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Vanquish vs CoolSculpting for Inner and Outer Thighs

CoolSculpting and Vanquish are two body contouring procedures for fat reduction that don’t require surgery. Both work to eliminate stubborn fat cells in target areas like the thighs, upper arms, buttocks, and abdomen. While CoolSculpting is the most well-known, non-invasive fat removal treatment, Vanquish is a newer procedure that is slowly growing in popularity. 

So which is better: Vanquish or CoolSculpting? It depends on what you’re looking for in a treatment. CoolSculpting works by freezing fatty cells in the treatment area, while Vanquish relies on radiofrequency to heat the unwanted body fat. Both procedures are effective and safe, but CoolSculpting has a longer track-record of success. You can also achieve your desired results with fewer treatments if you choose to undergo a CoolSculpting treatment

Freeze Away Your Stubborn Fat Like Never Before

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

The Differences Between Vanquish and CoolSculpting

Most patients prefer a non invasive fat reduction method because a surgical procedure like liposuction takes more time, costs more money, and increases risk of complications or side effects. CoolSculpting and Vanquish are the top choices for non-surgical fat removal. 

CoolSculpting 

CoolSculpting is an FDA-approved non-surgical treatment that works through fat freezing technology. Since 2010, CoolSculpting has used a technology called cryolipolysis to freeze fat cells (adipose tissue) at a certain temperature, causing them to die without harming surrounding cells. The frozen, crystallized adipose tissue is then flushed away by the lymphatic system as waste. 

Using a device that resembles a small vacuum, a CoolSculpting provider will draw up the unwanted fat in the treatment area between cooling panels for an hour. Afterwards, the applicator is removed and the red, raised skin is massaged to help the body process the fat cells.

According to its manufacturers, the CoolSculpting procedure can yield a 20% - 25% reduction of fat deposits in the body. The specially-designed applicators are great for smaller, pinchable areas of the body like the upper arm, double chin, love handles, inner thigh, and outer thigh. CoolSculpting can also be used on larger areas like the abdomen and the buttocks. 

Read more: How Much Fat Must I Have to Fill Coolsculpting Cup Thighs

Vanquish 

Vanquish fat reduction is a body contouring procedure that utilizes selective heating to stimulate fat loss. Approved in 2015 by the FDA, Vanquish targets fat cells through radiofrequency energy. Fat cells are not just sensitive to cold; they can also be destroyed with heat. Radiofrequency technology heats up the fat tissue to trigger apoptosis (cell death), but the treatment itself is comfortable -- like sitting in a dry sauna or under a warm blanket. 

The patient lies beneath the Vanquish device and sensors assess the body fat to determine the correct energy level. The device emits a focused-field radio frequency to heat the skin to 101°F and the underlying fat layer to 120°F.  As the applicator is above the body, it does not come into direct contact with the patient so it can easily treat larger areas in circumferential reduction. 

Aside from eliminating 25% - 30% of the target area’s fat cells, Vanquish also uses radiofrequency for skin tightening, as the heat stimulates collagen production. With two different applicators, Vanquish can treat love handles, abdomen flabs, saddlebags, and other large sections of fat. For best results, patients should be well-hydrated before and after treatment. 

CoolSculptingVanquish
Number of SessionsEach patient needs 1 - 2 sessions of CoolSculpting, which lasts around 60 minutes each. For larger areas of the body, CoolSculpting may take longer as the treatment site is broken down into four separate areas. A Vanquish treatment can be performed in 45 minutes for large areas. However, patients would need 4 - 6 sessions, spaced 1 week apart, for maximum results. Side EffectsCoolSculpting has a high patient satisfaction rate and a long history of use. Side effects commonly occur, but these are only mild and temporary. Patients may experience aches, stinging, pain, swelling, redness, or bruising in the treated area. There is also one rare, delayed side effect that may occur: paradoxical adipose hyperplasia, where the fat cells in the target area enlarge, rather than shrink. Minor side effects like redness, swelling, or inflammation may occur that makes the skin feel warmer and more tender than usual. Vanquish side effects go away on their own within the day.
Efficacy (Thighs)CoolSculpting will treat the inner and outer thighs separately, as it is designed to target very specific areas or pockets of fat. Still, CoolSculpting can yield visible results in a shorter amount of time. Vanquish is an effective fat reduction treatment that can manage the inner and outer thighs at the same time. However, it takes multiple sessions to get the full results.  
CostIn 2017, the average price of CoolSculpting per session is around $1500. However, the cost largely depends on how large the area being treated is. A larger area or multiple areas will increase the cost, in addition to factors like where you live, your provider, and how many follow-up appointments you need. The average cost of Vanquish is around $500 - $800 per session. Each patient will need around 4 - 6 sessions to complete the treatment. 

