If you have excess back fat, you probably already know how difficult it can be to lose it using diet and exercise. Backfat can be the consequence of lifestyle, but age, gender, and genetics can play a significant role in whether or not you have backfat.
There are several medical ways to remove backfat. Some are invasive, like liposuction, while others are non-invasive. The focus of this article is on two non-invasive processes: laser fat reduction (laser lipolysis) and CoolSculpting (cryolipolysis).
Key Differences Between Laser and CoolSculpting
Laser fat removal and CoolSculpting have the same objective, but they take entirely different approaches to achieve these aims.
How CoolSculpting Freezes Away Fat
CoolSculpting is the registered trademark for a company that uses a particular type of cryolipolysis, which is a technique that uses cold temperatures to freeze fat cells to death. Fat cells are particularly delicate and are easily damaged by the cold — unlike the skin and muscle under the skin.
The technician will place an applicator to the area of concern. In this case, the fatty area of the back. The applicator will suck the skin and fat into it while the temperature of the applicator drops. The process lasts for a few minutes per treatment area, and if all goes well, the fat cells are destroyed.
CoolSculpting® is considered safe for most patients and has received FDA approval.
How Laser Treatment Targets Back Fat
Emerald Laser is a particular type of fat-reduction laser manufactured and distributed by Erchonia — a pioneer in the laser fat removal industry. Erchonia was the first company to receive FDA market approval for an earlier version of their fat reduction laser, and Emerald is the only laser lipolysis system that’s approved for individuals with a BMI over 30.
Fat reduction lasers fall into two categories: hot and cool. Like CoolSculpting®, hot lasers destroy fat cells. Emerald is a cool laser that effectively eliminates fat without destroying fat cells. This is part of the system’s design since destroying fat cells can potentially lead to paradoxical fat hyperplasia, which redistributes new fat to other areas of the body, including around the vital organs.
Recovery and Side Effects: Laser vs. CoolSculpting
The good news is that whether you choose laser fat removal or CoolSculpting, you are not looking for a lengthy recovery time. Because both techniques are non-invasive, the recovery time is minimal. Here’s how they stack up against one another.
Recovery Time for CoolSculpting
Most people can resume normal daily activity after their treatments. However, they may experience discomfort due to skin irritation and bruising. There is usually no medical reason to avoid strenuous exercise, but some patients don’t feel comfortable enough to resume heavy activity.
What to Expect Post-Laser Treatment
Emerald Laser is painless and produces no side effects. Patients can resume full physical activity as soon as they leave their provider. Unlike CoolScuplting, there is no bruising. So, if you want to wear a bathing suit or a backless dress after treatment, you should have no issue.
Cost and Value: Comparing Treatment Prices
One of the main reasons that people choose non-invasive techniques to lose back fat is that they can avoid the expensive cost of surgery and the lengthy recovery period. Whether you choose laser lipolysis or cryolipolysis, you can avoid the incisions, scars, anesthesia, and missing several days of work.
Factors that Influence the Cost of Laser Treatment
For most people seeking back fat removal, Emerald Laser recommends a six-session package. The actual cost of treatment varies depending on the provider and regional market prices, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $2,500 to $4,000. Most providers offer financing options with affordable payments.
CoolSculpting Costs Explained
Like Emerald Laser, CoolScupting costs for back fat removal are largely based on regional prices. The price range for CoolSculpting is similar to Emerald Laser, starting at about $2,000 and capping at $4,000.
Because of the similarities in pricing, most people don’t use cost as a determining factor when deciding between CoolSculpting and Emerald Laser.
Effectiveness and Long-Term Results
Both of these fat reduction techniques can produce results, but in order to keep the fat off, patients will have to avoid habits that will cause them to gain weight. In other words, laser lipolysis and cryolipolysis can assist you with losing fat, but they won’t prevent you from gaining weight.
Laser Fat Removal Effectiveness
Emerald Laser has published multiple double-blind studies showing the effectiveness of laser fat removal. These studies divided a population of individuals into two groups: a test group who received Emerald Laser treatments and a control group who received artificial treatments without knowing it. In all studies, the group who received Emerald Laser treatments lost fat.
CoolSculpting Effectiveness
CoolSculpting can also boast studies about its effectiveness. One study concluded, “This study showed that multiple cycles/sessions of CoolSculpting can safely improve overall treatment benefit in body contouring. Decreases in skinfold thickness were greater than has typically been observed in previous studies, and rates of patient satisfaction were also high.” However, only a small percentage of the patients received treatments in the upper or lower back. This study went on to say, “Cryolipolysis may offer a nonsurgical alternative to traditional liposuction in many instances. This approach warrants further study in controlled trials.”
Which Treatment Provides More Lasting Results?
While both treatments require a good personal care regimen to maintain or build upon results, there is a difference in the way these non-invasive processes can affect your body if you gain weight.
Emerald Laser lipolysis does not destroy fat cells. This means that if you regain weight, it will be proportionately distributed in a natural way. CoolSculpting kills fat cells. If you build back fat, it may unevenly distribute to other places (i.e., the abdomen, hips, shoulders, love handles, etc.
Comparing Emerald Laser to CoolScupting
This chart compares the two treatments using multiple criteria. If you are considering one of these procedures, you should schedule a consultation with a provider.
For laser lipolysis, contact an Emerald Laser provider near you today.
