CALL
EMAIL
Nicole Schrader, MD, FACS
609-279-0009
Follow us
Get Started
  • About
    • Meet the Doctor
    • Samantha Berry, RN
    • Clai Araya, RN
    • Danielle Costa
    • Meet the Staff
  • Procedures
    • Plastic Surgery
      • Facelift and Minifacelift
      • Rhinoplasty
      • Revision Rhinoplasty
      • Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
      • Facial Fat Grafting
      • Chin Surgery
      • Buccal Fat Removal
      • Brow lift
      • Ear Surgery
      • Neck Rejuvenation
      • Reconstructive Surgery
      • Facial Liposuction
      • Scar Revision
      • Upper Lip Lift
    • Non Surgical
      • Injectables
        • Botox®
        • Jeuveau Newtox
        • Juvederm
        • Kybella
        • Non-Surgical Under Eye Lift with Filler
        • Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty
        • Radiesse
        • Restylane
        • Silhouette InstaLift
        • Volbella
        • Versa Lip Filler
        • Voluma
      • Skin Care
        • Skin Care Products
        • Facials
        • Latisse
        • Microblading
        • Novalash Eyelash Extensions
        • Peels & Microdermabrasion
        • EMSculpt
        • SkinPen Microneedling
      • Laser
        • Laser Resurfacing
        • Laser Hair Removal
        • Laser IPL
        • Laser Profaxil
  • Specials
  • Reviews
  • Videos
  • Photos
  • Locations
    • Princeton
    • Robbinsville
    • Voorhees
  • For Patients
    • Medical Forms
    • Insurance Participation
    • COVID-19 FAQs

Emsculpt vs. Coolsculpting: Which Body Contouring Treatment is Right for You?

Understanding Emsculpt and Coolsculpting: How They Work

Using high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) technology, Emsculpt is a non-invasive treatment meant to induce muscular contraction in specified locations. These contractions tone muscles and help them to develop, therefore producing a more sculpted look. For those wishing to enhance their muscle definition and strength without resorting to intrusive surgery or significant downtime, the operation is pain-free and requires no recovery time.

During the treatment, patients may feel a mild tugging sensation, followed by cold temperatures
Coolsculpting involves placing a cooling applicator on the targeted area, which uses controlled cooling to freeze and eliminate fat cells

On the other side, coolsculpting uses cryolipolysis technology to target fat removal. Applying freezing temperatures to specific bodily parts causes the fat cells to freeze and finally die. The body naturally removes these dead fat cells over time, which gives one a more curved look. Coolsculpting is a non-invasive procedure with less downtime and pain, much like Emsculpt is.

Emsculpt vs. Coolsculpting: The Key Differences

While both Emsculpt and Coolsculpting are non-surgical body contouring treatments, they differ in their primary goals and the technologies they employ. Coolsculpting mostly aims to remove fat, which is accomplished by freezing and destroying fat cells using cryolipolysis technique. Conversely, Emsculpt uses HIFEM technology to induce muscle contractions, therefore targeting muscle development and toning.

One additional key difference between Coolsculpting and Emsculpt is the areas of the body that they are each best suited for. Coolsculpting is effective in treating pinchable areas of fat, such as the abdomen, flanks, and thighs. Emsculpt is indicated for muscle toning and strengthening in areas like the abs, buttocks, thighs, and upper arms.

In addition, the results of each treatment can vary in terms of longevity and maintenance. The effects of Coolsculpting become apparent in as little as a few weeks, and with continued good habits, they may last a lifetime. Results from Emsculpt can be seen as soon as a few days after treatment, but you’ll need to come back for touch-ups every three to six months to keep them looking good.

Which Areas of the Body Each Treatment Is Best Suited For

As previously stated, Coolsculpting is an excellent treatment for persistent fat deposits in the belly, flanks, and thighs. It can also be used to treat smaller regions such as the double chin, bra bulge, and banana roll (the area beneath the buttocks).

On the other hand, Emsculpt is best suited for areas like the abs, upper arms, calves, thighs, and buttocks.

Emsculpt uses HIFEM technology to create muscle contractions and improve muscle definition, while Coolsculpting uses cryolipolysis to freeze fat cells and reduce fat in the treatment area
Emsculpt and Coolsculpting are non-invasive procedures with minimal recovery time, making them attractive options

The Best Candidates for Emsculpt and Coolsculpting

Emsculpt is best for active, healthy people who wish to improve muscular tone and definition. Emsculpt cannot replace regular exercise and may not be good for high-fat people. It works well for people close to their optimum weight who want to build muscle.

Coolsculpting, on the other hand, is best suited for individuals who are close to their ideal weight but struggle with fat bulges that do not respond to diet and exercise. It is not intended for significant weight loss or as a substitute for a healthy lifestyle.

