidelines. So you are wondering how safe is CoolSculpting you have nothing to worry about. Both are also well-tolerated and comfortable.
SculpSure side effects include a deep warmth or tingling sensation during treatment. Afterward, the treated area may have temporary tenderness, swelling, or tissue firmness.
CoolSculpting® side effects include a pulling or tugging sensation during treatment. Afterward, you may have mild, temporary swelling, bruising, discoloration, and increased skin sensitivity.
There are rare side effects for both treatments that are more likely with certain risk factors. Be sure to inform your provider of any allergies, current medications you take, and your health conditions. During a consultation, your provider can help you determine whether one option is a better fit for you.
Whether You Prefer Heat or Cool, Schedule a Consultation
The best way to learn which cosmetic procedures are best for you is through a consultation with a professional. If you live in the Charlotte, NC, area, then look no further than The Skin Center by CPS. We are part of the Charlotte Plastic Surgery community and share its commitment to excellence. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and learn about today’s hottest nonsurgical treatments.
