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CoolSculpting vs Laser Lipo: What’s the Difference?

Removing unwanted fat isn’t always about being overweight, which means that some conventional methods such as exercising and eating healthy won’t always work. It also doesn’t automatically entail that plastic surgery is the only way to eliminate fat – there are many kinds of minimally invasive and non-invasive body contouring treatment procedures for fat removal, some of which are laser lipo and CoolSculpting.

So what’s the difference between laser lipo and CoolSculpting? Laser lipo is a minimally invasive body contouring procedure that involves a minor operation using a laser to eliminate fat cells under the skin, while CoolSculpting is a non-invasive body contouring treatment procedure that involves a cooling applicator to destroy fat cells by freezing them. In order to choose between these fat loss treatments, it's important to consult with a qualified aesthetician.

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CoolSculpting vs Laser Lipo: Which Suits You Better?

CoolSculpting and laser liposuction are both fat reduction treatment procedures to eliminate unwanted fat. These fat removal treatments differ in many aspects such as the equipment used to destroy every fat cell, but their treatment areas are basically the same. The treatment areas for both CoolSculpting and laser liposuction are:

  • Flanks (i.e, love handles, muffin top)
  • Below the buttocks (i.e, banana rolls)
  • Inner thighs and outer thighs
  • Stomach or abdomen
  • Upper arms
  • Bra line
  • Chin

How CoolSculpting and Laser Lipo Reduce Fat: How These Treatments Are Done

Laser liposuction and CoolSculpting are treatments that can both be performed in a doctor’s office with or without general anesthesia. These treatment procedures differ in a number of aspects in their procedure, which must be well-understood by a patient before choosing or agreeing to undergo these procedures.

CoolSculpting (i.e, cryolipolysis) is a nonsurgical fat reduction procedure that uses suction technology to direct unwanted fat cells in a certain area and expose them to extremely cold temperatures using a cooling applicator. 

At first, a patient may feel mild discomfort due to the very cold temperature that their skin is exposed to, but with controlled cooling technology, the skin will eventually adapt and feel numb as the treatment progresses. Additionally, CoolSculpting takes approximately 35 to 60 minutes per treatment area.

In contrast, laser lipo (i.e, laser lipolysis) is a laser-assisted liposuction procedure that reduces fat by using laser energy to melt the fat under the skin and eliminate it. A small incision will be made on the skin surface and a tiny laser needle will be inserted to liquefy the fat. Then, a cannula will be inserted to suck the melted fat underneath the skin. In addition, this laser treatment takes about 1 hour per treatment area to finish the laser liposuction treatment.

Who Can Have The Treatments

CoolSculpting is more effective when it’s used to improve body shape, but laser lipo is more effective as a weight loss procedure because of the efficiency of removing body fat cells from the body faster than CoolSculpting. CoolSculpting is recommended for those who have stubborn body fat that can’t be eliminated with diet or exercise. 

On the other hand, laser liposuction can also be applicable as a fat reduction or fat loss treatment only to a certain extent. Laser lipo may be more recommended for people who have excess fat and weight than CoolSculpting, but both fat reduction treatments aren’t weight loss treatment procedures. 

This means that neither of the treatments is intended to remove large volumes of unwanted fat. Instead, both are merely body contouring treatment procedures that involve fat reduction techniques.

Body contouring treatment procedures aren’t limited to CoolSculpting and laser liposuction. A patient can also have body sculpting, tummy tuck, or fat transfer procedures to eliminate stubborn fat or allow for a more effective fat loss treatment.

Expected Results From CoolSculpting vs Laser Lipo

Both CoolSculpting and laser lipo allow a patient to experience permanent results. However, these treatments work to merely eliminate fat. This means that it can’t guarantee that new fat cells wouldn’t be formed if you live an unhealthy lifestyle. So it’s important to still maintain healthy lifestyle practices such as exercise and diet to maintain the results of these treatments.

Additionally, results from laser lipo are more immediate than CoolSculpting. Depending on your own body’s response to the treatment, it may take several weeks and several treatment sessions for results from CoolSculpting to become noticeable.

It may take a while to see the results from CoolSculpting work because the frozen fat cells that are destroyed still stay within the body after the treatment procedure. These are metabolized and processed by the body over a period of about 2 months.

Risks and Side Effects From CoolSculpting vs Laser Lipo

CoolSculpting and laser lipo are equally effective treatments that differ in certain aspects. While both of them are non-surgical, laser lipo can be minimally invasive while CoolSculpting is non-invasive at all. Notwithstanding this, both treatment procedures still make individuals susceptible to certain risks and side effects.

