Thanks to improving technology, non-surgical and minimally invasive treatments have come a long way in the last decade; reducing downtime and providing impactful results. Non-surgical body sculpting is no different and shows no signs of slowing down, now that more and more manufacturers in the aesthetic space are releasing their own versions of fat-melting, fat-freezing solutions. While all not all are suited for everyone, these treatments have been proven effective for the right candidates.
However, sifting through the differences between treatments can be difficult so that’s why we did that for you. Keep reading to learn the difference between CoolSculpting and EmSculpt.
CoolSculpting Vs. EmSculpt: Safety
This one is a tie! Both treatment systems are FDA-approved. This means that the FDA deemed both treatments to be safe and effective when performed by a qualified practitioner. While CoolSculpting has been available for over 5 years now, the EmSculpt system has been studied for over 2 years and was proven to be safe and effective by 7 clinical trials before being released to the public.
CoolSculpting Vs. EmSculpt: Results
EmSculpt is the only treatment that builds muscle while also reducing fat at the same time. These treatments are typically done 4-5 times in a span of two weeks. Patients will start to notice results after 3-4 weeks and also have the option to continue treatments to maintain their results. Since this treatment is so new, there’s not a lot of information about maintenance treatments yet. EmSculpt is said to remove up to 19% of fat in the treatment area but also increase muscle mass by 16%.
CoolSculpting is FDA-Approved to remove up to 22% of fat in the treatment area, after a couple of weeks post-treatment. What gives CoolSculpting a more competitive edge is its release of multiple handpieces throughout the last few years. This allows patients to have fat reduction in all sorts of areas, big and small.
Results from these 2 treatments are pretty different, and hard to compare. For those looking for a more shredded or ripped look (and who are already fairly lean), EmSculpt is the clear winner. For those looking to remove “pinch-able” rolls of fat, CoolSculpting is the clear winner. But most patients fall somewhere inbetween these 2 extremes, and that’s where a doctor’s analysis of the underlying issues (skin, fat, or muscle) will help you to determine which is the better option.
Coolsculpting Vs. Emsculpt: Comfort
Emsculpt is said to be painless and there is no downtime. So far there are no known adverse reactions to the treatment. After treatment, most patients will feel muscle soreness the next day just like you would after a good workout. The panels used in EmSculpt do not use any hot or cold temperatures to remove fat or use suction to stay in place making the treatment very comfortable.
CoolSculpting works by killing fat cells with cold temperatures, using a curved suction-based handpiece. Some patients experience numbing during the procedure due to the cold temperatures. Some patients find this numbness during and after treatment uncomfortable but not unbearable. However, a new CoolSculpting CoolAdvantage system has been released citing more comfortable treatments with less tingling or numbness after the session.
Overall, it sounds like EmSculpt may be the more comfortable treatment due to its lack of temperature changes.
Coolsculpting Vs. EmSculpt: Time Commitment
Each CoolSculpting treatment cycle is 35-60 minutes depending on the size of the handpiece used. Some newer handpieces are now providing shorter treatment times of 35 minutes. Most CoolSculpting providers will recommend between 2-6 treatments spaced approximately one month apart for best results. Emsculpt treatments take approximately 30 minutes and require a minimum of 4 sessions performed 2-3 days apart.
EmSculpt seems to be the winner for time commitment, by 5-30 minutes per treatment.
Coolsculpting Vs. Emsculpt: Downtime & Side Effects
With CoolSculpting, patients will experience some redness and possibly a numbing sensation for a couple of hours to days post-treatment. If a patient is bothered by this they may find some restrictions in their clothing choices. According to the manufacturer, EmSculpt does not have any physical signs post-treatment but patients may feel muscle soreness similar to post-workout soreness, which could range in intensity depending on the muscle mass of the patient.
This one is a tie depending on what is important to each patient. While both muscle soreness or a numb treatment area are not serious side effects, depending on a person’s lifestyle they could be bothered by either one.
Coolsculpting Vs. EmSculpt: Candidates & Versatility
CoolSculpting has come out with several different handpieces over the last couple of years to cater to smaller more unique areas of the body. However, all of the handpieces are rounded working on “pinch-able” or “rolls” of fat. In general, CoolSculpting is intended for patients who are within 20 pounds of their ideal weight.
EmSculpt uses flat panels to treat the abdomen or the buttocks and can be performed over clothing. There is some mixed information regarding who is a candidate, according to the manufacturer anyone who wishes to decrease fat and increase muscle mass is a candidate. However, according to RealSelf patients looking to have EmSculpt should not have a BMI higher than 25 for best results.
Overall, CoolSculpting seems to be the more versatile treatment due to its ability to treat areas all over the body while EmSculpt only currently treats the abdomen and buttocks (though more treatment areas are on the horizon for FDA-Approval).
Coolsculpting Vs. Emsculpt: Cost
Since the abdomen is the only area both treatments can be used, we’ll compare the costs for this treatment area only. With EmSculpt, you can expect to pay $4000 for the standard four-treatment protocol. With CoolSculpting, there are typically 2-4 handpieces used to cover both upper and lower abdomen. Each of these handpieces runs $750 – 1500. In total, you can expect about $3,000 per session, with a recommendation of 2 sessions for best results.
