SculpSure v. CoolSculpting: The Similarities, Differences and Why We Offer Both
by Chelsea Hagopian, MSN, AGACNP-BC
There has been a lot of buzz surrounding the launch of the SculpSure system for non-invasive body contouring, and we couldn’t be more excited to be one of the first sites in the country to offer the latest advancement in non-invasive fat reduction/non-invasive body contouring: SculpSure. Since the integration of the system at our practice, the most frequently asked questions regarding SculpSure largely stem from comparisons to CoolSculpting.
CoolSculpting was the first truly promising technology in non-invasive fat reduction/non-invasive body contouring to hit the market, and the subsequent response has been overwhelmingly positive. With much thanks to the phenomenal advertising support from Zeltiq, as well as the consistent delivery of excellent results, CoolSculpting has quickly become a household term to be used synonymously with non-invasive fat reduction. Why then is there the need for another technology? Why bother? Furthermore, why would a practice offer both modalities?
The answers are surprisingly simple.
While this post does not go into specifications of the technologies, as this information is readily available on our website SculpSure page (click here), this entry does seek to provide an overview of the main similarities, differences and why our practice will continue to offer both SculpSure and CoolSculpting.
Similarities
CoolSculpting and SculpSure are intended for the treatment of unwanted, stubborn fat that is resistant to diet and exercise in individuals within 10-20 lbs. of their ideal weight and that have realistic expectations (as neither will produce as dramatic of a result as surgery). Both devices offer approximately 20-25% reduction in the layer of fat cells in the treated area, have limited risk, minimal downtime and similar timeframe to see results. Additionally, both generally require two treatments to an area to achieve optimal results.
Differences
Treatment Delivery
Time to treat is 25-minutes with SculpSure and, average, 60-minutes with CoolSculpting. CoolSculpting utilizes a suction-based applicator system to deliver controlled cooling, while SculpSure administers a targeted laser (heat-based) via flat applicator heads secured in an easy-to-use belt system.
FDA-Approved Treatment Areas
CoolSculpting has FDA-approval for treatment of the abdomen, flanks (love handles), inner and outer thighs, and sub mental fat. SculpSure is FDA-approved for treatment of the abdomen and flanks. Both can be used off-label, when clinically appropriate, for treatment of other areas.
Treatment Zone
CoolSculpting treats only the area within the applicator, which makes this device an excellent selection for treating an undesirable bulge. On the flip side, SculpSure offers an additional 5-cm spread from where the applicator is placed; making this very well suited for fine tuning results after aforementioned bulge has been addressed.
Clinical Assessment
CoolSculpting is intended for individuals with stubborn, pinch-able fat that is resistant to diet and exercise. The key word here is “pinch-able.” The technology works by delivering controlled cooling via two cooling panel that reside within the suction applicator (with the one exception of the outer thigh). The amount of pinchable fat required to deliver a successful treatment is often more than most appreciate prior to coming in for a consultation. The obvious question to follow is why does it matter? Well, if there is not a sufficient amount of tissue drawn, the degree of contact with the cooling panels will be reduced, and the resulting treatment will be less successful, or not successful at all. This comes into play in both the initial clinical assessment, as well as the follow-up evaluation for additional treatment requirements. For example, if, initially, a patient was an ideal CoolSculpting candidate and observed a great outcome, the same person may not be an ideal CoolSculpting candidate for their second treatment (if a second treatment is indicated and desired) based on the reduced size of the treatment area and, thus, reduced amount of tissue drawn into the applicator.
Why is this important? You want a good result!
For the individual without sufficient “pinchable” fat, SculpSure is here to meet your needs! Whether utilized as an alternative, or adjunct, to CoolSculpting, its’ flat applicator system, with the additional 5-cm spread of treatment zone, is easily customizable to address your individual concerns.
Why We Offer Both
You can probably answer this question by now. Quite simply, SculpSure and CoolSculpting offer subtle, yet crucial, differences in their method of tackling the art of non-invasive fat reduction and are often used as a complement treatment to one another. SculpSure successfully identified the deficits in CoolSculpting and filled the gaps brilliantly.
Big picture – SculpSure and CoolSculpting are effective solutions for non-invasive fat reduction when used appropriately.
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