A Comparison between Emerald Laser^™ and Coolsculpting

Laser Therapy vs Fat Freezing

Comparison of two non-invasive fat reduction treatments based on session length, treatment type, pre/post expectations, results, and cost. Both require no preparation. One may cause tingling and potential bruising (source: CoolSculpting) with results in 2-4 months, while the other is pain-free with results in a few weeks. Costs range from $1300 per session to $1500 for a full package.

What is Emerald Laser?

Emerald Laser is a low-level laser therapy (LLLT). It’s most commonly spoken of in relation to acne treatment or pain relief. The technology was officially FDA cleared for fat reduction services in 2010.

A laser is shined through your skin toward the targeted area. This laser weight loss technique is also known as “cold” therapy because the laser is at an intensity that won’t harm the fat cells. The goal is to induce a reaction in the cells, not to kill them. This type of laser functions totally differently from lasers designed to kill tumors, for example.

When the fat cells react to the light, they develop small, pore-like openings. The fatty liquid inside the cells seep out, leaving the cell empty. Because a cell shrinks once it is empty, the target area shrinks as well. The fatty liquid leaves the body naturally.

Laser lipo can be confused with radiofrequency lipolysis. While laser fat loss deliberately preserves the integrity of the tissue, radiofrequency lipolysis uses heat to intentionally kill cells.

Similarly, don’t confuse this laser fat loss procedure with ultrasonic liposuction. Also called ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL), it uses ultrasonic waves to obliterate fat cells. The surgeon uses a cannula to suck up the liquefied mass. The process parallels regular liposuction, only the substance is easier to suck out because it’s less solid. UAL is an invasive surgery, quite different from laser treatment for weight loss in terms of increased recovery time, side effects, and risks.

What is CoolSculpting?

While Emerald Laser is a “cold” therapy, CoolSculpting is actually cold! This non-invasive cosmetic procedure is also called cryolipolysis, or the “fat freezing” method.

CoolSculpting cools the targeted area so much that fat cells break down and die. Because fat cells are more sensitive to cold than other cells are, the procedure can target them without damaging the whole area.

Those dead, frozen cells need to be processed by the body. Exercise and drinking plenty of water stimulate this crucial expulsion step, which can take 4 – 6 weeks.

How Safe are these Fat Loss Treatments?

Because both Emerald Laser and CoolSculpting are non-invasive procedures, they are significantly safer than many other fat removal treatment options. It comes without the risks associated with surgery such as risk of infection, scarring, nerve damage, etc., and without the pain of recovery and its side effects.

Laser weight loss does use lasers, but this technology is incredibly safe and effective. With the advances in technology, it’s easy to target pockets of fat with laser lipo machines.

Is Laser Liposuction Safe?

Emerald Laser uses 532 nm (nanometer) green lasers developed by Erchonia. 532 nm is the same intensity used in commercial items, and it is the brightest laser available to humans. It appears 88% as bright as 555 nm, the maximum level, which the human eye cannot handle. While you should never shine a light directly into your eyes, when a 532 nm laser is operated for its intended use, it is completely safe and FDA-cleared. A key study on laser liposuction found that the intensity of laser light plays a crucial role in the breakdown of fat cells (adipocytes). Dr. Neira’s research highlighted that lower energy output from laser devices is more effective in triggering the desired biological response compared to higher-intensity lasers.

Safety Concerns over CoolSculpting

Because CoolSculpting isn’t a laser treatment, light levels aren’t a concern. CoolSculpting’s safety issues center on the fact that the procedure deliberately kills cells, which can compromise tissue and metabolic function.

How Does Each Body Contouring Procedure Work?

What to Expect at an Emerald Laser Session

You will lie on a table for about 30 minutes; ten of Erchonia’s 532 nm green lasers will be pointed at all the parts of your body you want to target. And it’s that simple! Just come back for a total of six treatments.

What to Expect When You Get CoolSculpting

The facility will first assess the spot you want to treat. Then they’ll choose the size and shape of suction best suited for that spot, which will be placed on your body. The equipment will suck up your skin like a vacuum would. This causes your skin to lay flat against cooling instruments that will cool the target area for up to an hour.

You may come back for another session if you desire further results.

Are These Fat Loss Procedures Painful?

Does Emerald Laser Hurt?

Laser fat loss causes no pain or discomfort.

