Laser lipo vs CoolSculpting for stubborn love handle fat

Laser Lipo vs. CoolSculpting: Which Is Right for You?

There are countless websites that try to explain weight loss and body contouring options, but it can be hard to know where to start. Diet and exercise help, yet stubborn fat often remains, and surgical liposuction comes with risks and recovery time. Emerald Laser and CoolSculpting are both popular non-invasive laser fat loss and fat reduction options, and the team at Laser Body Renewal has put together this side-by-side comparison to help you decide which approach fits your body and goals.

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What Is Emerald Laser?

Emerald Laser is the latest FDA market-cleared full body fat loss treatment, allowing clients to target areas of stubborn fat while reducing overall body circumference. It is the only device of its kind cleared to treat people with a BMI of up to 40. Applied externally, the laser uses cold laser technology developed by Erchonia to release fat from fat cells, which your body then naturally eliminates. Learn more about the science on our laser technology page.

Emerald Laser offers an alternative to surgery and other fat reduction procedures such as liposuction, cryolipolysis (fat freezing), and body wraps, without their associated side effects.

What Is CoolSculpting?

CoolSculpting uses cryolipolysis, a controlled cooling process that freezes and destroys fat cells in specific areas. It is non-surgical, but each applicator treats a limited area, sessions often last about an hour, and some patients experience cramping, aching, bruising, or uneven results. It is generally best suited to fit individuals with small pockets of lifestyle-resistant fat.

Laser Lipo vs. Fat Freezing at a Glance

Features CoolSculpting Laser Lipo (ie: Emerald Laser)
Time of each session 1 hour 30 min
Type of treatment Non-invasive Non-invasive
What to expect before No preparation No preparation
What to expect during May cause tingling, stinging, aching & cramping sensations No pain or discomfort
What to expect after Possible bruising or soreness & possibility of lopsided results No downtime/no side effects
Results Results typically take 2-4 months Noticeable results after a few treatments or a few weeks
FDA cleared treatment areas Only FDA-cleared for abdomen, flank, under the buttocks, thigh, upper arm, back fat, bra line, under the chin & under the jawline FDA-cleared full body treatment
Ideal candidates Targets lifestyle-resistant stores of fat on otherwise fit individuals, doesn’t target saggy skin or areas that aren’t somewhat toned No exercise or dieting required & available for anybody at any size or level of fitness
Costs One session/section cost about $1300 and can take up to 4-6 sessions Multi-session treatment packages start at $3,000

Key Differences to Consider

  • Comfort: Emerald Laser is painless, while fat freezing can cause stinging, cramping, and soreness.
  • Treatment areas: Emerald Laser is cleared as a full body treatment, while CoolSculpting is cleared only for specific areas.
  • Candidates: Emerald Laser works for people of nearly any size or fitness level up to a BMI of 40, without dieting or exercise requirements.
  • Results: Laser clients often notice changes within a few weeks, while fat freezing results typically take two to four months.
  • Value: Emerald Laser packages start at $3,000 and lower the cost per session, with financing options available.

For spot reduction in people with a BMI of 30 or less, we also offer UltraSlim red light therapy. See real outcomes on our before and after page.

Laser Lipo vs. CoolSculpting FAQs

Is laser lipo better than CoolSculpting?

For many clients, yes. Emerald Laser is painless, has no downtime, treats the full body, and works for people with a BMI up to 40, while CoolSculpting is limited to specific areas and can cause discomfort or uneven results.

Does laser lipo hurt like CoolSculpting?

No. Emerald Laser causes no pain or discomfort, while CoolSculpting may cause tingling, stinging, aching, and cramping during treatment.

Which treatment works faster?

Laser lipo clients often notice results after a few sessions or a few weeks, while CoolSculpting results typically take two to four months to appear.

Can laser lipo treat the whole body?

Yes. Emerald Laser is FDA-cleared as a full body treatment, while CoolSculpting is cleared only for certain areas such as the abdomen, flanks, thighs, and under the chin.

Do I need to diet or exercise for laser lipo to work?

No dieting or exercise is required for Emerald Laser to work, although healthy habits help you maintain your results long term.

How much does laser lipo cost compared to CoolSculpting?

CoolSculpting typically costs about $1,300 per area per session and may require four to six sessions. Emerald Laser packages start at $3,000 for 10 sessions.

Are there side effects with laser lipo?

Emerald Laser has no downtime and no common side effects, while CoolSculpting can cause bruising, soreness, and in some cases lopsided results.