The Difference Between Coolsculpting vs. Coolsculpting Elite: A Detailed Comparison

Last updated – July 9, 2024. We periodically review and update the data to guarantee the most up-to-date and precise information.

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Since Coolsculpting hit the market over a decade ago, it has become the leading non-surgical fat reduction treatment.ย A highly effective procedure for stubborn fat, helping people achieve their body goals without going under the knife. Since its Health Canada approval in 2008, this innovative “fat-freezing” technology has helped countless individuals achieve their desired body shape without surgery.

In recent years, CoolSculpting Elite was introduced, offering a variation of the original treatment. While there are some design differences between the two, both use the same cryolipolysis technology to target and eliminate fat cells.

So, how do they compare? Here are some key points to consider when choosing between CoolSculpting and CoolSculpting Elite:

  • Same Proven Fat-Freezing Technology: Both treatments work through cryolipolysis, a method that freezes and eliminates fat cells.
  • Treatment Approach: CoolSculpting Elite features dual applicators, allowing two areas to be treated at once, while CoolSculpting focuses on one area per session.
  • Applicator Shape: The design of the applicators differs slightly, but both are highly effective in delivering results.
  • Coverage Area: CoolSculpting Eliteโ€™s applicators are slightly larger, but both treatments effectively reduce fat in targeted areas.
  • Results & Effectiveness: Clients achieve noticeable and lasting fat reduction with both treatments, as they rely on the same clinically proven process.
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Understanding Coolsculpting Elite

What is Coolsculpting Elite?

CoolSculpting Elite is a newer version of the original CoolSculpting treatment, offering some design differences while using the same proven fat-freezing technology. Both treatments work by freezing and eliminating fat cells, providing a non-surgical solution for body contouring.

Key Enhancements in Coolsculpting Elite

  1. New Applicator Design: CoolSculpting Elite features a C-shaped applicator designed to fit the body’s natural curves. The original CoolSculpting applicator shape is designed for full suction of stubborn fat pockets.
  2. Larger Cooling Panels: The Elite applicators’ cooling panels are 18% larger, allowing more fat to be treated in a single session. More coverage means fewer sessions to see your desired results.
  3. Dual Applicators: CoolSculpting Elite allows two areas to be treated at the same time, while the original CoolSculpting focuses on one area per session.
  4. Improved Comfort: Some patients find the newer applicators more comfortable, but both treatments are well-tolerated.
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Coolsculpting vs Coolsculpting Elite: Before-and-After Images

Discover the transformations achieved with Coolsculpting and Coolsculpting Elite. Explore the before-and-after images to see the impressive results and how these treatments have helped individuals reach their body goals.

Coolsculpting: Clients see up to 27% reduction in stubborn fat in treated areas after several sessions.

CoolSculpting Before and After Images

Coolsculpting Elite Before and After: Clients can achieve up to 27% reduction in stubborn fat with effective contouring of the treated areas, similar to the results seen with the original CoolSculpting treatment.

CoolSculpting Elite Before & After Imagesโ€‹

Key Differences Between Coolsculpting and Coolsculpting Elite

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Feature Coolsculpting Coolsculpting Elite
Applicator Design U-shaped applicators C-shaped applicators
Cooling Panel Size Standard size

Slightly larger panels

Number of Applicators

One applicator per session

Two applicators per session

Treatment Time 35-60 minutes per area

Approximately the same treatment time

Comfort

Well-tolerated by most patients

Some patients find the shape of the applicators different in fit

Efficiency

Both treatments use the same fat-freezing technology, with results varying by individual

Both treatments use the same fat-freezing technology, with results varying by individual

Coverage Area per Session Standard coverage

A slightly different applicator design, which may adjust coverage

Cost per Session $750 – $1,200 $750 – $1,500
Total Treatment Cost

Depends on the number of sessions required to reach desired results

Depends on the number of sessions required to reach desired results

Results Visibility

Gradual results over multiple sessions

Gradual results over multiple sessions

Patient Experience

Comfortable, but a bit longer treatment duration

Comfortable, but a bit longer treatment duration

Technological Advancements

Standard cryolipolysis technology

Uses cryolipolysis technology

Technology and Equipment

Differences in Applicators (Size, Shape, Efficiency)

CoolSculpting and CoolSculpting Elite use the same fat-freezing technology, but they have differences in applicator design. The original CoolSculpting machine features U-shaped applicators, while CoolSculpting Elite uses C-shaped applicators. Some patients may find differences in fit depending on the treatment area, but both are designed to target and freeze fat cells effectively.

