Emsculpt Vs Coolsculpting
We all want to look and feel our best, and we try to do the work to get there on our own. But sometimes we need a little extra boost to get us flying through that last way to our goals!
Looking into cosmetic procedures to help achieve our body goals has become increasingly popular (and far less taboo), especially with the advancements and innovations in non-invasive and non-surgical treatments.
This brings us to two cosmetic procedures that have dominated the elective beauty treatment space: Emsculpt and CoolSculpting.
Both treatments are non-surgical and non-invasive, and each session lasts approximately 30-35 minutes. But how do you decide which, if any, is the right one for you?
So, what are Emsculpt and CoolSculpting?
Both treatments are similar, delivering long-lasting results that have a lasting effect and aid in achieving your overall body goals. While used in similar parts of the body, they target different areas of the treated area and employ separate methods to achieve their unique results.
Both are ideal for targeting specific and similar areas of the body where fat just does not seem to budge (no matter how much you try to get rid of it), and results are seen quickly after treatments are completed.
We are going to deep dive into each of these procedures to help understand the similarities and differences, as well as which one might be the best procedure for you if you want to venture into the wide world of cosmetic treatments!
What Is Emsculpt?
Emsculpt is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure meant to stimulate and tighten core muscles.
It utilizes strong, high-intensity, focused electromagnetic energy to engage the muscles of the treated area, toning, strengthening, and firming them to sculpt the body toward the desired results.
The Emsculpt machine is lauded for achieving results equivalent to approximately 20,000 crunches within the first treatment, engaging the muscles in a way that cannot be achieved through a regular exercise routine.
Emsculpt also claims to implode fat cells by about 19% and build muscle fibers by 16%, resulting in areas of the body that are firmer, tighter, and more toned overall.
However, it should not be used as a substitute for a generally healthy lifestyle, which includes a balanced diet and regular exercise.
Emsculpt can help you achieve your desired goals, but the results are most effective and sustained through your own daily, healthy activities.
Where Can Emsculpt Be Used?
Most commonly, Emsculpt treatments are used for abdominal toning and sculpting, as well as lifting and firming the buttocks.
Emsculpt can also be used on the calves and thighs for additional strengthening and firming, and can be applied to the arms as well to enhance overall muscle tone and strength.
Benefits Of Emsculpt
Unlike other, more invasive cosmetic procedures, there is no downtime for recovery with Emsculpt.
This is an FDA-cleared treatment that can be used for all genders who desire additional body sculpting.
One treatment, which is a 30-minute session, is equivalent to approximately 20,000 crunches or squats.
The lasting effects from a round of Emsculpt should remain anywhere between six months to one year later!
Side Effects Of Emsculpt
To date, studies have not revealed any lasting or severe side effects from Emsculpt procedures.
However, depending on the individual, some muscle discomfort, soreness, or spasms may be experienced following the treatment.
Emsculpt is not to be performed on anyone who is pregnant.
Emsculpt should not be performed on individuals with severe medical conditions or those with metal implants, such as defibrillators, pacemakers, or metallic IUDs, inside their bodies.
Emsculpt Procedure
The whole Emsculpt procedure consists of four 30-minute sessions.
During the sessions, the Emsculpt machine will be attached to the treated area, and the high-intensity electromagnetic energy will begin to contract the muscles.
The process of muscles contracting at an extremely rapid rate is referred to as supermaximal contractions.
The intensity level with which the muscles are being contracted is set to the individual’s own tolerance, so while there will likely be some mild discomfort, it should not be too painful an experience.
The four sessions are completed within a two-week period and are recommended to be done with 2-3 days between sessions.
Results will begin to be visible within two weeks of treatment and will continue to develop steadily over time. The final, most optimal results are seen around the three-month mark.
Maintenance sessions are recommended based on the individual between 6-12 months.
Muscles can start to loosen or sag, and an individual’s lifestyle will dictate how long the results last and what maintenance appointments are required.
An active lifestyle can help maintain the results independently, so another treatment may not be required, or you may need to revisit to achieve that additional definition if desired.
Cost Of Emsculpt
Emsculpt treatments can vary in cost depending on your location, the doctor performing the treatment, and the specific area being treated.
Generally, the costs are between $750–$1,000 per session. The recommended number of sessions for treatment is four, resulting in an overall cost of approximately $3,000 to $4,000.
As with many other cosmetic procedures, you may have the option to pay for sessions individually as you schedule them or purchase a package that covers all the sessions at once.
If you are interested in Emsculpt, check with the doctor who will perform the procedure to see what payment plans are available to you.
Emsculpt Recovery Time
One of the biggest benefits of Emsculpt is the minimal downtime required for recovery.
Because Emsculpt is a non-invasive procedure, you will not have to spend an indeterminable amount of time recovering before getting back into your normal routine.
Some slight muscle soreness may be apparent after the treatment, but generally, you will be able to return to functioning as normal after your procedure.
Similar to the recovery after an intense workout, hydrating and drinking plenty of water after the Emsculpt procedure should help alleviate some of the muscle soreness.
Who Is A Good Candidate For Emsculpt?
While Emsculpt does reduce fat cells in the targeted area, it is not a weight loss procedure.
The loss of fat cells in a specific area is primarily due to the reaction of these cells to the intense muscle contractions they experience.
This treatment is not recommended for everyone.
Emsculpt is a treatment that enables you to reach the final step of your body goals and is recommended for individuals who are generally fit or active, with less generalized body fat, to ensure the treatment works effectively and yields optimal results.
What Is CoolSculpting?
CoolSculpting (also known as “cryolipolysis“) is a procedure that targets fat cells and eliminates them by freezing them to a temperature that causes them to break down.
