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CoolSculpting vs Sculpsure

A CoolSculpting device in use, designed for non-invasive fat reduction by freezing fat cells, being applied to a client's body part covered with a protective gel pad.

What is CoolSculpting? 

CoolSculpting is a procedure that uses controlled cooling to freeze fat cells to death. CoolSculpting eliminates fat cells precisely where an applicator is focused, making it an excellent choice for the targeted removal of stubborn, excess fat. It is a non-surgical procedure, so patients can return home the same day as their treatment. 

What is Lipolysis?

Lipolysis is the name for a type of non-invasive procedure that uses lasers to eliminate unwanted fat cells and change the overall shape of your body. Lipolysis can also involve radio wave treatments or injections; however, laser treatments are most commonly used. This type of treatment typically targets relatively small pockets of excess, unwanted fat, and is not recommended for very overweight or obese individuals. 

What is Sculpsure?

Sculpsure is a type of lipolysis treatment. Sculpsure uses lasers to target and reduce or eliminate excess and unwanted fat. Multiple areas can be targeted at once, and a single procedure only takes approximately 25 minutes. 

Fat Reduction vs. Weight Loss

If you are considering Sculpsure or CoolSculpting, it is important to note that these are fat reduction procedures that are not meant to result in significant weight loss. Sculpsure and CoolSculpting are considered body contouring processes. While they result in the elimination of fat cells (and some patients report that fat cells do not return to treated areas if and when they do gain weight following their procedure), the main purpose of these processes is to eliminate stubborn fat that has not been eliminated through diet, exercise, and other lifestyle choices. Therefore, these procedures should not be considered a substitution for weight loss, and are not recommended to severely overweight or obese patients. Body contouring processes are ideal for those who have already reached their goal weight, and are seeking to reduce or eliminate stubborn fat pockets that are negatively affecting their overall silhouette. 

Differences Between CoolSculpting vs SculpSure

The main difference between CoolSculpting and SculpSure is temperature. CoolSculpting uses precisely controlled freezing to freeze and kill fat cells, while SculpSure uses laser technology to target and eliminate fat cells. Both are non-invasive, outpatient procedures that take a relatively short amount of time, and patients can generally resume their regular activities immediately following the procedure. 

In addition, while SculpSure can treat multiple areas at once, CoolSculpting can only treat one area at a time. 

Sculpsure Vs. CoolSculpting: Which One Should You Choose? 

If you are struggling with stubborn fat that weight loss and lifestyle changes are unable to eliminate — such as a double chin or love handles — and are interested in a non-invasive body contouring procedure or a non-surgical alternative to liposuction, either Sculpsure and CoolSculpting may be ideal for you. However, there are some differences between the procedures, which may help you determine which procedure is ideal for addressing your specific body contouring concerns and desired outcomes. 

Safety

Both CoolSculpting and Sculpsure are FDA-approved procedures, and are completely safe when performed by a trained and accredited medical professional. There are some contraindications for both procedures, such as open wounds, a history of hernias around the treated area, pregnancy, skin conditions such as dermatitis or eczema, and some neuropathic disorders. Consult with your doctor or cosmetic surgeon to determine if you are a suitable candidate for CoolSculpting or Sculpsure.  

Side Effects

With both procedures, side effects are minimal. However, CoolSculpting patients are likely to experience bruising, redness, tenderness and swelling around the treatment area, since the CoolSculpting applicator involves the use of suction. Sculpsure patients, on the other hand, experience only temporary redness. 

Application

CoolSculpting uses suction, combined with a cooling panel, in order to freeze and kill fat cells. Sculpsure uses a laser that is applied directly to the skin. In both cases, the patient can be seated or lying down, and no anaesthesia is required, as both procedures are painless (CoolSculpting can cause some discomfort among those who find extremely cold temperatures difficult to handle.)

Procedure Recovery

After a CoolSculpting procedure, patients will require localized massage at the treatment area, which is performed at the clinic, in order to improve the efficacy of the treatment, after which time they can return home. CoolSculpting patients may experience side effects — such as tenderness and bruising — for up to two weeks following their procedure. 

Sculpsure patients may experience some temporary redness, but this should subside shortly after the procedure. 

In both cases, there is no required downtime. 

Cost

Both CoolSculpting and Sculpsure are comparable in cost. For a CoolSculpting procedure, you will be charged by how many handpieces are required for your treatment; in the case of Sculpsure, you will be charged per laser panel. How much you spend will ultimately be determined by the size of the area you are having treated. 

Scarring

Both procedures are completely non-invasive, and will result in no scarring. 

Area

CoolSculpting and SculpSure can both be used on a number of areas of concern. Thighs, love handles, the lower belly or abdomen, upper arms and chin are areas where these types of procedures are commonly used. 

CoolSculpting vs. SculpSure Treatment Reviews

While treatment efficacy depends on the individual patient, both CoolSculpting and Sculpsure have positive reviews from patients who have chosen either procedure for body contouring and non-invasive fat reduction. 

by DR. STEPHEN MULHOLLAND

Dr. Stephen Mulholland has been practicing plastic surgery for over 20 years. He is one of Canada’s most renowned and best plastic surgeons in Toronto with his wealth of experience, artistry, and humbleness towards his patients.
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