A woman undergoing a CoolSculpting treatment on her abdomen using cryolipolysis applicators at a medspa.

EmSculpt vs. CoolSculpting – Which Is Better?

Body contouring treatments have made quite a name for themselves as a non-surgical way to eliminate unwanted pockets of fat while creating a slimmer, trimmer, more sculpted physique. EmSculpt and CoolSculpting in San Francisco and Burlingame, CA, are two of the more popular body sculpting treatments, yet they have quite a few similarities and differences. While both can help you get closer to your body goals, there is plenty to consider when deciding if EmSculpt vs. CoolSculpting is right for you. Selecting the appropriate body contouring treatment is key to achieving your results so that you are happy and confident with your new and improved figure.

How Emsculpt Works

EmSculpt is a non-surgical treatment that helps to reduce stubborn fat while simultaneously toning muscles in the area. By eliminating fat and building new muscle mass, the treated areas become more toned and sculpted to look more defined.

Relying upon a unique type of advanced electromagnetic technology known as HIFEM energy (high intensity focused electromagnetic energy) and radiofrequency (RF) energy, EmSculpt stimulates rapid supramaximal muscle contractions while remodeling the underlying muscle tissues and eliminating fat in the area. By stimulating muscle growth, EmSculpt can intensely target the underlying muscles far more efficiently than what someone can achieve at the gym. A single 30-minute treatment session, which works best on areas of the body where enhanced definition is ideal such as the abs, legs, and buttocks, is the equivalent of doing 20,000 crunches or squats, depending on the target area. The two-prong approach helps burn stubborn fat while building muscle for increased strength and enhanced tone.

EmSculpt can be used to improve the appearance of the butt, giving it a lifted, more sculpted look, the arms for increased tautness and firmness, the abdominal area for more definition and less bulge, and the thighs to tone and firm them. 

How CoolSculpting Works

If you’re considering whether EmSculpt vs. CoolSculpting is right for you, there’s plenty to know about how CoolSculpting works and why our patients love it. CoolSculpting relies on a controlled cooling technology known as cryolipolysis. The treatment freezes and destroys diet- and exercise-resistant fat cells in stubborn areas by delivering low temperatures and coldness to the area. Then, the fat crystallizes and the body naturally ushers it out. With less fat in the treatment areas, the result is firmer, smoother skin with an improved contour without damaging the surrounding skin or nerves.

Some of the more popular treatment areas for CoolSculpting include:

  • The chin
  • The arms
  • The love handles and flanks
  • The abdomen
  • The back (bra line)
  • The thighs and saddlebags
  • The buttocks

Non-invasive CoolSculpting treatments employ specialized cooling plates placed onto trouble zones to eliminate fat bulges. Although there is a feeling of intense cold, there is no downtime, so you can resume your regular routine immediately after each session.

With CoolSculpting, you can expect a 20 to 25% reduction in fat in the treated area.

The Key Differences Between EmSculpt and CoolSculpting

When weighing the pros and cons of EmSculpt vs. CoolSculpting, there are several differences to pay attention to.

 

  • Safety and efficacy

CoolSculpting has a long history of being safe and effective. While both EmSculpt and CoolSculpting are FDA-approved treatments, CoolSculpting has been available for far longer than EmSculpt. That also means that CoolSculpting has more scientific data and clinical trials behind it to substantiate its effectiveness.

 

  • The number of treatments needed

Both treatments require multiple sessions to achieve results, but more EmSculpt treatments are needed than CoolSculpting. With EmSculpt, about four sessions are necessary, whereas CoolSculpting typically necessitates two to four treatments, although some patients may need more to reach their goals fully.

 

  • The amount of fat removed

EmSculpt is a somewhat newer treatment compared to CoolSculpting, and the amount of fat it can eliminate is different. When comparing the fat removal benefits of EmSculpt vs. CoolSculpting, EmSculpt can remove up to 10% fat in a treated area, whereas CoolSculpting can remove up to 22%. 

The Benefits of CoolSculpting: The Ideal Solution

Many people choose CoolSculpting over EmSculpt for several reasons, especially since the technology is more scientifically sound and has a longer track record of being FDA-approved. With CoolSculpting, you can achieve a trimmer, firmer, more contoured body without resorting to restrictive diets or intense workout routines. Problem areas like the belly, love handles, and thighs, for example, are tightened and toned, removing excess fat and giving way to visible results no matter where on the body CoolSculpting is performed.