The size of the cooling panels also varies. CoolSculpting Elite applicators are slightly larger, with an 18% increase in cooling panel size. This may allow for a broader treatment area per session, but results and session requirements remain client-dependent.

Cooling Technologyย 

Both CoolSculpting and CoolSculpting Elite use cryolipolysis to target fat cells, and the process remains the same. Some updates in CoolSculpting Eliteโ€™s cooling system may provide slightly different temperature distribution, but both treatments are designed to achieve similar fat reduction results over time.

Treatment Experience

Comparison of Treatment Time

One difference between CoolSculpting and CoolSculpting Elite is the number of applicators used during a session. The original CoolSculpting machine treats one area at a time, while CoolSculpting Elite can treat two areas simultaneously. This may reduce the overall treatment time for patients treating multiple areas, though individual session duration depends on the treatment plan and areas being addressed.

Comfort and Patient Experience During the Procedure

Both CoolSculpting and CoolSculpting Elite are non-invasive and well-tolerated by most patients. Some clients may notice a difference in applicator fit and sensation between the two treatments due to variations in applicator design. However, the overall treatment experienceโ€”including sensations of cold and numbnessโ€”is generally similar for both.

Coverage Areas, Efficacy and Results

Both treatments effectively reduce fat in targeted areas, including:

  • Abdomen
  • Flanks (love handles)
  • Thighs
  • Upper arms
  • Double chin
  • Bra fat
  • Back fat
  • Banana roll (underneath the buttocks)

Results for CoolSculpting and CoolSculpting Elite appear gradually as the body processes and eliminates treated fat cells. Some differences in applicator design may influence the number of sessions needed, but overall, both treatments are designed to achieve the same long-term fat reduction.

Cost Comparison between Coolsculpting and Coolsculpting Elite

CoolSculpting treatments are typically priced per session, with costs varying based on treatment area size, the number of sessions required, and clinic location. On average, a single CoolSculpting session ranges from $750 to $1,200 per area. Smaller areas like the chin or arms tend to be on the lower end of the price range, while larger areas like the abdomen or thighs may cost more.

Find more detailed information on Coolsculpting costs in Canada here.

CoolSculpting Elite treatments may have a slightly higher per-session cost, typically ranging from $750 to $1,500 per area. However, since CoolSculpting Elite can treat two areas at once, some patients may require fewer sessions overall, which can impact the total cost.

Factors Influencing the Cost of Both Treatments:

  • Number of Sessions Needed: The total cost depends on how many sessions are required to achieve the desired results.
  • Areas Treated: Treating larger or multiple areas can increase the overall cost.
  • Geographic Location: Prices can vary depending on the clinicโ€™s location, with higher costs often found in major metropolitan areas.
  • Promotions and Packages: Many clinics offer package deals or discounts, which can reduce the overall cost per session.

Coolsculpting Elite vs Coolsculpting: Which One to Choose?

When deciding between CoolSculpting and CoolSculpting Elite, several factors may influence your choice. Both treatments use the same fat-freezing technology, but differences in design and treatment approach may impact cost, time, and experience depending on individual preferences.

Budget

Budget plays a role in choosing between the two treatments. CoolSculpting Elite typically has a higher per-session cost, but since it can treat two areas at once, some patients may require fewer sessions overall. The total cost depends on treatment areas, the number of sessions needed, and provider pricing.

Treatment Time

For clients looking to treat multiple areas efficiently, CoolSculpting Eliteโ€™s dual applicators allow for simultaneous treatment, which may reduce total session time. However, for those treating only one area at a time, both treatments follow a similar session duration.

Comfort During the Procedure

Comfort levels may vary between clients. CoolSculpting and CoolSculpting Elite use different applicator designs, which may fit differently depending on the treatment area. Some patients find differences in fit and cooling distribution, but both treatments are designed to be well-tolerated and non-invasive.

Conclusion

Choosing between CoolSculpting and CoolSculpting Elite depends on your individual needs, budget, and treatment goals. Both treatments provide non-surgical fat reduction using the same fat-freezing technology and can effectively target stubborn fat.

For those prioritizing cost considerations, the original CoolSculpting remains a reliable option, while those looking to treat multiple areas in a single session may consider CoolSculpting Elite. Ultimately, the choice should be based on personal preferences and provider recommendations, as both treatments offer a proven approach to fat reduction.