Pain or Discomfort from CoolSculpting

When the vacuum pulls on your skin, you will feel some tugging or pinching that can be bothersome, depending on your pain tolerance. The feeling should subside after a few minutes when the cooling panels will have sufficiently numbed the area. Patients report tingling, stinging, aching, and cramping sensations.

What are the Side Effects of Fat Removal Treatment?

Side Effects and Downtime for Emerald Laser Fat Loss

No preparation is required, and there are no side effects. You can go on with your day as soon as the session is over.

Side Effects and Downtime for CoolSculpting

Nothing is required in preparation for CoolSculpting, but after the session you will likely experience bruising or soreness that should clear in a matter of hours. Despite the minimal downtime, some side effects are noticeable.

Further, it is possible that your results will be lopsided. While both sides of your body will be treated equally, there’s no way to guarantee that each side will have the same exact reaction to fat freezing.

Studies show that 1% of patients experienced an increase in fat cells. This happens more in men than in women, mostly of Hispanic or Latino descent.

There is also a rare chance the treatment area will grow. This will be noticeable two to five months after the procedure. This enlargement would need to be surgically removed.

What Sort of Results Can You Expect?

Emerald Laser Results

Results are noticeable after a few treatments. You’ll see it happening as you continue to come in for your prescribed number of sessions. According to Dr. William Blackshear, MD of Prescription Weight Loss Clinic, “Patients love the reduction in inches with no pain, scarring, or downtime!”

Harvard conducted a placebo-controlled, randomized clinical investigation on Erchonia lasers with a study group of 67 people. The participants who didn’t receive a placebo treatment lost an average of 3.51 inches in their waist, hips, and thighs in two weeks.

Participants didn’t change their diet or exercise during the study. The fact that the results stand on their own is compelling. Our own clinical trial saw clients lose an average of 5.9 inches over four weeks.

CoolSculpting Results

Cryolipolysis produces significant results as well. A study showed a 23% reduction of fat in one treatment. However, results don’t appear immediately. The body needs to first eliminate the dead fats cells. This will typically take two to four months.

Who is the Right Candidate for Fat Loss Procedures?

The Ideal Candidate for Emerald Laser

Laser lipo by Emerald Laser is the only laser treatment for weight loss cleared for full-body treatment. It’s also the only treatment cleared for people that have a body mass index over 30. Additionally, it doesn’t necessarily require exercise or dieting. Emerald Laser is available to anybody, at any size or level of fitness.

The Ideal Candidate for CoolSculpting

CoolSculpting is more limited in its reach. It’s best for people who are close to their target weight and is FDA cleared for nine specific areas: abdomen, flank, under the buttocks, thigh, upper arm, back fat, bra line, under the chin, and under the jawline.

It isn’t a weight loss option; it’s a purely body contouring procedure targeting lifestyle-resistant stores of fat on otherwise fit individuals. Because CoolSculpting equipment involves a vacuum, it won’t work for people who have saggy skin or aren’t somewhat toned.

Finally, CoolSculpting is not available to people who have cold-related medical conditions.

Costs of Non-invasive Fat Reduction

How Much Does an Emerald Laser Treatment Cost?

A full laser weight loss treatment package starts at $1,500.

How Much Does CoolSculpting Cost?

One session of CoolSculpting will cost about $1,300, but it’s possible you’ll want more than one session. Also, while side effects are rare, you may consider the cost of possible follow-up doctor visits and prescriptions.

Choose the Right Body Contouring Procedure for You

Emerald Laser and CoolSculpting have a lot of similarities — both are non-invasive, which means that they won’t require preparation or anesthesia.

Neither is terribly painful, but CoolSculpting is uncomfortable. Additionally, post-treatment irritation for CoolSculpting is possible, as well as rare but possible side effects that may amplify this discomfort, even leading to surgery in the worst cases.

Cost is comparable initially, but you may want to schedule a follow-up session with CoolSculpting, while Emerald Laser offers a package deal of several sessions.

Both Emerald Laser and CoolSculpting are FDA cleared as a safe procedure. However, while laser treatment for weight loss works to preserve cell and tissue integrity, cryolipolysis kills cells intentionally.

The starkest difference between the two techniques is who can take advantage of them. There are no limits to who can try laser treatment for weight loss. CoolSculpting, on the other hand, requires that patients be close to their goal weight, have some tone, and not have any cold temperature-related issues.

Laser fat loss with Emerald Laser is an accessible, risk-free, and low-hassle choice. If you’re ready to give it a try, find an Emerald Laser provider near you.