Emsculpt vs Coolsculpting
When it comes to fat reduction, both Emsculpt NEO and CoolSculpting are non-invasive and effective body contouring treatments, with the Emsculpt device also capable of building muscle and toning treated body areas. While both treatment options are helpful contouring options, they have different advantages and disadvantages as they work in different ways.
Differences: Emsculpt NEO vs Coolsculpting
Introduced before Emsculpt NEO, CoolSculpting is a procedure that eliminates fat cells by using controlled cooling to freeze the fat cells. With a special applicator, fat cells in the treatment area are cooled to a specific temperature, after which they die and are gradually eliminated by lymphatic system of the body. CoolSculpting is generally used in areas of the body such as the thighs, abdomen, and love handles.
A newer treatment, Emsculpt NEO, uses two types of energy to contour the treatment areas. High Intensity Focused Electromagnetic (HIFEM) energy causes muscle contractions to build muscle and tone the area, and Radiofrequency (RF) energy heats the skin and its underlying tissue to reduce fat cells and help skin tone. The areas of the body typically treated with Emsculpt NEO are the abdomen, buttocks, thighs, arms, legs, and love handles.
Emsculpt Neo – Our Clear Favorite
There are numerous advantages to choosing Emsculpt NEO over CoolSculpting for effective body contouring. While CoolSculpting targets only fat, Emsculpt NEO targets both muscle and fat, thereby making the sculpting, contouring, and toning of the treated areas more complete and effective.
CoolSculpting was released prior to Emsculpt NEO, and the device can be found in many offices and spas due to its lower purchase cost. While the cost of treatment may be slightly less than that of Emsculpt NEO, the resulting fat reduction is less as well, with EmSculpt NEO being capable of removing more fat on average in the treated area.
While both CoolSculpting and Emsculpt NEO treatments cause very little discomfort, the post treatment side effects differ. After a CoolSculpting treatment, the area can be expected to be red and swollen for several days. This downtime would need to be considered depending on season and exposed body areas. Emsculpt NEO has no side effects and no downtime, so treatment can take place year round.
Both with Emsculpt NEO and CoolSculpting, the results are usually seen within a few weeks, continuing to improve over the following several months. However, as the newer device, Emsculpt NEO is also the safer device. CoolSculpting has been found to have some serious possible side effects such as paradoxical fat hypertrophy, which is increased fat in the treated area, as well as uneven results.
Conclusion: Emsculpt NEO vs Coolsculpting
In summary, there are advantages and disadvantages to both Emsculpt NEO and CoolSculpting as effective, non-invasive body contouring treatments. With a higher average fat elimination, Emsculpt NEO is the only device that can both build muscle and tone the body, while also reducing fat in the treated area. Emsculpt NEO is the more comfortable treatment, with the added benefits of having no serious side effects and no downtime. While CoolSculpting may be a less expensive option, it carries some notable downtime and risk, in addition to possible uneven contouring results. When deciding between the two devices, it is best to discuss your individual goals for specific body areas with your qualified healthcare professional in order to make the best decision for you and your specific needs. If you would like to learn more about some of the other treatments we offer, please visit our office on our main website.
Arash Akhavan, MD is founder and owner of The Dermatology and Laser Group, one of the top centers for cosmetic procedures in New York City for over a decade. Arash Akhavan, MD, FAAD is a Board Certified Dermatologist and an Associate Professor at The Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Dr. Akhavan is a Castle Connolly Top Doc, New York Magazine Best Doctor, and Super Doctor featured in The New York Times. Dr. Akhavan is a key opinion leader that has been featured on hundreds of media publications including The New York Times, Allure, Marie Claire, Women’s Health, Cosmopolitan, ABC News, Fox News, Fox 5, NY1, WPIX, and more. He has been featured on nationally syndicated television programs such as The Doctors.
Dr. Akhavan serves as an educator and lecturer for multiple aesthetic device and injectable companies. This allows his office access to newer technologies at an earlier date than other offices, as well as a higher level of expertise in the use of these devices. This, in turn, translates to more effective and safer treatments for our patients.