Cryoskin vs. Coolsculpting

Cryoskin vs CoolSculpting – Which is Better?

November 1, 2023

Nearly everyone experiences stubborn fat pockets that won’t seem to go away, no matter what you do. You could follow a disciplined workout regimen and eat a nutritious diet every day, but the pooch on your lower tummy or the part of your thighs that rubs together won’t disappear. It’s also possible you’ve already lost a ton of weight and are now carrying around excess skin that reminds you of your past. Almost all of us want to get rid of excess fat and lose weight. Oftentimes, diet and exercise is not enough. Age, gender, and genetics all play a role in where we lose weight. 

Fortunately, there is a natural, therapeutic solution known as cryotherapy or cryolipolysis (a.k.a. fat freezing). CoolSculpting gained recognition and popularity in 2010 because it was the first ever FDA approved fat freezing device shown to work for people looking to reduce inches. In more recent years, Cryoskin has developed a following for its commitment to no down time, safety, and effectiveness. These two forms of cryolipolysis offer an effective means of both reducing the appearance of fat pockets and toning the body. They do so by utilizing cold temperature to freeze, and eliminate fat cells. But which is more effective and what are the differences between the two treatments?

What is Cryoskin?

Originally developed in France, Cryoskin is an umbrella term for the elimination of fat cells through the concentrated application of cold and heat, a process known as apoptosis (or, “programmed cell death”). The treatment is non-invasive, painless, and uses a wand-like instrument to glide over target problem areas. There are three different types of Cryoskin treatments: CryoSlimming, CryoToning, and Cryoskin facials. All three treatments use essentially the same technology, the only difference is the setting to which the wand is programmed. 

First, CryoSlimming focuses on one specific area of the body at a time, and tends to work best on the stomach, thighs, arms, and the back. In a standard CryoSlimming procedure, heat at 40ºC is applied to the problem site for 2 minutes, followed by 12 minutes of cold at -4ºC, and the treatment typically lasts around 28 minutes. The number of treatments needed varies by individual and their desired goals. Treatments are spaced out at two week intervals. This is the recommended interval because of the time it takes for fat cells to pass through the lymphatic system, where they eventually get flushed out of the body through urine. This process is also known as cryolipolysis. 

Another form of Cryoskin treatment is CryoToning, which works by chilling subcutaneous fat, or the layer of fat just below the skin. As the skin is cooled, blood vessels expand (aka vasodilation) and collagen production is stimulated, breaking down the fibers that cause cellulite dimpling. More effective for tightening loose skin and eliminating the appearance of cellulite, CryoToning also helps reduce signs of aging. The treatment typically lasts 20 minutes. The number of treatments needed varies by individual and their desired goals. However, unlike CryoSlimming, multiple areas can be targeted in a single session.

The final form of Cryoskin treatment is the Cryoskin facial, and it can be thought of as a kind of non-surgical facelift. Specifically designed to tighten the face, neck, and chin, the treatment does so by stimulating collagen production. Fine lines and wrinkles are reduced, skin texture is improved, and pore-size and skin elasticity are increased. Better yet, there is no downtime after treatment. 

All three treatments are safe for everyone except those with severe Raynaud’s Syndrome, those who suffer from poor circulation, those with severe diabetes, those with cancer, and pregnant women. But, Cryoskin is not a weight loss solution. It is best for those in good shape who wish to subtly slim, tone, and eliminate problem areas on their bodies. Cryoskin should not replace diet and exercise, but be added in addition to a healthy lifestyle. This is critical for best results.

What is CoolSculpting?

CoolSculpting is a patented non-surgical cooling technique used to reduce fat in selected areas, and also kills fat cells through cryolipolysis. It works best on the inner and outer thighs, upper and lower abdomen, love handles, arms, chin, back, and underneath the butt. Cleared by the FDA in 2012, it is a non-invasive procedure that requires no anesthesia, needles, or incisions, and it typically lasts one to three hours. 

So, how does a CoolSculpting procedure work? A provider will use a specially designed applicator to treat the targeted areas. Gel and the applicator are applied to the desired treatment area and controlled cooling is delivered to the targeted fat. Unlike the Cryoskin wand, the device remains stationary throughout the procedure. Though pain is minimal overall, there may be some feelings of tingling, stinging, pinching, pulling, aching, or cramping during the procedure. Recovery time is minimal, and normal activities can resume right after the procedure. Best of all, there is a 20-80% fat reduction in the treated area following CoolSculpting treatment, though these results may not be noticeable for several weeks. 

Some post-treatment temporary side effects include swelling, bruising, redness, aching, cramping, and tenderness at the treated area. Like Cryoskin, CoolSculpting is not a weight loss solution but an effective means of eliminating body bulges in those already near their ideal weight. It is not recommended for those with a history of Raynaud’s disease, those with severe sensitivity to cold temperatures, or those with cryoglobulinemia, cold agglutinin disease, and paroxysmal cold hemoglobuinuria (PCH).

Cryoskin vs Coolsculpting: What Should You Choose?

Because both Cryoskin and Coolsculpting are similarly effective, the primary difference between the two is cost, efficiency, and method. CryoSlimming, CryoToning, and Cryoskin facials are much shorter procedures than CoolSculpting (20-30 minutes vs. one to three hours), but they do require more sessions for best results.

CoolSculpting, on the other hand, only requires one to three procedures. But with that comes perhaps the most important difference between the two procedures: cost. The price of a CoolSculpting treatment depends on a number of variables, including the size of the treatment area, the size of the applicator, and desired outcome. The cost typically ranges from $2,000 to $4,000. Cryoskin is significantly less expensive, with prices typically coming out to $350 per session, $975 for three session packages, and $1,500 for five session packages. For the price, then, Cryoskin is the better choice. 

Whichever method you choose, you can be sure that you’ll be receiving a safe and effective fat loss solution. Just remember, both Cryoskin and CoolSculpting treatments should by no means replace traditional diet, exercise, and healthy living!