Emsculpt vs. CoolSculpting: What Is The Difference & Which is Better?

Emsculpt and CoolSculpting are two of the most popular non-invasive treatments that help contour and sculpt the shape of your body. Both are FDA-approved, safe, and proven with a low risk of adverse effects. Having the same objective, patients ask what is the difference and which is better?

To answer that more clearly, here is a read-on for you to learn more about the differences between the treatments, technologies used, and desired results.

“Emsculpt and CoolSculpting are two of the most popular non-invasive treatments that help contour and sculpt the shape of your body.”

Emsculpt vs. CoolSculpting: What Is the Main Difference?

Emsculpt vs. CoolSculpting: What Is the Main Difference?

CoolSculpting is one of the safest and most effective sculpting treatments that uses Cryolipolysis, a fat-freezing procedure that eliminates fat by up to 25%. It basically works by using cold temperature to kill stubborn fat cells on different parts of the body including the face, chin, thighs, back, and belly. Aside from removing fat, it is also used to create a slimming effect on certain parts by sculpting them into small portions. During the fat freezing treatment, the immune system collects the destroyed fats and excretes them as waste from the body.

The good thing about it is that it does not involve any type of surgery, not even needles. There is no downtime and more importantly, the results are long-lasting. Approved with an FDA clearance in 2009, Cool Sculpting has performed over 8 million treatments worldwide since then.

Emsculpt is a non-invasive sculpting treatment designed to tone down the muscles while reducing fat. Through the help of advanced high-intensity electromagnetic technology, the excess fats are melted to achieve a powerful muscle contraction – far more powerful than what you can get from a normal workout. These contractions will then create a sculpting effect in the muscles, which is perfect if you are aiming to build muscle mass.

Significantly, Emsculpt is the only treatment that could reduce body fat and at the same time shape the muscles. The treatment is done at least 3 to 5 times a week while the results will mostly show after 3 to 4 weeks of treatment. For better results, patients are also encouraged to have follow-up maintenance.

Emsculpt vs. CoolSculpting: Treatment Areas

Emsculpt vs. CoolSculpting: Treatment Areas

Although they both aim to remove fat, each treatment comes with different results. When it comes to fat reduction, CoolSculpting allows the removal of fat on large and small areas. The results usually take longer but after healing, you are certain to get permanent long-lasting results.

While if you prefer a more shredded or leaner look, Emsculpt is the perfect option. Not only does it get rid of fat on certain areas in your body but it leaves them toned and free from squishy, subcutaneous fat.

Emsculpt vs. CoolSculpting: How Long Will They Take?

Emsculpt vs. CoolSculpting: How Long Will They Take?

Typically, CoolSculpting lasts an average of 35 to 60 minutes depending on the handpiece used. In other cases, where there are new pieces, it can be completed in only 35 minutes.

In the other hand, Emsculpt treatments take about 30 minutes.

Emsculpt vs. CoolSculpting: Amount of Fat Reduction

Unlike normal workouts that could only stimulate your muscle by 50%, the technology used for the Emsculpt treatment can produce up to 20,000 muscle contractions in just an hour, which is also equivalent to 100% of your muscle group. CoolSculpting uses a fat freezing technique that can reduce body fats by up to 25%.

Emsculpt vs. CoolSculpting: How Many Treatments Are Needed?

Emsculpt vs. CoolSculpting: How Many Treatments Are Needed?

There are 6 sessions for every CoolSculpting treatment which are scheduled with a month interval per session. On the other hand, Emsculpt has a shorter treatment cycle that lasts for 30 minutes per session, taken 4 times every after 3 days.

Emsculpt vs. CoolSculpting: Cost

Emsculpt vs. CoolSculpting Cost

The price may vary, depending on the area of the body to be treated and how big it is. But on average, Emsculpt will cost you $750 to $1,000 per session while CoolSculpting will cost $2,000 to $4,000.

