SculpSure and CoolSculpting are popular nonsurgical body contouring treatments for healthy, average-weight individuals. They don’t help with weight reduction. Instead, SculpSure and CoolSculpting target excess fat that cannot be eliminated with diet and exercise. Both treatments provide permanent results.
Let’s see how they work, and how to determine which one is right for you.
SculpSure Vs. CoolSculpting: Definitions
SculpSure and CoolSculpting are fat reduction treatments that provide similar results, but work differently.
What Is SculpSure?
SculpSure is a fat reduction treatment that appeared on the market in 2015. It is the first FDA-approved laser technology for fat removal. It uses heat to destroy fat cells and boost collagen and elastin production.
What Is CoolSculpting?
CoolSculpting is a fat reduction treatment that appeared on the market in 2010. It is an FDA-approved cryolipolysis (cold therapy) treatment that freezes fat cells. After the treatment, the body naturally eliminates the frozen fat cells.
Note: Due to their similar names, people often confuse CoolSculpting with CoolTone. Find out what makes these treatments different by reading our post CoolSculpting vs. CoolTone.
SculpSure vs CoolSculpting: Overview
Both SculpSure and CoolSculpting are noninvasive, scientifically proven, and safe for healthy individuals.
The following table sums up their main differences and similarities.
| SculpSure | CoolSculpting | |
| Technology used | Laser (heat therapy) | Cryolipolysis (cold therapy) |
| FDA-approved treatment areas | Thighs, flanks, abdomen, back, under the chin | Thighs, flanks, abdomen, back, under the chin, under the jaw, underneath the buttocks, upper arms, bra fat |
| Treatment time | 25 minutes per treatment (up to four areas per treatment) | 30-60 minutes per treatment (up to two areas per treatment) |
| Recovery time | None | None |
| First results | After six weeks | After 10-20 days |
| Fat reduction size | Up to 24% | Up to 25% |
| Longevity of results | Permanent | Permanent |
| Side effects | Redness, swelling, soreness, stiffness, cramping | Redness, numbness, swelling, bruising, itching |
Treatment Effectiveness
SculpSure and CoolSculpting are effective, and patients show a high level of satisfaction with the results.
How Effective Is SculpSure?
After SculpSure, patients usually notice minor changes after about six weeks, while more significant changes take about three months to appear. The results vary from patient to patient, but clinical trials show a fat reduction of up to 24%.
The elimination of the targeted fat cells is permanent.
How Effective Is CoolSculpting?
CoolSculpting patients notice results after 10-20 days and the first significant results after three to six months. Clinical trials show a fat reduction of 20-25%.
The eliminated fat cells don’t return.
Note: Find out how much weight you can lose with CoolSculpting.
Procedure
The purpose of both SculpSure and CoolSculpting is lipolysis — the destruction of fat cells — but they use different technologies.
SculpSure Procedure
SculpSure uses hyperthermic laser technology that heats the fat cells underneath the skin. The cells are heated to107-116°F, the right temperature to destroy fat cells without burning the surrounding tissue and skin. The fat cells melt, and the lymphatic system naturally flushes them from the body as waste.
The SculpSure laser device uses four applicators that are applied to up to four treatment areas. The applicators send heat and short cooling blasts in cycles to ensure the patient doesn’t experience a burning sensation.
CoolSculpting Procedure
CoolSculpting uses cryolipolysis technology that freezes and destroys fat cells at 39-41° F. The lymphatic system then eliminates the fat cells from the body as waste.
The CoolSculpting device has up to two cooling applicators that suck the fat bulge on the treatment area like a vacuum. You may experience a cold sensation for the first few minutes until the skin becomes numb.
Note: Learn which fat reduction treatment works best, CoolSculpting or liposuction?
Treatment Areas
SculpSure and CoolSculpting can both be used on common problematic areas, but CoolSculpting is FDA-approved for several more treatment areas.
SculpSure Treatment Areas
SculpSure is FDA-approved for the following areas:
- Thighs
- Flanks
- Belly
- Back
- Under the chin
CoolSculpting Treatment Areas
FDA-approved CoolSculpting treatment areas include:
- Thighs
- Flanks ("love handles")
- Belly
- Back
- Bra fat
- Underneath the buttocks
- Upper arms
- Under the chin
- Under the jaw
Note: Another popular noninvasive treatment for chin fat reduction is Kybella. Find out which treatment works best by reading our post Kybella vs. CoolSculpting.
Treatment Duration
SculpSure treatments are shorter than CoolSculpting treatments.
SculpSure Treatment Duration
One SculpSure treatment lasts about 25 minutes and can cover up to four areas. The number of required sessions depends on the amount of fat and desired results. Patients usually undergo up to three treatments.
CoolSculpting Treatment Duration
One CoolSculpting treatment lasts 30-60 minutes, depending on the treatment area size, and can cover up to two areas. The number of required sessions depends on the amount of fat and desired results. Patients usually need two to four treatments.
Side Effects and Risks
SculpSure and CoolSculpting are FDA-approved and considered safe. When performed by a licensed professional, these cosmetic treatments cause only mild side effects that quickly go away.
SculpSure Side Effects
SculpSure may cause a tingling sensation during the session. Redness and swelling are common side effects that go away within two weeks after the procedure. Some patients report cramping, soreness, and stiffness in the treated area.
CoolSculpting Side Effects
CoolSculpting patients most commonly feel numbness during the procedure. The usual side effects after the procedure are redness, swelling, and bruising.
Note: Learn about everything you need to do before CoolSculpting.
Recovery
No recovery time is needed after SculpSure and CoolSculpting. You may go about your usual activities right after the procedure.
Costs
The costs of SculpSure and CoolSculpting vary depending on the number of treatment areas, the number of required sessions, your medical provider’s expertise, and the medspa location. The price of a single treatment ranges from several hundred to a few thousand dollars.
Note: Learn more about the factors that affect the cost of CoolSculpting.
SculpSure vs CoolSculpting: Which One Should You Choose?
Both SculpSure and CoolSculpting are scientifically proven, safe treatments for fat reduction.
The main difference between them is in the temperature used during the procedure. SculpSure may cause a tingling sensation because of the heat, while CoolSculpting may cause numbness due to cold temperatures. Depending on your pain level, you may feel no pain, slight discomfort, or tolerable pain during either of these treatments.
While the effects are permanent with both treatments, the Vibrant Skin Bar experts recommend CoolSculpting because it has been on the market longer and there is more extensive research on the results and side effects.
CoolSculpting at Vibrant Skin Bar
If you’re ready for that final body contouring touch that will encourage you to jump into a two-piece swimsuit, contact our skilled team at Vibrant Skin Bar. We’ll discuss your desires and concerns and determine the best course of action for you.
Book a consultation with our medical experts today!
