Going after your body goals can be a full-time job. It’s not just the hours spent sweating it out at the gym or whipping up healthy meals in the kitchen — it’s also the hours you could sink into researching the latest and greatest body contouring treatments.
At Eminence Medical Aesthetics in Princeton, NJ, we’re thrilled to offer both CoolSculpting Elite and Emsculpt NEO to help you achieve the body of your dreams. With two incredible options to choose from, you might be wondering: which one is right for me?
It’s time for a deep dive. In this ultimate guide, we’ll explore how each technology works, the areas they can treat and the results you can expect. Plus, we’ll answer all your burning questions about pain, downtime, safety and cost.
By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of what sets CoolSculpting Elite and Emsculpt NEO apart and which treatment (or combination of treatments!) might be the perfect fit for your goals.
What Is CoolSculpting Elite?
CoolSculpting Elite is the newest iteration of the revolutionary CoolSculpting technology, which has been transforming bodies and lives since it first hit the market in 2010. This nonsurgical treatment uses controlled cooling to target and eliminate stubborn fat cells, leaving you with a more sculpted, contoured physique.
So, how did this game-changing technology come to be? It all started with Harvard scientists who noticed that children who ate a lot of popsicles developed dimples in their cheeks. They realized that the cold was actually freezing and eliminating small pockets of fat cells, and thus, the concept of cryolipolysis (fat freezing) was born.
CoolSculpting is now one of the most popular noninvasive body sculpting treatments worldwide. But the innovators behind this technology didn’t stop there – they created an even more effective, efficient and comfortable treatment experience that we now know as CoolSculpting Elite.
What Is Emsculpt NEO?
The original Emsculpt device changed the game when it came out in 2018. It used HIFM energy to stimulate supramaximal muscle contractions – a stronger kind that can’t be achieved through voluntary contractions during a typical workout — in muscle groups like the abs and glutes.
Emsculpt NEO is a newer, even more innovative device that debuted in 2020. This cutting-edge device uses high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) energy to induce powerful muscle contractions, paired with radiofrequency (RF) heating to destroy fat cells, making it the first body contouring technology that can simultaneously build muscle and burn fat.
With its dynamic duo of technologies, Emsculpt NEO can achieve even more impressive results than its predecessor.
The Body Sculpting Break Down
Now that you’ve met the superstars of the body contouring world, you might be wondering how they stack up against each other. While both treatments can help you achieve a more sculpted physique, they each have strengths and drawbacks.
In the following sections, we’ll take a closer look at how CoolSculpting Elite and Emsculpt NEO compare in various categories. Let the battle for a better body begin!
CoolSculpting Elite vs. Emsculpt NEO: What Does It Do?
CoolSculpting Elite is a fat reduction treatment. It targets stubborn fat pockets that resist diet and exercise, like muffin tops, love handles and those dreaded double chins. By selectively freezing and destroying unwanted fat cells, CoolSculpting can help you achieve a slimmer silhouette. It’s the perfect choice for anyone looking to contour their body by spot-reducing fat in specific areas.
Emsculpt NEO is a multi-functional contouring solution. It can help you achieve a more “toned and tight” look by simultaneously burning fat, increasing muscle mass and firming up loose skin. It’s an excellent option for those who want to improve their overall body composition and have a more athletic, defined appearance.
CoolSculpting Elite vs. Emsculpt NEO: How Does It Work?
CoolSculpting Elite relies on a process called cryolipolysis, or fat freezing. The treatment uses controlled cooling to target fat cells in specific areas of your body. The freezing temperature selectively damages the fat cells without harming the surrounding skin, nerves or muscles. Over the next few weeks, your body naturally eliminates the damaged fat cells through your lymphatic system.
Emsculpt NEO combines high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) and radiofrequency (RF) technologies. The HIFEM energy induces muscle contractions that simulate the effects of an intense workout, while the RF energy generates heat. The heat causes the fat cells to undergo apoptosis (programmed cell death) so they can be eliminated by your body’s natural processes. It may also trigger a skin-tightening effect.
CoolSculpting Elite vs. Emsculpt NEO: Where Can I Have It?
CoolSculpting Elite is FDA-cleared to treat nine areas:
- Chin (double chin)
- Jawline
- Upper arms
- Back fat
- Bra fat
- Abdomen
- Flanks (love handles)
- Thighs (inner and outer)
- Underneath the buttocks (banana roll)
Emsculpt NEO can treat the following areas:
- Triceps
- Biceps
- Abdomen
- Flanks
- Buttocks
- Thighs (front, back, inner and outer)
- Calves
As you can see, many areas can benefit from both treatments for a more comprehensive transformation.
