Emsculpt vs CoolSculpt: What’s the Difference?

There has been an undeniable increase in the interest and popularity of non-invasive, non-surgical body-sculpting procedures. And it makes sense. Everyone wants to look and feel their best without the serious commitment of going under the knife.

Two procedures in particular, Emsculpt and CoolSculpt, are making waves as accessible fat reduction treatments. But when it comes to Emsculpt vs CoolSculpt, what’s really the difference?

Emsculpt Overview

Emsculpt body sculpting is designed to help you achieve the physical appearance you’ve always dreamed of. It builds muscle and cuts fat in the focus areas of the buttocks and abdominals.

Through pulsing high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) waves, the Emsculpt triggers supramaximal contractions in the target area. The powerful muscle contractions induced are not achievable through voluntary, human effort.

The muscle tissue in the target areas are forced to adapt to such an extreme condition. The result means your body is actually building muscle as it responds with a deep remodeling of its inner structure.

Fat reduction and muscle building are the obvious benefits of Emsculpting, particularly to help you achieve toned abs and the butt lift you’ve always wanted. But other Emsculpt treatment benefits include:

• Circumferential waist reduction
• No down time or preparation before procedures
• Non-invasive, 30-minute sessions
• Fast results that typically last for a full year
• Treatment for post-partem Diastasis Recti to safely and quickly restore abdominal structure

CoolSculpt Overview

The CoolSculpt procedure is FDA-approved to reduce visible fat bulges. It targets problem areas on the body by freezing the fat.

At the right temperature, fat cells will freeze and die. And within a few months, the body will eliminate the dead cells. The results lead to up to 25% of fat reduction.

Specific areas that can be treated by CoolSculpt include:

• Under the jawline (submental space)
• Thighs
• Back fat
• Underneath the Buttocks (for a “lift”)
• Under the Jawline (submandibular)
• Abdomen/flank
• Upper arms

While it reduces fat, CoolSculpting is not a total weight loss procedure.

Key Differences Between Emsculpt and CoolSculpt

Both procedures offer unique, innovative ways to achieve the cosmetic goals you desire. However, the differences can’t be ignored. While they both stimulate targeted areas with similar results, the science behind both is very different (“freezing” fat vs stimulating muscle).

Additionally, it’s important to note that CoolSculpting can target more specific areas at this time. But perhaps the big difference is that the Emsculpt procedure does much more than fat reduction, but also builds muscle (increasing tone, appearance, and overall strength).

But let’s breakdown some of the other differences in greater detail.

Emsculpt vs CoolSculpt: Which is Safer?

Both treatments have been approved by the FDA. However, you should always seek treatment from a board-certified dermatologist or qualified medical professional.

Between both treatments, Emsculpt is relatively new while Coolsculpting has been available for the last five years.

The Emsculpt procedure may feel uncomfortable at times depending on the intensity of your treatment. As the extreme muscle contractions mimic the most extreme, high-intensity workouts (20,000 muscle contractions!) in a 30-minute period. But that shouldn’t sway patients away – there is virtually no recover time or lingering side effects post treatment.

And aside from patients who are pregnant or suffer from any specific conditions in the targeted areas, the Emsculpt treatment is right for anyone.

CoolSculpt, on the other hand, poses a few more challenges. Because of the low temperature, “freezing” aspect to it, patients suffering from cryoglobulinemia, cold agglutinin disease, or paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria should avoid the procedure.

One pro of CoolSculpting is how it feels for patients. While the extreme cold of the procedure may cause brief stinging or sensations of tugging, pulling, pinching, the intense cold eventually causes the area to become numb. Side effects might include temporary tenderness or agitation at the target area but should subside.

EmSculpt vs CoolSculpt Results

Both treatments are designed to reduce fat. But EmSculpt has a clear advantage over CoolSculpt because it not only reduces and eliminates fat, but also builds muscles. The only advantage CoolSculpting has at this time is the ability to target more areas on the body aside from the abs and buttocks.

After a full round of EmSculpt treatments (four to five, 30-minute sessions in a two-week span), results should last up to a full year. And initial results will be noticeable only immediately, with more muscle building over the weeks to follow. Trial results have shown fat reduction of up to 19% while also increasing muscle mass by 16%.

Additionally, the EmSculpt has a patient satisfaction rate over 90%. EmSculpt is the only non-invasive, non-supplement way to build real muscle and see lasting results.

CoolSculpting, on the other hand, does boast up to 22% of fat removal in more targeted areas. The multiple handpieces of the machine make it possible to target different areas, while the procedure itself makes it more accessible.

For instance, you wouldn’t want to use EmSculpt in the neck area below the chin anyways as it wouldn’t solve anything but create a sore neck!

But the time commitment creates a slightly smaller window than EmSculpting. It’s usually recommended to receive two to six treatments of CoolSculpting, spaced out by only a few days. And sessions can last as long as an hour, depending on the size of targeted areas.

Which is Right for You?

The route patients choose will ultimately depend on their body type and goals. If you’re looking to build muscle and reduce fat, EmSculpt is a great way to supplement a healthy diet and regular exercise.

However, if you’re looking to target multiple areas outside of the ab and buttocks muscle groups, CoolSculpting might be the way to go.

Either way, consulting with your dermatologist or another medical professional will help you better analyze which treatment is right for you.

Get Started with Your Consultation Today and See Real Results

Still think Emsculpt is too good to be true? That’s ok! We’d love to talk to you more in depth about our treatment plans.

Remember, unlike other fast-acting cosmetic procedures, there is nothing artificial about Emsculpt. The results are from direct stimulation to your body and muscle tissues. Meaning the results are 100%, naturally you.

If you’re ready to take the big step towards the body you’ve always dreamed of, reach out to us today for a consultation and learn more about what goes into Emsculpt treatments at Soine Dermatology & Aesthetics.