Emsculpt is clearly less expensive for the abdomen. But it also creates very different results than CoolSculpting does, so this is a tricky comparison.
Schedule a Consultation at Reflections
If you are curious about any body sculpting treatment, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with a physician at Reflections Center. During your consultation, you will be able to ask your provider any questions you may have, received feedback and create a treatment plan that is customized to you and your needs.
If you like to learn more about the body sculpting treatments available at reflections, contact our Martinsville or Livingston locations to schedule an appointment today!
Trainer’s Perspective on EmSculpt’s Ability to Build Muscle and Get Ripped
“I had the EmSculpt done and it was so EASY! I am not the one to work out so this treatment was perfect for me. I am two weeks out since my last treatment and I am already noticing a difference in my abodmen.”
– jk0304 on RealSelf.com
“Comfortable, Painless. I just finished my 4th Emsculpt treatment and I am blown away with the results. My stomach was relatively flat but even after working out for the last 7 years consistently 4x a week I have never been able to get a 6 pack until now I have an 8 pack and it’s not just when I’m flexing in the right lighting like in the past. I definity would recommend this treatment to anyone looking for Body Sculpting.”
-Jimmy99115 on RealSelf.com
“Getting my first treatment for emsculpt was AWESOME! I was a little nervous about how it would feel but Lauren was very calming. She explained everything about what it feels like down to how it benefits you. I wanted to have a butt lift, so that’s where I chose to have my emsculpt done. It did not hurt at all and after a while you could almost fall asleep, who needs to workout when you can sleep and do emsculpt?”
– ILoveJames88 on RealSelf.com
“Emsculpt is the answer people!! If you want your abs to be toned and tighter and already work on them this is the last machine you will need. I exercise daily and emsculpt has given me that extra toned abdomen I have been looking for.”
– Jill1218 on RealSelf.com
“The Emsculpt procedure experience was painless, effortless and EASY!
The EASE and comfort of laying down while your body is “sculpted” is AMAZING!”
– klr1224 on RealSelf.com
“I tried the Emsculpt electromagnetic muscle stimulation/contraction machine. I was skeptical at first, but it really is pretty intense and worked my abs like never before. My abs felt great, nice and tight, for a few days afterwards. Not extremely sore, but felt like I had an excellent workout. I was actually pretty amazed at the whole procedure.”
-Madflipper on RealSelf.com
“Even though I am only half way through my treatments I am so happy with my results so far! I have had 3 children, with my youngest being 21 months and I finally feel like I’m am getting my body back!!”
– Pro3MOM on RealSelf.com
Fitness Influencer’s Take on Getting Lean with EmSculpt
“It’s not magic, but it did go a long way to helping me get look (and feel) better….It’s been two months since the procedures and I definitely look like I have a tighter butt and abdomen. I do see less fat and feel like I have more defined buns and stomach. I continue to exercise and to eat right. I do have my cheat days, but the best way to maintain the look of Emsculpt treatments is to keep working at it.”
– user1839871 on Zwivel.com
“I have done both Vanquish and CoolSculpting to get rid of the extra fat on my stomach and have been very happy with the results, however I have never experienced anything like Emsculpt. It was amazing to me how much more toned my abs got than I had been able to accomplish in the gym. I am 51 years old and its a lot harder to tone up than it use to be. I did 4 treatments, (2 treatments a week for 2 weeks in a row). The picture was taken a few days or maybe a week after my 4th treatment. I really want to do more of these and see how good my stomach can get.”
– batman77 on RealSelf.com
“After my 4 sessions I felt a little hooked and was somewhat sad that my time with the machine was over. However, the doctor told me that in 3-6 months I was welcome to come back for a refresher and to maintain the results that I could never seem to achieve at the gym. About 4 weeks after the last session my husband snuck a peak of me getting out of the shower and said, “hey, you lose weight?” I smiled, and said, “No, I did 80,000 sit-ups at the dermatologist’s office last month in 2 hours…try and beat that!” ”
-AvaMarie on Zwivel.com
“Ever since having my son who is now 7.. I have always struggled with my stomach. I am fit, work out religiously, and eat properly but my stomach always stuck out more which made me look pregnant… After a few sessions, I noticed my stomach didn’t stick out as much as it used to. The inches started to show in my clothes which helped me gain back my confidence. I am so happy because my pre-baby body is back!”
– NYCM on RealSelf.com
“The treatment was extremely positive. The procedure was painless and actually somewhat relaxing. The pulsating of the machine felt as if it were truly pulling on the muscles, without being painful. The results were noticeable quickly with tighter feeling and appearing buttocks. Definitely worth it!”
– Lincon71 on RealSelf.com
“I’ve been in the fitness & nutrition industry for 20 years now and I have tried everything to get my butt to have shape and size like I always have wanted. I have tried every exercise known to man & never have seen results like what I got from this procedure in my life. It was worth every penny I paid and I would do it again in a heartbeat. I have so much more confidence now and just feel good about myself.”
-danmpage79 on RealSelf.com
Want to learn more about EmSculpt? Visit our EmSculpt page or schedule a free one-on-one consultation with one of our cosmetic physicians now