But since laser liposuction is a minor surgical procedure, it may carry more risks and side effects than CoolSculpting. In fact, laser lipo may be similar to traditional liposuction in terms of its adverse effects, but these may occur on a smaller scale. The following may be experienced after laser liposuction:

  • Swelling
  • Bruising
  • Minimal pain
  • Scar tissues
  • Skin infections
  • Blood clots
  • Necrosis (i.e, tissue death)
  • Tighter or firmer skin

CoolSculpting still has side effects even if it’s a non-invasive procedure. Although rare, CoolSculpting also puts the patient at risk for paradoxical adipose hyperplasia which results in the fat cells becoming bigger in the treated area. In addition, a patient may feel different kinds of sensations during and after the treatment which are normally expected. The common side effects of CoolSculpting include:

  • Pinching or pulling sensation
  • Stinging or temporary skin sensitivity
  • Swelling or redness
  • Mild pain
  • Bruising
  • Aching

Is Downtime For Laser Lipo Shorter Than CoolSculpting?

Compared to cosmetic surgery, both fat reduction procedures allow a patient to experience minimal downtime and a fast recovery period. But because laser lipo is more invasive than CoolSculpting, it may require a longer period of downtime than the latter. CoolSculpting has no downtime and you may return to your normal routine for the day right after your treatment session.

Price for CoolSculpting and Laser Lipo

Laser lipo costs range from approximately $2,500 to $5,450 while a CoolSculpting procedure ranges on average from $2,000 to $4,000. This means that laser lipo costs are greater than CoolSculpting. Both treatments can be expensive, but they are definitely worth it. Ask your aesthetic provider for flexible payment options such as installment payments so you can afford these treatments in a safe and effective manner.

The Difference Between Laser Lipo and CoolSculpting in a Nutshell

CoolSculpting and laser liposuction are equally effective procedures, but they still differ in many significant aspects. Illustrated in the table below are the differences between the 2 kinds of fat reduction treatment procedures.

Treatment ConsiderationsLaser LiposuctionCoolSculpting
Equipment UsedLaser energy and CannulaFat freezing technology (i.e, cooling applicator and suction technology)
Treatment ObjectiveFat meltingFat freezing
ProcedureMinimally invasive minor surgeryNon-invasive treatment
Pain ExperiencedMild discomfort after the treatment procedureMild discomfort for the first 5 to 10 minutes of the procedure.
Length of treatment sessions1 hour30 to 60 minutes
Treatment ResultsPermanent immediate resultsPermanent results that are visible within 2 to 4 months following the treatment session
Recovery Period and Downtime2 to 4 days following the treatment procedureN/A
Treatment Cost$2,500 to $4,500$2,000 to $4,000

Can You Do CoolSculpting and Laser Lipo As Complementary Treatments?

Laser liposuction and CoolSculpting are treatments that are effective on their own, but CoolSculpting can be combined with laser liposuction for more visible and dramatic results. Undergoing those treatments will result in a slimmer and more toned appearance. If you’re interested in combining both treatments, inform your plastic surgeon so they can recommend the right treatment plan that best suits your aesthetic needs.

Make the Most Out of Your CoolSculpting Treatment Sessions at NJ Center For CoolSculpting

CoolSculpting and laser liposuction differ in their extensiveness, but both are generally effective. However, if you prefer a procedure that has the most minimal risks and side effects, then CoolSculpting may be recommended for you. To get the best out of your treatment while reducing the likelihood of adverse effects, only consult and seek the services of a qualified aesthetic provider.

For safe and effective fat reduction solutions using CoolSculpting, come to the NJ Center For CoolSculpting. Our aesthetic providers can come up with customized treatment plans to eliminate unwanted fat. We use our state-of-the-art fat-freezing technology that can definitely help you lose stubborn fat deposits instantly. Contact us to get a free quote or inquire about CoolSculpting.

Freeze Away Your Stubborn Fat Like Never Before

Up to 25% Fat Reduction With CoolSculpting: Treat Yourself Today!

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What Our Clients Say About Us

  • "The treatment itself was not uncomfortable. Afterwords, I felt great. I didn't really notice anything for about 30 days. After day 30 until about a month later, I started noticing that my favorite jeans were not as tight anymore. I wasn't having to suck in to get them buttoned. And by that two month period after my CoolSculpting

    Lesley Hamilton

    Age 41

  • "It's subtle at first, and then a month later you look and go, "Wow - It really did something!" It really moved the bar for me, and I'm feeling better about myself already. It feels so good to put on anything and know I look as good as I've ever looked. And I didn't say that or feel that when I was in my 20's, 30's, and 40's."

    Anne McMarthy

    Age 56

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