When you eat healthily and train hard, it can be very frustrating to find that there’s one particular area of your body that you just can’t sculpt. Whilst traditional fat reduction procedures such as liposuction can be intimidating, there are an array of non-invasive treatments available to help you target those problem areas. CoolSculpting and Cryotherapy are two of the most popular fat reduction treatments on the market today. Both are FDA approved. They use cold temperatures to manipulate fat and muscle cells to achieve a tighter and more toned look, but which one is right for you? Let’s take a look at CoolSculpting vs Cryotherapy to help you make the best decision for you. 

CoolSculpting 

How Does It Work? 

CoolSculpting quite literally freezes fat cells. When you lose weight through diet and exercise, your fat cells shrink but they don’t disappear. However, CoolSculpting destroys them once and for all. After the procedure, patients generally see a 20-25% reduction in the targeted areas.

It’s important to note that you probably won’t see much change in the number on the scale after a CoolSculpting procedure. This treatment can’t replace diet and exercise, but it’s a good way to fine-tune your body when you’re already at a healthy and sustainable weight.

The Procedure

CoolSculpting only requires one treatment. The fat from the targeted area is placed in a chamber and frozen to destroy the fat cells. However, you won’t see instant results. It takes a while for your body to flush the dead fat cells out of your system and results continue to improve for up to six months. Drinking plenty of water and massaging the treated areas can help to achieve results a little sooner.

The procedure is not painful but it can be uncomfortable. It lasts from 1-3 hours so bring a book or tablet to keep you entertained. 

Aftercare

There’s no downtime after a CoolSculpting procedure and you can drive yourself home the very same day. However, you may experience bruising, stinging, swelling and tenderness for a few days. Be sure to wear loose, comfy clothing – no tight jeans or body con dresses! 

Over-the-counter pain medication such as Paracetamol should be sufficient to deal with the after-effects of CoolSculpting, and I’d recommend avoiding alcohol and strenuous exercise for a few days. 

Results

The results of CoolSculpting are indefinite, although the fat cells may return if you gain weight, so it’s important to stick to a healthy diet and exercise regularly. With that being said, one study followed CoolSculpting patients for several years after the procedure. Even as their weight fluctuated, the areas which had been targeted with the treatment remained significantly leaner than other areas of the body. 

Cryoskin

How Does It Work? 

Cryoskin is actually an umbrella term for multiple types of treatments. Cryoskin works by alternating hot and cold temperatures to destroy fat cells. It’s a painless treatment and that uses a wand to glide over the target areas. 

The three main types of Cryoskin treatments are:

• CryoSlimming, which is aimed at fat loss 
• CryToning, which reduces cellulite and signs of ageing 
• Cryoskin facials, which help to firm and tighten the face 

The Procedure

The procedure lasts around 30 minutes and 3-5 sessions are generally recommended for maximum results, with a 2-3 week break between each one. In terms of CoolSculpting vs Cryoskin, the latter is the more affordable option but it’s also more time consuming as it requires multiple appointments.

Aftercare

As with CoolSculpting, there is no downtime after a Cryoskin procedure. It’s best to avoid eating 3 hours before and after the treatment, and you should take extra care to stay hydrated for the next few days. Don’t exercise the day before or after a session and avoid saunas and tanning beds for 72 hours afterwards.

Results

It takes around two weeks for fat cells to pass through the lymphatic system and be released from the body, so you won’t see results straight away. This is why there needs to be at least a two week gap between treatments. The results of Cryoskin will improve over time. 

There is not much difference in the side-effects of CoolSculpting vs Cryoskin – as with the former procedure, you may experience stinging, tenderness and swelling after the treatment. 

CoolSculpting vs Cryoskin: Which is Best?

CoolSculpting involves more discomfort than Cryoskin and is also significantly more expensive. However, it is also far more convenient as it can be done in a single session. Cryoskin is more comfortable and affordable, but requires 3-5 appointments and so provides more of a drain on your time. Ultimately, the right procedure for you depends on your lifestyle and specific aesthetic goals. 

For more on non-invasive beauty treatments, check out the top 5 skin tightening treatments or this guide to caring for your face after a chemical peel.