Fat cells are more susceptible to cold temperatures, so when subjected to freezing temperatures, they are unable to withstand the cold and will begin to break down, eventually being absorbed by the body.
CoolSculpting is not a weight loss treatment, as it targets a specific area to eliminate fat cells in that area.
It can be used on several different areas of the body, but most commonly it is used on the abdomen, flanks, underneath the buttocks, thighs, and arms.
It can also be used in more targeted areas, such as under the chin or the jaw.
Benefits Of CoolSculpting
Like Emsculpt, CoolSculpting is a non-surgical, non-invasive, and FDA-approved treatment. CoolSculpting targets and eliminates unwanted fat cells.
Because the fat cells are eliminated through the procedure, they cannot return to the treated area, creating lasting effects.
This treatment also requires no downtime for recovery.
Side Effects Of CoolSculpting
There are some potential side effects associated with CoolSculpting. The most common side effects observed after treatment are redness, swelling, itchiness, and tingling.
There is also a chance of tenderness or achiness occurring, along with bruising of the treated area.
In some more severe cases, there is a risk that the opposite of the intended treatment may occur.
In less than 1% of people who have undergone CoolSculpting, a condition called “paradoxical hyperplasia” has occurred, which is characterized by an increase in fat cells that causes enlargement in the treated area.
In those who have been affected, the effects are typically seen several months after the treatment has taken place.
Coolsculpting Procedure
The CoolSculpting procedure is completed with an instrument that works like a vacuum to suction the targeted area.
This area is exposed to cold temperatures, but since only fat cells are affected by the freezing temperatures, the remaining cells remain unchanged.
During the treatment, the freezing temperatures cause the targeted area to feel numb, resulting in a procedure that can be mildly uncomfortable, but should not be painful.
Typically, treatment sessions last approximately 30 minutes; however, some sessions may be up to one hour in duration.
Depending on the targeted area, more than one treatment session may be required.
If you are undergoing CoolSculpting for a larger area, it may require multiple sessions to achieve optimal results.
However, smaller areas, such as under the chin, can often be treated in a single session.
The results of CoolSculpting can be seen as early as four weeks post-treatment.
The optimal results will be seen in about 1-4 months, as that is when the body fully processes the broken-down fat cells.
As the fat cells are killed off through the targeted cold temperatures, they will not return to the treated area.
Cost Of CoolSculpting
The costs for CoolSculpting treatments can vary depending on the provider, the targeted area, and the number of sessions required.
The national general average for CoolSculpting is about $1,500 per treatment session.
CoolSculpting Recovery Time
As previously stated, no downtime is required for recovery — generally, you can return to your normal routine immediately after treatment.
Who Is A Good Candidate For CoolSculpting?
Much like Emsculpt, CoolSculpting is not a treatment that works for everyone.
It is not intended for those seeking a weight loss treatment, but rather for individuals looking to target and reduce specific areas.
CoolSculpting is ideal for those who are already close to their fitness goals and maintain an active lifestyle.
In order for the procedure to be completed, however, there must be at least a pinch-sized amount of generalized body fat for the instrument to adhere to, in order to target the fat cells.
If you have severe medical conditions, CoolSculpting may not be a suitable treatment for you.
Overall Similarities And Differences
Emsculpt and CoolSculpting share some similarities, but overall, these are two distinct treatments designed to achieve different outcomes.
Emsculpt is a procedure that provides muscle tone and definition to a specific and targeted area, engaging and strengthening the existing muscles in the process.
CoolSculpting is designed to eliminate stubborn areas of concern by targeting and reducing the fat cells in the targeted area, helping to slim down the area.
Neither is meant to be a cure-all for weight loss, but rather to provide the necessary support to help you achieve your desired look.
Both treatments are non-surgical and non-invasive methods that are highly effective, with minimal discomfort and no downtime required for recovery.
With an active, healthy, and balanced lifestyle, results from both can be maintained; however, the results of CoolSculpting generally last slightly longer than those of Emsculpt.
As with any cosmetic treatment, side effects are possible; however, no lasting or severe side effects have been reported for Emsculpt.
Can You Do Both?
Since Emsculpt and CoolSculpting achieve two different outcomes, both procedures can be done within the same time frame.
With a focus on either muscle toning or fat cell elimination, each procedure yields a distinct result to further guide you toward your desired outcome.
CoolSculpting can initially reduce the unwanted fat cells in a specific area.
By eliminating excess fat cells and reducing the likelihood of them returning to the treated area, the muscles can be more easily targeted.
Emsculpt will then be used to tighten, tone, and strengthen the muscles in the targeted area, resulting in a more defined and sculpted appearance.
By focusing on two different aspects of those stubborn areas, you can ultimately achieve nuanced and individualized results tailored to your specific body goals.
Each of these treatments has lasting effects, and it is always recommended that you talk to your doctor(s) performing the treatments to see if you can undergo both procedures within the same timeframe.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, deciding to undergo a cosmetic treatment is based on each individual’s ideas and goals for their own appearance.
Emsculpt and CoolSculpting are two methods that have gained popularity in recent years, and both work best in conjunction with a lifestyle that supports the results.
While neither treatment is suitable for everyone, if you decide to pursue one of these treatments, be sure to research who will be providing the treatment and consult with your doctor to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure.
Neither procedure is intended to provide a total body makeover, but rather to target specific areas that require extra help to eliminate stubborn body fat or engage certain muscles to achieve that last bit of definition.
These treatments are unlikely to result in significant weight loss and may not be suitable for everyone.
With all the advancements in cosmetic treatments on the market, both Emsculpt and CoolSculpting offer targeted results for individuals and are steadily gaining popularity.