Which Contouring Procedure Works Better for the Thighs? 

Slim tanned woman's body

Thigh fat can be an unattractive source of stress for many patients, especially women, who are inclined to store more diet and exercise-resistant fat as they age. As the body prepares for pregnancy and breastfeeding, the estrogen hormones in women store additional fat reserves in the hips, thighs, buttocks, and pelvis. With proven technologies like CoolSculpting and Vanquish, this problem can easily be resolved. 

Vanquish works better with large sections of loose skin. The skin around the thighs is usually firmer and pinchable, so CoolSculpting is more likely to be the appropriate choice. The CoolSculpting procedure includes proprietary applicators designed to sculpt away small pockets of fat cells and change the overall shape of the thighs. These applicators include: 

  • CoolSmooth applicator - a long, non-vacuum-based cooling plate suited to treat the harder, non-pinchable fat in the outer part of the thigh 
  • CoolFit applicator - a flat vacuum cup with larger cooling plates that can treat the inner thighs 
  • CoolAdvantage applicator - a new cup design that tones longer areas of fat and create a thigh-gap

With these applicators, CoolSculpting techniques can be customized to treat the inner and outer thighs, as well as the banana rolls beneath the buttocks or the distal thighs in the knee area. 

Freeze Away Your Stubborn Fat Like Never Before

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

How to Prepare for CoolSculpting Your Thighs

CoolSculpting is a quick and straightforward treatment that requires little preparation, but can easily enhance your appearance with long-lasting and noticeable results.

Before you undergo CoolSculpting, you’ll have an initial consultation with your provider, who will examine your body and discuss your desired outcomes. They will also ask you about your medical history, the medication you’re taking, and recent cosmetic treatments you’ve received. Your provider will use this information to decide if CoolSculpting is the right cosmetic procedure for you, and create a personalized treatment plan. 

As each person’s body is unique, the number of CoolSculpting sessions depend on how many areas of the body need to be improved and how much excess fat there is. Although CoolSculpting works for most healthy adults, it’s not a weight loss method. It won’t be suitable for patients who are overweight, obese, or want to reduce a substantial amount of fat. Additionally, CoolSculpting is not recommended for patients who:

  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Have a skin condition in the target site 
  • Have cold agglutinin disease, cryoglobulinemia, or paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria 

Your provider should also give you instructions to follow prior to treatment. You will be asked to avoid anti-inflammatory and blood-thinning products, which may worsen bruising. It’s also good to eat a light meal and drink plenty of water before CoolSculpting, to keep you comfortable during your session. Wear loose clothing and bring something to keep you occupied during the hour-long treatment. 

When the session is about to begin, your CoolSculpting provider will sterilize the treatment site and apply a topical gel before placing the CoolSculpting applicator on your outer thigh or inner thigh. The machine will suction and cool the fat cells in the targeted area, so expect to feel a very cold, tugging sensation for the first five minutes. Afterwards, your body will grow numb and treatment will feel gentle. During this time, most patients take phone calls, watch TV, read a book, or answer emails. 

Afterwards, it will take some time for the body to process and dispose of the dead fat cells. Your clothing will fit better in 4 weeks, but the full results can be seen in 8 - 12 weeks. The dramatic results are long-lasting; in fact, the fat cells are permanently gone as long as you maintain your current weight through diet and exercise. Once they see the amazing results, most CoolSculpting patients are motivated to take even better care of themselves. 

Read more: Does CoolSculpting Work For Inner Thighs?

The Best Cosmetic Practices at the NJ Center for CoolSculpting 

The NJ Center for CoolSculpting is the leading center for body contouring treatment in Summit, New Jersey. Our board-certified doctors, licensed aestheticians, and expert physician assistants work hard to make sure each patient achieves the optimal result in their treatment session. After performing hundreds of CoolSculpting procedures every month, we can guarantee you’ll walk out our doors with a slimmer, firmer treated area. Book an appointment with us today so you can start looking and feeling your best. 

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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