In our clinical practice, we receive a lot of questions regarding CoolSculpting and other fat-freezing devices.
Most patients are guided only by the price of the treatments, and some decide that it is entirely unnecessary to pay more when they can pay much less and get the “same” results.
When we share the prices of the different applicators and sessions for our CoolSculpting treatments, we meet the following statement:
“Other clinics have the same treatment for more than half price.”
It is essential to understand that other clinics with low prices for fat-freezing treatments do NOT use the same device – CoolSculpting. The most popular imitation on the market is CoolTech.
Today we focus on what is the difference between CoolSculpting and CoolTech.
CoolSculpting vs CoolTech
We will start with the most crucial fact about CoolSculpting: It is the ONLY FDA-approved device for fat freezing. Any FDA-approved treatment undergoes rigorous testing for quality, side effects, results, and long-term effects.
CoolSculpting is patented and has millions of treatments performed around the world. Harvard-educated scientists develop its formula, and there are a lot of scientific studies about the treatment.
CoolTech is a new device that copies the application and results of CoolSculpting, but no one can tell you if it’s safe or effective because there are no scientific records of its performance. YES – it is cheaper. But when you decide on your own body and health – it is imperative to do your research and choose the best care.
CoolSculpting is expensive because it is proven to be safe, effective, and top quality. Because of the enormous positive feedback from clients worldwide, many aesthetics companies created imitations of the actual cryolipolysis method.
There is a whole marketing strategy implying that imitating machines are even better.
Whatever we say might sound not good enough because we work with CoolSculpting. This is why we gathered the opinions of practitioners and experts in the field.
What do medical practitioners say about CoolSculpting and CoolTech?
Armando Soto, MD, FACS
I hope you’re not surprised that there are many imitators and impostors – when a few dollars can be made by copying the patented Coolsculpting technology.
The fact is that while many devices are being marketed for aesthetic improvement of the face and body, only those that are FDA-approved can say they have been proven to be safe and effective for the indication described. Without this assurance, you would have to be extra cautious and ask questions about the safety and efficacy of the recommended treatment. I should add- about the people offering it.
Coolsculpting works and is safe. That’s a fact. But because it works, is secure, and is patented, some companies would take advantage of a similar-sounding name. Be careful.
William Groff, DO
As you have experienced through other purchases in your life, inexpensive knock-offs rarely, if ever, have the quality of the original. This is especially true regarding patented, FDA-approved dermatologic procedures, such as body sculpting with Zeltiq’s CoolSculpting. Because CoolSculpting is highly effective and patients tend to be thrilled with their results, many unscrupulous companies have come out with knock-offs that try to sell you on the same basic principle. However, the FDA has not approved these and has not undergone the same rigorous testing that CoolSculpting has.
The other advantage of the real CoolSculpting is that Zeltiq requires practitioners to be certified through their training program before offering cryolipolysis(TM) to patients. CoolSculpting is just what the name implies: Sculpting the body by permanently removing fat through cooling it. That means you are paying for expertise in anatomy and aesthetics as well as for the original, science-backed, FDA-approved treatment. Please find a board-certified dermatologist to get the best results with CoolSculpting.
Michael A. Zadeh, MD, FACS
Cryolipolysis is the process of freezing fat cells to the point of death. CoolSculpting is the only FDA-approved cryolipolysis treatment in the United States. Zeltiq, which makes the CoolSculpting device, also has a patent on the technology. There are other imitation cryolipolysis machines on the market. These are primarily from China. Not only are they infringing on the CoolSculpting patent, but there is no evidence to suggest they are as effective as CoolSculpting. If you see prices for something that seems too good to be true, they most likely are. CoolSculpting providers are also prohibited from participating in Groupons. My advice is to stay away from such offers, as you will not be happy with the result.
Manish Khanna, MD, FRCP(C)
CoolSculpting is not the same as Cooltech. Coolsculpting by Zeltiq was developed by world-renowned Harvard scientists and used specially engineered technology to gently and selectively cool the areas of unwanted fat. There are scientific studies to support the safety and efficacy of the CoolSculpting procedure. I believe more than 2 million treatments have been performed worldwide as well. If you are considering an alternative, do your homework, please. Research the technology and the clinic experience with it. Best of luck.
Mark Edinburg, MBBCH, FRACS
We have looked for a reliable, safe, scientific fat treatment machine for many years. Everything I looked at had unreliable and erratic data, or was too uncomfortable for the patient, or had placement applicators that did not meet most of our patients’ requirements (applicators too large or too small or odd shapes, giving contours that were not smooth) or had too many complications, like burns.
We have been delighted with CoolSculpting technology and results. Safe, good size and shape applicators, developed in the USA, lots of ongoing development and research. We have recently purchased the newer-developed applicators, which further improve an already excellent product.
Minor numbness, better shapes, shorter treatment time, almost no reports of abdominal discomfort. To my knowledge, none of the other copies have this. Also, to my knowledge, the safety mechanisms in CoolSculpting are unsurpassed, and the burns reported are from other manufacturers. The price point for us to purchase different machines is much lower. For us, the more expensive device is worth it.
We now have two machines and are highly pleased with the results. Patients with other brands report a vastly improved experience, options, and impacts with CoolSculpting.
We encourage you to do thorough research before choosing a cryolipolysis device – always put your health and safety first!
Take care,
7 Derma Center
