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For many people, diet and exercise alone just won't eliminate those last stubborn pockets of fat. No matter how much effort is put in at the gym, areas like the abdomen, thighs, flanks, and chin can be difficult to tone and slim down.
This is where non-invasive body contouring procedures like cryo slimming and CoolSculpting come in. These fat freezing treatments use advanced cooling technology to target and eliminate unwanted fat cells without surgery or downtime.
But what exactly do these treatments involve and how do they compare? Here we’ll explore everything you need to know about cryo slimming vs CoolSculpting - from how they work to your budget - to help you make an informed decision.
Up to 25% Fat Reduction With CoolSculpting: Treat Yourself Today!
When exploring cryo slimming vs CoolSculpting, it’s important to understand the science behind these fat freezing procedures. Let's start by looking at their mechanisms for fat reduction.
Cryo slimming utilizes cryolipolysis technology to selectively target and eliminate fat cells through controlled cooling. A cryo slimming device is placed directly onto the treatment area, where it lowers the temperature of underlying fat tissues without causing damage to the skin or surrounding areas.
This fat freezing process, also known as cryolipolysis, causes apoptosis (programmed cell death) of fat cells while leaving other tissues unharmed. Over the next 2-3 months as the body naturally eliminates the dead fat cells, the treatment area becomes noticeably slimmer and contoured.
Typical treatment areas for cryo slimming include the abdomen, flanks, inner/outer thighs, arms, and chin. The cryo applicator can conform to fit different body areas. Popular branded cryo slimming devices include the Cryoskin Pro, Cryoskin Mini, and the Zimmer Z Wave.
Cryo slimming is not cleared by the FDA for fat reduction in the US, though it is widely used in Europe.
CoolSculpting by Zeltiq works on the principle of cryolipolysis to selectively reduce fat bulges. It uses vacuum pressure and precisely controlled cooling systems to target and eliminate fat cells during non-surgical treatment.
The CoolSculpting device has two flat cooling panels that clamp down on the bulge of fat to be treated. The panels cool the fat tissues to freezing point while protecting the skin. Over the next weeks and months, the dead fat cells are naturally flushed out of the body.
CoolSculpting is FDA-cleared for treating fat on areas such as the abdomen, flanks, thighs, arms, chin, and more.
Both cryo slimming and CoolSculpting are able to treat a wide range of areas where localized fat is resistant to diet and exercise. The most popular treatment sites include:
However, almost any area with a slight bulge of pinchable fat can be effectively treated with these non-invasive body contouring procedures.
Now that we understand how cryo slimming and CoolSculpting work to freeze away fat, what is the actual treatment process like? Here’s an overview of what to expect:
During a cryo slimming session, a technician will apply the cryo applicator directly onto the area being treated. The applicator cools the fat tissues to precise, controlled temperatures optimized for fat cell elimination.
You may feel intense cold and some tugging as the applicator attaches and enlarges the fat bulge, but it should not be painfully cold. The handheld device will be moved around the treatment area to optimize coverage. A single cryo slimming session typically lasts 30 minutes or more depending on the size of the area.
While the treatment itself is a breeze, you may experience some mild discomfort, stinging, numbness, or redness afterward that resolves within a few hours. You can immediately return to your normal activities. Most people require 2-3 cryo slimming sessions spaced out every 2-4 weeks to see optimal fat reduction results.
The CoolSculpting treatment process also focuses on creating a comfortable and effortless experience. After the treatment applicator is positioned over the bulge of fat, vacuum pressure draws the tissue between the cooling panels.
You may feel intense cold, tugging, or pinching sensations as the fat freezes, but it should not hurt. Your technician will adjust the device as needed for patient comfort.
Each CoolSculpting session lasts 35 minutes to 3 hours depending on the applicator used and the number of treatment areas. You’re free to relax, work on your laptop, or even take a nap during the session.
Following treatment, temporary side effects like numbness, redness, swelling, cramping, or tenderness can occur but resolve quickly.
While instant body contouring would be ideal, cryo slimming and CoolSculpting both require more than one session spaced weeks apart to see results. This is because it takes time for the body to naturally eliminate the frozen fat cells.
For cryo slimming, most patients need 2-3 treatments per area to maximize fat layer reduction.
For CoolSculpting, the number of sessions needed can vary widely depending on the individual and the treatment areas:
The number of sessions depends on variables like treatment area size, individual variation in fat layer thickness, and the amount of fat reduction desired.
After your initial session, your technician can recommend the ideal number of treatments to help you attain your body goals after assessing results from the first 1-2 sessions.
Of course, the outcomes you can expect are what ultimately matter most when exploring cryo slimming vs CoolSculpting. Let’s compare the typical results:
With cryo slimming, most patients see an average reduction of 38% of the fat layer thickness in a treated area after completing the recommended sessions. Noticeable body contouring effects are visible within 15 days to 3 weeks as the body begins to eliminate the frozen fat cells.
Results continue improving over the succeeding months. Your final results should be apparent about 3-6 months after your last cryo slimming session.
CoolSculpting providers also tout 20-25% average fat layer reduction per treatment area after a complete series of sessions. Visible body slimming and toning results will become evident within 1-3 months.