What to Expect During and After Each Treatment

Emsculpt uses a paddle-like applicator to transmit electromagnetic radiation to contract muscles. The 30-minute treatment may seem like a hard exercise. After the operation, patients may suffer moderate muscle discomfort like post-workout aches without downtime.

Placing a cooling applicator on the desired area, coolsculpting uses regulated chilling to freeze and destroy fat cells. Usually lasting between 35 and 60 minutes, the treatment causes a minor tugging sensation for the patients before frigid temperatures. After the surgery, there is little downtime; typical side effects are redness, swelling, and temporary numbness.

Results from Emsculpt treatments are usually visible within a couple of weeks, with continued improvement over time. To maintain results, follow-up treatments are recommended every 3-6 months. Coolsculpting results become visible within a few weeks after treatment, with the most significant changes occurring within 1-3 months. Results can be permanent if a healthy lifestyle is maintained.

The Cost of Emsculpt vs. Coolsculpting

Various factors can cause the cost of Coolsculpting and Emsculpt treatments to differ, such as the provider’s location, the number of required sessions, and the specific area being treated.

Usually costing per session, Emsculpt treatments allow patients to get best results by means of a series of treatments. Conversely, Coolsculpting treatments are sometimes cost-per-area, therefore the total cost depends on the number of treatment cycles needed to reach the intended result.

It’s essential to consult with a board-certified provider to determine the exact cost, as it may depend on the details of the procedure.

Schrader Plastic Surgery Staff
Schrader Plastic Surgery

Trust your face to a specialist

My Goal is to create Harmony, Balance & true Beauty

START YOUR JOURNEY

Choosing the Right Treatment for Your Body Goals

Considering your specific body goals and the areas you want to target is essential when deciding between Emsculpt and Coolsculpting. If your primary goal is fat reduction, Coolsculpting may be the more suitable option for you. However, if muscle toning and strengthening are your main objectives, Emsculpt may be the better choice.

Consulting with a board-certified provider who can assess your individual needs is ultimately the best way to determine which treatment is right for you.

Which Treatment is Best for Fat Reduction?

The more effective fat reduction treatment is Coolsculpting. This non-invasive treatment freezes undesirable fat cells to break down and be processed by the body utilizing cryolipolysis technology. The technique is ideal for stubborn fat. Treatment improvements are noticeable within weeks and might be permanent if a healthy lifestyle is maintained.

Although Emsculpt does provide some fat reduction benefits, it is not as effective as Coolsculpting for this specific goal.

Which Treatment is Best for Muscle Toning?

If your main goals are to tone and strengthen your muscles, Emsculpt is the better pick. The cutting edge treatment uses high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) technology to make muscles tighten strongly, which builds muscle mass and improves muscle tone. Some of the best places to use Emsculpt are on the upper arms, legs, abdomen, and thighs.

While Coolsculpting is primarily focused on fat reduction, it does not specifically target muscle tone or strength. Therefore, if achieving a more toned appearance is your primary goal, Emsculpt is the more suitable treatment option.

Request a Consultation

The best treatment for you depends on your specific body goals and the areas you want to target. If fat reduction is your primary objective, Coolsculpting is the more effective option. However, if muscle toning and strengthening are your main goals, Emsculpt is the better choice. Consult with a double-board-certified surgeon like Dr. Schrader to discuss your individual goals and develop a personalized treatment plan that aligns with your desired outcomes. To request your consultation, please call 609-279-0009.

Staff

Schedule a Consultation

  • By submitting this form I agree to the Terms of Use
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Top Procedures

  • Plastic Surgery
  • Facelift
  • Rhinoplasty
  • Blepharoplasty
  • Botox

Other Links

  • Contact Us
  • Medical Forms
  • Insurance Participation
  • HIPAA Privacy Policy
  • Privacy Policy

Locations

Princeton
256 Bunn Drive, Suite B
Princeton NJ 08540 US

609-279-0009
Ask for reviews

Robbinsville
1 Union Street #206
Robbinsville, NJ 08691

609-436-5740
Ask for reviews

Voorhees
1001 Sheppard Road
Voorhees Township, NJ 08043
856-772-1617
Ask for reviews

Newsletter

  • By submitting this form I agree to the Terms of Use

RealSelf
© 2025. Schrader Plastic Surgery. All rights reserved.
Sitemap | Terms | Privacy | HIPAA
The Rhinoplasty Center | Penn Medicine Becker ENT | Rhinoplasty Archive | Lozada Facial Plastic Surgery | Becker Plastic Surgery (opens in a new tab) | Rejuvenation Resource (opens in a new tab) | Kam Facial Plastic Surgery(opens in a new tab) | Anni Wong MD Facial Plastic Surgery(opens in a new tab) | Yamasaki Facial Plastic Surgery(opens in a new tab)