CoolSculpting vs. truSculpt® iD: Which One Is Better & Why?

The process of losing weight or maintaining a healthy body weight are ongoing challenges that are frustrating for many of us. 

Each day, we struggle to eat right, drink enough water, get enough exercise, and practice self-care and a healthy lifestyle. Still, inevitably the "magic number" on the scale we are trying to achieve continues to remain elusive. 

There are many risks to plastic surgery, and many people are not eligible candidates for the process. 

CoolSculpt vs. truSculpt: The Table of Stats

Let's take a look at the high level statistics of the two body sculpting devices and how they compare with one another.

As you can see from the above CoolSculpting vs. truSculpt iD comparison table, Cutera's truSculpt device comes out on top in all categories but one.

The process of losing weight or maintaining a healthy body weight are ongoing challenges that are frustrating for many of us. Each day, we struggle to eat right, drink enough water, get enough exercise, and practice self-care and a healthy lifestyle. 

Still, inevitably the "magic number" on the scale we are trying to achieve continues to remain elusive. There are many risks to plastic surgery, and many people are not eligible candidates for the process. 

Additionally, there are countless weight loss pills,  shakes, diet plans, prepackaged foods, and specialty drinks designed to help you lose weight. 

But many wonder, are these options safe? In some cases, they may be, and in others probably not. It is also important to note that quick-fix diet plans and medications are not necessarily the "magic bullet" for long-term fat loss. 

Eventually, you will need to stop taking medication or resume a healthy balanced diet. Unless you continue to follow a strict diet or exercise plan, there is a good possibility you will gain your way back. 

The truth is the majority of quick-fix plans failed. So, what can you do to lose weight, tone your body, and keep it that way for the long term? Enter body contouring!

What is CoolSculpting?

CoolSculpting is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure that helps to remove extra fat cells from beneath the skin. The secret behind CoolSculpting is the process called cryolipolysis. During CoolSculpting, a roll of fat is placed between two panels that cool the fat to a freezing temperature. 

A 2009 study found that this process reduced the size of the treated fat layer by as much as 25%. The fat cells that die from the freezing process are excreted through the liver within several weeks of the treatment. 

Consequently, it can take up to three months before the desired results of the procedure are visible.

CoolSculpting received FDA clearance in 2010, making it the first procedure of its kind approved for body-sculpting use. To date, CoolSculpting remains a popular body contouring procedure, although much of its popularity stems from public familiarity with the name and due to their aggressive investment in advertising.

Does CoolSculpting Really Work?

Studies have shown CoolSculpting works effectively to reduce excess fat in treated areas by up to 24%. People typically use CoolSculpting to treat similar parts of the body to liposuction. These areas include the outer and inner thighs, lower back, belly, and sides (or love handles). 

Unlike liposuction, it can also reduce the appearance of cellulite on the arms, thighs, buttocks, and underneath the skin.  

How Much Does CoolSculpting Cost? 

The average cost of CoolSculpting treatments will depend on the areas you wish to treat and how many treatments you will need. 

Because many people choose to do CoolSculpting on multiple areas of the body to reach their ideal end goals, they can expect to pay anywhere from $750 to over $4000 for the full treatment. 

What are the Negative Effects of CoolSculpting?

Due to the non-invasive nature of CoolSculpting, it is generally considered a safe procedure for many people. However, the process is not without potential and quite common side effects or risks. Most patients experience the mild side effects of CoolSculpting, including tingling, redness, and numbness at the treatment area. 

Many of these symptoms resolve within a few days. However, a more serious side effect known as paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH) has been found to occur in 1 out of every 138 treatments. With PAH, instead of the cells dying and leaving the body, they grow larger and remain in place. 

The cause of this is not fully understood. Additionally, paradoxical adipose hyperplasia does not go away on its own and generally requires surgical intervention such as liposuction to address. 

What is iD?

The non-invasive truSculpt® iD fat reduction treatment from Cutera is an award-winning contouring treatment. It uses MonoPolar RF (radio frequency) technology to kill fat cells in treated areas, such as the abdomen and flanks (love handles). The truSculpt's® clinically proven technology uses heat to target stubborn fat cells, and damages them to the point of elimination. The dead fat cells are then excreted through the body naturally.

The iD treatments require only 15 short minutes to achieve an average of 25% fat reduction. Each treatment is customized to meet your individual needs and body features. 

Does the iD Work?

Yes! Research shows truSculpt® can reduce fat cells in the treatment area by up to 25%. truSculpt® is ideal for individuals with a BMI above 30 and patients who want to reduce the presence of fatty layers in their abdomen, arms, back, buttocks, love handles, thighs, and along the bra line. 

The RF technology used in truSculpt® treatments is regarded as the safest and most effective non-surgical body sculpting technology on the market. 

The iD also sets itself apart through its skin tightening advantages. Unlike any other body contouring treatment the iD tightens the skin around the treated area of fat, which avoids loose and excess skin caused by fat removal.

How Much is the iD?

The cost of TrueSculpt will range on the patient's goals and the number of treatments required to attain those goals. On average truSculpt® treatments range in price from approximately $400 to $1200 per session.

Is truSculpt® iD Better Than CoolSculpting?

Although CoolSculpting and truSculpt® iD achieve similar outcomes, there is a clear winner in terms of which treatment option is the winner - truSculpt iD.

Treatment Timeline

Both treatments address specific areas where many people struggle to lose fat and have a hard time toning. Both treatments will also take around 12 weeks for maximum results to be achieved.

Treatment Length

However, truSculpt® can achieve these treatment outcomes in 15 minutes, whereas CoolSculpting requires approximately 105 minutes per session. 

Treatment Technology

Additionally, truSculpt® uses MonoPolar RF technology which uses heat to damage the fat cells. truSculpt® treatments occur at about 114 degrees, only a few degrees higher than our average body temperature. This allows the fat damaging process to begin faster. 

CoolSculpting, as implied by the name, uses Cold Cryo Focused Hypothermia (cold) to damage fat cells via freezing. It takes far longer to reach the required temperature. 

Treatment Comfort

Another important consideration is comfort! truSculpt® treatments have been compared to the feeling of a hot stone massage. Although the skin temperature around the treatment area will rise, it is generally not to an uncomfortable level. CoolSculpting treatments, on the other hand, can feel less comfortable. 

Many patients note various sensations throughout the treatment process, including pulling, tugging, cramping, pinching, and feelings of intense cold. 

Treatment Results

Both CoolSculpting and truSculpt® have excellent success rates. On average CoolSculpting treatments lead to a 20-25% reduction in fat. truSculpt® treatments average around 25% in fat loss per session. iD is the safest body contouring treatment on the market and requires no downtime of any kind. 

After your treatment, you may notice warmth and redness in the treatment area for approximately an hour. CoolSculpting treatments can have various side effects, including redness, swelling, bruising, tingling, tenderness, and skin sensitivity which can last for a few days. 

Treatment Areas

Finally, truSculpt® can address fat cells that CoolSculpting cannot. truSculpt® treatments are approved for and have proven successful in reducing areas of non pinch-able fat and lax skin. truSculpt® is also the first and only body contouring treatment suitable for patients with a BMI over 30. 

How Does CoolSculpting and truSculpt® iD Compare to SculpSure?

The SculpSure is another popular treatment for non-invasive body contouring. It uses another form of lipolysis called laser lipolysis, and is the most popular treatment in this category.

But how does laser lipolysis compare to CoolSculpting's cryolipolysis and the truSculpt® iD's radio frequency lipolysis.