CoolSculpting Elite vs. Emsculpt NEO: What Does the Treatment Involve?
When it comes to the treatment process, CoolSculpting Elite and Emsculpt NEO have some things in common. Both treatments are noninvasive, performed in-office and do not require anesthesia. They also require no pre-treatment preparation or post-treatment downtime.
During a CoolSculpting Elite treatment:
- Your Eminence provider will assess the treatment area and determine the appropriate applicator size and placement.
- A gel pad will be applied to protect your skin, followed by the CoolSculpting Elite applicator.
- The applicator will deliver vacuum suction and controlled cooling to the area to target fat cells.
- The treatment cycle lasts approximately 30 minutes. With CoolSculpting Elite, we can treat two areas at the same time.
- After the cycle is complete, your provider will massage the treated area to help break up the frozen fat cells.
During an Emsculpt NEO treatment:
- Your Eminence provider will assess the treatment area and determine the optimal placement for the applicator.
- The Emsculpt NEO applicator will be securely strapped to the treatment area.
- The device will be activated, delivering HIFEM+ energy and RF energy to the area.
- The treatment session lasts 30 minutes. When it is complete, your provider will remove the applicator, and you can immediately go about your day.
CoolSculpting Elite vs. Emsculpt NEO: Is It Painful?
During a CoolSculpting treatment, you will initially feel sensations of tugging or pulling from the suction and a cold sensation. These feelings can be intense at first, but they subside as the area becomes numb from the cold. Most patients find the treatment comfortable enough to relax or work during the procedure.
During an Emsculpt NEO treatment, you will feel involuntary muscle contractions combined with a warming sensation from the RF energy. The contractions can be strong and may feel odd initially, but most patients adapt to the sensation and are able to spend their session on activities like reading or catching up on their social feeds.
CoolSculpting Elite vs. Emsculpt NEO: Is There Any Downtime?
We know that one of the biggest factors in choosing a treatment is the dreaded “D” word: downtime. You’ve got a busy life, and the last thing you want is to be stuck on the couch recovering for days on end. Fortunately, both CoolSculpting Elite and Emsculpt NEO have little to no downtime.
With CoolSculpting Elite, you may experience side effects like redness, swelling, bruising, tingling, soreness or numbness in the treated area. These should resolve on their own within a few hours to a couple of weeks. Longer-lasting side effects are rare.
After Emsculpt NEO, you might feel like you just crushed an intense workout at the gym. Your muscles may be sore or fatigued, and you could feel some tenderness in the treated area. This should subside within a day or two, just like after regular exercise.
CoolSculpting Elite vs. Emsculpt NEO: When Will I See Results?
CoolSculpting starts destroying fat cells right away, but you won’t see the results immediately. Your body needs time to eliminate those dead cells through your lymphatic system. Most people start to notice changes after a few weeks, with the most dramatic results appearing two or three months after your treatment. You can continue to see contour improvements for four to six months post-treatment.
You might start to feel some changes in your muscle tone and strength right after your first Emsculpt NEO treatment. But the real magic happens in the weeks following your final session. Around two to four weeks after your last treatment, you’ll start to see a noticeable difference in your muscle definition and overall contours. Those results can continue to improve for several weeks after that.
CoolSculpting Elite vs. Emsculpt NEO: How Many Treatments Will I Need?
The number of treatments you’ll need with either device depends on a few factors, like your starting point and your ultimate goals.
Each CoolSculpting Elite session can cause up to 27% of fat cells in the treated area to die. It’s possible to see a noticeable reduction in fat after just one treatment, but many people benefit from two or more in the same area. At Eminence, we apply our signature design expertise (optimizing applicator number, size and placement) as well as a specific massage technique to help you achieve faster and better results.
Emsculpt NEO is more of a “slow and steady wins the race” treatment. It typically requires an initial series of treatments to achieve optimal results. Most patients opt for four to six sessions, spaced about a week apart. Studies show Emsculpt NEO can increase muscle mass by 25% while decreasing fat by 30%.
CoolSculpting Elite vs. Emsculpt NEO: How Long Do Results Last?
You’re loving your new look, now the million-dollar question — how long can you expect to keep those jaw-dropping results?
The beauty of CoolSculpting is that once fat cells are eliminated, they’re gone for good. That’s right, they’ll never come back. However, you must remember that while the treated fat cells are permanently destroyed, the remaining fat cells in the area can still expand if you gain weight. Stick to a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet to enjoy your new contours indefinitely.
