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 FDA approved and released to the public.

EMSCULPT is the only treatment that builds muscle while also reducing fat at the same time. These treatments are 4 times in a span of two weeks. Patients will start to notice results after 3-6 weeks. To maintain optimal results we recommend one maintenance treatment every 3 to 6 months. Since this treatment is so new, information on long term benefits and results are still in progress. 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 25% of fat in the treatment area, seeing results after 3-6 weeks post-treatment. What gives CoolSculpting a more competitive edge is it uses multiple handpieces that allows patients to have fat reduction in all sorts of areas, big and small. The fat cells frozen are destroyed and will not return.

Results from these 2 treatments are pretty different, and hard to compare. For those looking for a more contoured or ripped look (and who are already closer to their desired body weight), 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 in between these 2 extremes, and that’s where our office with their Certified Technicians will help you to determine which is the better option.

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 but not as much as you would after a good workout.

CoolSculpting works by killing fat cells with cold temperatures, using a curved suction-based handpiece. Most patients experience numbing during the procedure due to the cold temperatures. Some patients find this numbness during and after treatment uncomfortable but not unbearable.

Each CoolSculpting treatment cycle is 35-45 minutes depending on the size of the handpiece used. Most CoolSculpting patients will require between 2-4 treatments to Treat to Complete. Treatments to the same area can be done approximately 1-3 months apart for best results.

EMSCULPT treatments take approximately 30 minutes and require a minimum of 4 sessions performed 2-3 days apart. One maintenance treatment every 3-6 months.

CoolSculpting, patients will experience some redness and possibly a numbing sensation for a couple of hours to days post-treatment. Patients may find the need to wear nonrestrictive clothing the following week post-treatment.

EMSCULPT, patients may feel muscle soreness similar to post-workout soreness, which could range in intensity depending on the muscle mass of the patient.

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 20-30 pounds of their ideal weight.

EMSCULPT uses flat panels to treat the abdomen or the buttocks. Anyone who wishes to decrease fat and increase muscle mass is a candidate.

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).