Non-invasive body sculpting is one of the hottest cosmetic treatments available. It’s a gentle and non-scarring alternative to surgical liposuction. CoolSculpting and AirSculpt are two popular and effective body contouring procedures. But many people wonder which of the two best fits their needs. You’ll probably appreciate the results of either treatment. But one may better suit your needs and preferences than the other. Here’s what to know about CoolSculpting vs AirSculpt.
What Is CoolSculpting?
CoolSculpting is one of the most trusted and well-known body contouring treatments. It uses a cooling process called cryolipolysis to remove fat cells beneath the skin. Unlike liposuction, CoolSculpting doesn’t use scalpels or cannulas to remove unwanted fat. Instead, it freezes the fat cells to the point where they become irreparably damaged and die. This process, called apoptosis, doesn’t occur all at once. Instead, it can take weeks for the cells to die off and get broken down by the body completely.
CoolSculpting is not a one-and-done treatment option. You’ll likely need a series of several treatments to get the results you want. Fortunately, this treatment is non-invasive and causes minimal discomfort. Therefore, receiving a series of treatments isn’t a big deal for most people. Those who don’t want to go under the knife to improve their physique often turn to CoolSculpting as their treatment of choice. But before choosing between CoolSculpting vs AirSculpt, it’s necessary to know the pros and cons of each option.
What Is AirSculpt?
AirSculpt is another popular fat-reduction treatment. It’s also less invasive than traditional liposuction. However, it is still more invasive than CoolSculpting. It involves making an incision in the skin and inserting a small cannula with a laser. The laser heats up and essentially liquifies the subdermal fat to remove it through the cannula.
Patients who undergo AirSculpt treatment do not need to receive general anesthesia, though they can if they choose. Those who choose to stay awake will need to receive a local numbing agent from their provider. The numbing agent gets injected along with air into the fat layer beneath the skin. This process is how AirSculpt came to get its unique name. Since AirSculpt makes a small incision in the skin, it does leave a scar about the size of a freckle behind.
CoolSculpting vs AirSculpt: Benefits
CoolSculpting and AirSculpt are both prominent fat removal treatments. They provide patients with less invasive alternatives to traditional liposuction. Here are some of the most notable benefits associated with each treatment.
CoolSculpting Benefits
You don’t need a surgeon to provide you with CoolSculpting treatment. Aestheticians often perform the procedure. Many people appreciate that it’s easier to access and receive this treatment than surgical procedures. Here are some additional CoolSculpting benefits:
- Completely noninvasive procedure (no sutures, no stitches, and no scars)
- Clinically proven fat reduction
- Minimal side effects
- Ability to treat many different areas of the body
- FDA-cleared fat reduction method
- Natural-looking results
- Personalized treatments
- Fast treatment sessionsPermanent results (with continued healthy lifestyle choices)
Given these impressive benefits, it’s easy to see why CoolSculpting is the preferred fat reduction treatment for so many people. When comparing CoolSculpting vs AirSculpt, remember that only the former is truly a non-invasive treatment.
AirSculpt Benefits
AirSculpt is a gentler form of liposuction that doesn’t require the use of scalpels or general anesthesia. Specially trained surgeons perform it and provide results similar to traditional liposuction. Here are some of the benefits associated with this fat-reduction procedure:
- Requires less downtime than traditional liposuction
- Only leaves a freckle-sized scar behind
- Provides impressive before and after results
- Stimulates new collagen growth
- Tightens the skin
- Appropriate for a variety of treatment areas
Many patients are happy with the results of their AirSculpt treatments. The results are comparable to those obtained through traditional liposuction. However, for those who want to reduce subcutaneous fat without a single incision, CoolSculpting is the better option.
CoolSculpting vs AirSculpt: What to Expect
CoolSculpting and AirSculpt procedures are quite different. It is helpful to know what to expect from each treatment so you don’t experience any surprises during your appointment.
CoolSculpting Treatment Overview
During CoolSculpting, a trained provider will apply gel to the area they plan to treat. Then, they’ll gently move the CoolSculpting applicator across the targeted area. As the applicator cools the skin, it’s natural to feel a bit of discomfort. However, you shouldn’t feel intense pain at any point during treatment. Instead, any sensation you feel should subside as the skin becomes numb from the cold.