While at least two treatment sessions are recommended to reach optimal results (although some people may need more depending on the target area and the amount of fat there), each one takes between 30 and 60 minutes to complete. The results are not immediate but are permanent.

Am I a Candidate for CoolSculpting?

If you have significant fat bulges, enough fat to pinch, or hard-to-get-rid-of fat in areas that won’t budge no matter how hard you exercise or what diet you try, CoolSculpting may be the right body contouring treatment. It is also a suitable option for those with higher BMIs or if you are not interested in or are a candidate for liposuction to remove pockets of unwanted fat. It’s also important that you are healthy and at or near your ideal weight and able to maintain it to best benefit from the treatment. We recommend scheduling a consultation to determine if CoolSculpting suits you.

What to Expect During CoolSculpting Treatment

Before your CoolSculpting treatment, photos will be taken (and then later after completing the full treatment) so that you can track your progress. Next, the treated areas are outlined, and a gel pad is applied, which creates a barrier between the applicator and your skin. Then, your technician will apply the applicators to the treatment areas on your body.

Once the CoolSculpting treatment begins, you’ll feel light vacuum pressure and a burst of intense coldness. After approximately 10 minutes, the area will become temporarily numb. The treatment is not painful or uncomfortable, and you will be relaxed enough to watch TV, do some work, or take a cat nap.

When the treatment is over, the applicators and gel pad are removed. Then, a quick massage is performed to break up the fat cells. Since CoolSculpting has no downtime, you can go back to your day immediately.

Your body will naturally eliminate the targeted fat cells. Typically, it takes one to three months to see the results, with full results taking six months or more.

Comparing the Results of Emsculpt vs. CoolSculpting

When comparing the results of EmSculpt vs. CoolSculpting, it’s important to remember that the amount of fat eliminated is not the same. While both procedures produce gradual, long-lasting results, CoolSculpting can target more fat and generate visible results in two to three months as the dead fat cells are flushed away. With EmSculpt, the full results are usually noticeable about three months after your final treatment, and you will need maintenance treatments.

With EmSculpt, up to 19% of fat is removed from the treatment area with the full course of treatment. However, there’s also an increase in muscle mass, which can be upwards of 16%. CoolSculpting can remove up to 22% of fat in a single treatment area, giving way to long-term improvement.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Emsculpt differ from CoolSculpting in terms of technology?

EmSculpt and CoolSculpting utilize different technologies to produce distinct results. CoolSculpting relies on cryolipolysis to freeze and destroy fat cells, whereas EmSculpt uses (HIFEM) technology and RF energy to induce powerful muscle contractions to improve muscle tone and fat reduction.  

What are the main benefits of choosing CoolSculpting over EmSculpt?

CoolSculpting is an excellent treatment with a long-standing track record for targeting and eliminating stubborn fat resistance to diet and exercise. It uses unique freezing technology to permanently reduce fat in areas with pinchable fat. Plus, the precision-focused applicators allow for customized targeting.

How long does a CoolSculpting treatment take?

The length of your CoolSculpting treatment depends on the area you are targeting. On average, most sessions last 30 to 60 minutes, and multiple applicators can treat several places in a single sitting.

What is the price of CoolSculpting vs. EmSculpt?

When comparing the price of CoolSculpting and EmSculpt, it’s important to know that the cost of each procedure varies depending on the number of sessions needed and the treatment area. However, CoolSculpting is generally less expensive than EmSculpt since fewer sessions are needed. For an accurate quote of what your CoolSculpting treatment will cost, schedule a consultation today!

Start Your CoolSculpting Journey Today!

Begin your transformation to a more contoured and sculpted body, and get ready to embrace a more confident you at Serenity Aesthetics & Wellness. Connect with us today to discuss your aesthetic goals and learn how our customized CoolSculpting treatment plans can make your vision a reality. Book your consultation now and take the first step towards lasting beauty and wellness.

Start logo Your Transformation

Begin your journey to a more confident and beautiful you at Serenity MedSpa. Connect with us today to discuss your aesthetic goals and learn how our customized treatment plans can make your vision a reality. Book your consultation now and take the first step towards lasting beauty and wellness.
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