Emsculpt vs. CoolSculpting: Result

Both treatments will result to an evident reduction of fat in your target area but as an addition, Emsculpt will not only remove your fats but it will also tone your muscles. CoolSculpting takes 4 to 6 months to see full results while Emsculpt takes 4 weeks to see full results after the series is complete.

Emsculpt vs. CoolSculpting: Recovery Time

Emsculpt vs. CoolSculpting: Recovery Time

CoolSculpting’s recovery time usually lasts 1 to 3 months after the treatment. This may take time since the body needs to adjust its metabolism. Fat cells cannot regrow once they have been removed, which is why you won’t need any maintenance. Rather, a good exercise routine and healthy eating are suggested. But for Emsculpt, 3 to 4 weeks is enough for the results to get visible.

Emsculpt vs. CoolSculpting: Effectiveness 

You can lose up to 2.7 inches of fat from Emsculpt while you can lose 2 to 3 inches of fat from CoolSculpting.

Emsculpt vs. CoolSculpting: Last Time

Emsculpt results can last for 6 months to 1 year while CoolSculpting results last indefinitely.

Emsculpt vs. CoolSculpting: Possible Side Effects or Risk

Emsculpt vs. CoolSculpting: Possible Side Effects or Risk

CoolSculpting uses high levels of cold temperature which could cause irritation and discomfort to patients during or after the treatment. At times, they may even experience numbness. While on the other hand, Emsculpt uses neither cold nor hot temperatures in its treatment. Thus, it is a more comfortable option for patients. However, most patients reveal that they feel soreness in their muscles the day after.

In terms of safety, both treatments are FDA cleared and non-surgical. Each of the technologies used is new but was recorded with good safety ratings. As long as a licensed professional will perform the treatments, the risk of adverse effects is low.

CoolSculpting has been in the industry for 5 years already, while Emsculpt has undergone 7 clinical trials and has obtained 2 years of research to prove its efficacy and safety before getting approved for public use.

Emsculpt vs. CoolSculpting: Is There Insurance Coverage?

Unfortunately, both treatments cannot be covered by insurance. Hence, you can ask your provider if there are discounts that they can offer to help reduce your treatment costs.

Emsculpt vs. CoolSculpting: Pros & Cons

Emsculpt

Pros:

  • Effective
  • No Downtime

Cons:

  • Intense
  • Uncomfortable

CoolSculpting

Pros:

  • Instant results
  • No downtime

Cons:

  • Pain
  • Stinging sensation

Emsculpt vs. CoolSculpting: Quick Comparison Chart

Item:

Emsculpt:

CoolSculpting:

Procedure Type:

non-invasive, High-intensity Focused Electromagnetic technology

non-invasive

Treatment Areas:

abdomen, buttocks, arms, calves and thighs

flanks, abdomen, thighs, chin, bra fat, back fat

Cost:

$750 - $1,000

$2,000 - $4,000

Amount of Fat Reduction:

reduced 19% fat

reduced 25% fat

Results:

reduced fat and toned muscles

reduced fat

Recovery Time:

3 to 4 weeks

1 to 3 months

Effectiveness:

lose 2.7 inches of fat

lose 2 to 3 inches of fat

Last Time:

6 months to 1 year

lasts indefinitely

Risk and Safety:

FDA approved

FDA approved

Pros & Cons:

Pros:


  • effective 
  • no downtime

Cons:


  • intense
  • uncomfortable

Pros:


  • instant results
  • no downtime

Cons:


  • pain
  • stinging

Who is a Candidate?

men and women who have diastasis recti, healthy lifestyle, want to boost metabolism, seeking plastic surgery, recovering from injuries

men and women who have more fat than skin

Insurance Coverage:

None

None

Final Verdict

Emsculpt vs. CoolSculpting: Which is Better

The best way to find out which treatment is best for you is to schedule an appointment with your chosen clinic. There, a professional cosmetic representative can diagnose your condition and help you identify which treatment plan will work best for you to achieve the sculpted/slim/toned appearance you’ve been longing for.

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