Fat loss with Emsculpt NEO can also be permanent, but muscles need maintenance. Just like with any gym-based regimen, muscles lose strength and size if they’re not challenged, so consistency is key. To keep those sculpted abs, toned arms and lifted glutes, you’ll want to continue with a regular strength training routine. Touch-up treatments throughout the year can also help you maintain your results.
CoolSculpting Elite vs. Emsculpt NEO: Is It Safe?
Both devices are FDA-cleared and have proven track records of delivering safe, reliable results.
One of the most important factors in ensuring a safe, successful treatment is the skill and experience of your provider. And that’s where Eminence really shines. Our expert team of aesthetic professionals has been thoroughly trained in the latest body contouring technologies and techniques, and we pride ourselves on delivering the highest standard of care to every single patient.
CoolSculpting Elite vs. Emsculpt NEO: What Does It Cost?
The cost of both body contouring treatments varies depending on a few factors. The size and number of treatment areas, the number of sessions needed to achieve your desired results, and your individual body composition can all play a role in determining the final price tag. That’s why we always recommend starting with a personalized consultation with one of our expert providers.
During this consultation, we’ll work with you to create a customized treatment plan that fits your budget and your goals. We’ll be upfront about the costs involved, so you can make an informed decision about what’s right for you.
To make treatment more accessible and affordable for everyone, we offer the Eminence Membership and Loyalty Rewards Program. This program is perfect for anyone who wants to make body contouring and other top aesthetic services a regular part of their self-care routine, at a significantly reduced price.
CoolSculpting Elite vs. Emsculpt NEO: Am I a Candidate?
Almost everyone can benefit from these body-sculpting powerhouses.
The ideal candidate for CoolSculpting Elite is close to their ideal body weight with stubborn pockets of fat that won’t budge, no matter how much they diet and exercise. CoolSculpting can be performed on nearly any size person, as long as there is enough fat for the applicator to adhere to. A good rule of thumb is that if you have at least an inch of “pinchable” fat in your desired treatment area, you can probably undergo treatment.
Emsculpt NEO is an option for anyone who wants to take their body to the next level. Whether you’re already in pretty good shape and looking to enhance your muscle definition, or you’re just beginning your fitness journey and want a little boost to get you started, you can maximize your results with a little high-tech help.
One critical thing to remember is that neither of these treatments is intended for overall weight loss. You’ll see the best results if you’re already committed to a healthy lifestyle and looking for a way to put the finishing touches on your body.
CoolSculpting Elite vs. Emsculpt NEO: What Do Clients Say?
“I cannot say better things about my experience with CoolSculpting at Eminence Medical Aesthetics. I just had my 6 week follow up yesterday, and my results are very evident. All my pants are big on me and I feel more confident than ever before wearing a bathing suit! I can’t believe I even considered liposuction for a minute and I wish I did this procedure sooner! I am extremely satisfied with my results.” — Anna L.
“I have been overweight my entire life and I was able to lose over 100lbs in the past 10 years. Even with such a large amount of weight loss, I have struggled with my abdomen’s appearance despite anything that I did until I found Emsculpt. I am forever grateful to Eminence Medical Aesthetics for putting me onto this wonderful machine that not only helped me with my appearance but also with lower back problems that I have had for years. Thank you!” — Marlen G.
The Best of Both Worlds: Combining CoolSculpting Elite and Emsculpt NEO
At Eminence Medical Aesthetics, we’re all about keeping it real and giving you the facts. And the fact of this matter is that neither of these treatments is better than the other — what’s important is choosing the one that’s right for your goals.
Sometimes, that means combining them. CoolSculpting Elite and Emsculpt NEO are the ultimate power couple for comprehensive body contouring. In fact, mixing and matching treatments is so popular that we’ve developed Signature Combo Treatments to make it even easier to get what you need.
Bespoke treatment plans are our speciality. After we get to know you, we’ll design a plan that makes sense for your body, your goals and your lifestyle. We’ll take into account factors like your starting point, your problem areas and your ultimate vision for your transformation, then we’ll create a roadmap to get you there in the most efficient, effective way possible.
Let’s Find Your Perfect Fit – Book Your Consultation Today!
Now that you’re armed with all you need to know about CoolSculpting Elite and Emsculpt NEO, it’s time to take yourself from frustrated to fabulous. There’s no better place to do that than at Eminence Medical Aesthetics. We’ve earned our reputation as one of Princeton’s best luxury medical spas by creating exceptional customer experiences, starting with your free consultation.
Request your appointment today and let’s create a plan that will have you looking and feeling your best from every angle.