Maximal results take 2-3 months to fully realize as your body clears away the frozen fat cells for good. Multiple treatments may be needed to achieve that.
A healthy diet and regular exercise can help boost efficacy and make fat loss results last.
The fat cells eliminated by cryo slimming and CoolSculpting treatments are permanently gone. However, it’s important to maintain realistic expectations. These procedures are designed for mild to moderate fat reduction, not dramatic weight loss.
While the destroyed fat cells won’t regrow, surrounding fat cells can still expand if you gain weight. Maintaining your results involves sticking to a healthy diet and consistent exercise regimen.
With any cosmetic procedure, it’s important to consider the potential side effects and risks. Here’s an overview of what to expect with cryo slimming and CoolSculpting:
The extended hyperplasia previously mentioned refers specifically to the risk of PAH. While most side effects are temporary, PAH is a potential adverse outcome if the freeze intensity or duration is not optimized. Overall, serious risks are low with cryo slimming when performed correctly by a skilled technician.
Moreover, note that paradoxical hyperplasia does not resolve on its own and requires treatment such as liposuction for resolution.
Careful screening and conservative treatment parameters can help avoid this risk. Patients should alert their provider about any side effects after the procedure.
Both cryo slimming and CoolSculpting are considered very low-risk procedures when properly administered by certified technicians. Because they are non-invasive, surgery-free methods, the risks are minimal compared to invasive liposuction. There is no need for anesthesia or sedation.
Though rare, be aware of a couple of risks. Some people report numbness or tingling for weeks or months after treatment. CoolSculpting's gel pads can also rarely trigger allergic reactions. Careful health screening by your provider helps avoid these.
Technicians need to walk a fine line with freezing intensity. Too aggressive and they risk damaging skin or tissue underneath. But when done right, both fat-freezing methods have great safety records and minimal side effects. It's about finding that sweet spot to freeze away fat without going overboard.
Last but not least, let’s explore the costs associated with cryo slimming vs CoolSculpting treatments. How much you can expect to pay will depend on several factors.
The overall cost of cryo slimming treatments depends on the size of the treatment area, number of applicators used simultaneously, and number of sessions needed. One applicator for a single treatment session costs approximately $350. Smaller areas like the chin are at the lower end, while larger areas like the abdomen cost more.
Packages offering discounts for multiple cryo slimming treatment sessions in one area are commonly available for $400 to $1200. Five-session packages typically set you back around $1500.
Providers in expensive metro areas also tend to charge higher prices. Expect to pay 15-30% more for branded devices like Cryoskin.
The price of CoolSculpting treatments also varies based on the applicator size, the number of applicators used at once, and the number of sessions needed per area. One standard applicator typically costs $2000 to $4000 per session. Smaller CoolMini applicators start around $500 to $1000.
As with all aesthetic procedures, prices are usually higher in major cities and with top providers. CoolSculpting Elite and special applicators also come at a premium.
Use this comparison table to gain a good overview of what sets each treatment apart:
| Factor | CoolSculpting | Cryo Slimming |
| Mechanism | Uses vacuum cooling and controlled temperatures to freeze and eliminate fat cells | Uses controlled cold through cryo applicators to freeze and destroy fat cells |
| FDA Clearance | FDA-cleared for fat reduction | Not FDA-cleared for fat reduction in the US |
| Treatment Areas | Abdomen, flanks, thighs, arms, chin, bra fat, back, knees | Abdomen, thighs, arms, chin, knees, hips, back fat, banana roll |
| Session Duration | 35 minutes to 3 hours | 30 minutes or more |
| Number of Sessions | 1-6 depending on area | 2-3 per area |
| Results | Up to 25% fat layer reduction per area | Up to 38% fat layer reduction per area |
| Results Timeline | 1-3 months to see final results | 15 days to 3 months to see final results |
| Results Duration | Permanent if weight stable | Permanent if weight stable |
| Side Effects | Temporary numbness, redness, bruising, rare PAH | Temporary numbness, redness, bruising, 1% risk of PAH |
| Cost Per Session | $2000-$4000 per session on average | $350 per session on average |
| Total Cost | Varies widely, can be $6000+ | Typically $400-$1500 for complete treatment |
If the upfront costs of multiple cryo slimming or CoolSculpting sessions don’t fit your budget, ask your provider about financing plans. Many offer flexible monthly payment options to make these treatments more affordable. Comparison shopping for the best deals in your area also helps.
In summary, cryo slimming and CoolSculpting offer minimally invasive options to reduce stubborn fat non-surgically. Both procedures work by using controlled cooling to target and eliminate unwanted fat cells. While their mechanisms are similar, factors like treatment process, results, side effects, and costs vary.
Do some homework and weigh your options carefully. That way you can find the fat-freezing fix that's right for your body goals and budget. Before you know it, you'll be feeling fitter and rocking your favorite jeans with confidence again.
If you're in the NJ area, swing by our CoolSculpting clinic or website for a chat. We'll fill you in on how CoolSculpting works and show you some other non-surgical contouring treatments that can help you sculpt your dream body.
Up to 25% Fat Reduction With CoolSculpting: Treat Yourself Today!