Some patients describe pinching sensations during treatment. Again, these sensations shouldn’t be overly painful. Most people are able to comfortably read, listen to music, or play on their phones throughout the entire treatment. After your treatment, your provider will likely gently massage the treated areas. This will help break up the frozen fat cells so your body can eliminate them more easily.
AirSculpt Treatment Overview
AirSculpt is a much different treatment process than CoolSculpting. On your treatment day, your provider may sit down and go over the treatment basics with you. Then, they’ll prep you for treatment by administering a local anesthetic and marking the treatment areas.
The next step is to make a small incision near the targeted area. Your provider will insert a very small cannula through the incision. The AirSculpt cannula is much smaller than the one used for traditional liposuction. Instead of scraping and breaking up unwanted fat with the cannula, AirSculpt uses a laser and spinning tool to liquefy the fat. Then, it’s removed through the cannula with suction. The entire procedure can take up to several hours, depending on the volume of fat and the number of treatment areas.
Side Effects of CoolSculpting vs AirSculpt
No effective cosmetic treatment comes with zero risk of side effects. However, the side effects associated with CoolSculpting and AirScupt are minimal when compared to more invasive procedures. Here’s a brief overview of some of the common and rare side effects that are possible with each treatment.
CoolSculpting Side Effects
CoolSculpting side effects are quite mild. The most common ones include:
- Localized skin irritation
- Temporary bruising
- Swelling
- Soreness
When these symptoms occur, they almost always resolve within days or weeks. In very rare cases, patients can experience paradoxical adipose hyperplasia after CoolSculpting treatment. This is a condition that causes the fat cells to get bigger instead of smaller.
AirSculpt Side Effects
Because it is more invasive than CoolSculpting, AirSculpt does have a longer list of potential side effects. They include:
- Localized bruising
- Treatment site discomfort
- Swelling
- Post-operative bleeding
- Scarring
Rarely, AirSculpt may also cause nerve damage. This could lead to tingling, numbness, or potential paralysis in the treated area.
How Much Does CoolSculpting vs AirSculpt Cost?
The cost of any aesthetic procedure can vary based on treatment location, provider, and treatment area. However, the average cost of a CoolSculpting treatment is around $3,200.
The average cost of an AirSculpt treatment is around $11,625. That’s significantly more than CoolSculpting. When comparing these two treatments, price will likely be an essential decision-making factor for most people.
How to Prepare for Your CoolSculpting Appointment
When preparing for your CoolSculpting appointment, wear comfortable clothing. You’ll take them off for treatment but will be glad you have them afterward. Increase your water intake in the days leading up to your appointment. When your skin is hydrated, it will respond better to treatment. Hydrated skin is also less likely to swell and bruise.
Try to avoid working out on the day of your appointment. If you must work out, do it after the procedure. Working out beforehand will heat your body tissues. If your body is warm, it will be harder for the CoolSculpting device to cool the targeted areas.
Most importantly, have realistic expectations regarding your CoolSculpting results. Keep in mind that this is not a weight loss treatment. It is a body sculpting treatment. Don’t expect to see much of a difference on the scale. The most notable result will be a smoother, more shapely physique a few weeks after treatment.
Who’s a Good Candidate for CoolSculpting?
So you’ve decided that CoolSculpting is the better option after comparing the pros and cons of CoolSculpting vs AirSculpt. But now you’re probably wondering if you’re a good candidate for this gentle body contouring procedure. You’re probably a great candidate if you’re within 15 pounds of your ideal body weight. Most people who receive this treatment only have a few stubborn fat pockets here and there.
This treatment is not ideal for very overweight patients with a lot of excess fat. Remember, it’s not weight loss treatment. It delivers the best results to people who only have a little bit of extra fat but can’t lose it through diet and exercise.
Reduce Fat With CoolSculpting Treatment
If you’re close to your goal weight but can’t seem to get rid of certain fat bulges, CoolSculpting can help. Receive America’s preferred treatment for non-invasive body contouring and see the results for yourself. Contact Spa West at 440-517-5228 to schedule your obligation-free consultation.
