Have you been doing all the right things, clean eating, consistent workouts, and staying hydrated, but certain areas of stubborn fat just won’t go away? 

You’re not alone, and it’s totally normal to want a little extra help targeting those spots. The good news? 

Non-invasive body contouring options like CoolSculpting and heat-based treatments are making it easier than ever to fine-tune your shape, without surgery.

If you’re trying to decide between these two popular fat reduction treatments, here’s what you need to know, especially when it comes to how long the results last.

What Is CoolSculpting?

CoolSculpting is a noninvasive fat reduction treatment that works by using controlled cooling to freeze and destroy fat cells. Once the fat cells are frozen, your body naturally eliminates them over time. 

The best part? Those fat cells are gone for good.

Even with diet and exercise, many people hang onto stubborn fat in areas like the abdomen, thighs, or under the chin. 

CoolSculpting helps target those exact areas, permanently, without the downtime that comes with surgery like liposuction.

What Are Heat-Based Treatments?

Heat-based treatments, such as radiofrequency (RF) or laser body contouring, use thermal energy to heat up fat cells. This process can shrink the fat cells, often while also stimulating collagen production to tighten the skin. 

These treatments can be great for improving the overall texture of your skin, but when it comes to long-term fat loss, the results may not be as lasting.

How It Works

CoolSculpting works by safely cooling fat cells to a temperature that triggers cell death without affecting the skin or surrounding tissues. 

Over the next several weeks, your body naturally flushes out the dead fat cells, leaving you with a more sculpted, contoured look.

Heat-based treatments work differently. Rather than destroying fat cells, they usually shrink them, which means the cells can expand again if your weight fluctuates. 

The effects can still be noticeable, but they’re not permanent unless you keep up with regular treatments and lifestyle habits.

Is There Any Downtime?

One of the biggest perks of CoolSculpting is that there’s no recovery time. Most people go back to work or run errands right after their session. You might feel a little numbness or mild soreness in the treated area, but this fades quickly.

Heat-based treatments also tend to have little to no downtime, though you might feel some temporary warmth or redness. In both cases, sessions are quick and easy; most people are in and out in under an hour.

What to Expect from CoolSculpting

During your CoolSculpting session, we apply a handheld device to the treatment area. You’ll feel a cooling sensation as the area becomes numb; some describe it as similar to putting an ice pack on the skin. 

Some people will begin to notice changes as early as 4 weeks after their CoolSculpting session, but full results can take up to 4 months.

You may need more than one session depending on your goals, but many people see noticeable, long-lasting results with just one or two visits.

Who’s a Good Candidate for Coolsculpting?

CoolSculpting and heat-based treatments aren’t weight loss solutions, but they are great for people who are close to their goal weight and want help with a few specific problem areas.

If you’re generally healthy and have stubborn fat that doesn’t respond to lifestyle changes, CoolSculpting may be a good fit.

If you’re also looking to improve skin tone or cellulite, some heat-based treatments may be worth exploring, but just know the fat loss part may not last without consistent maintenance.

Comparing Results

How Long Do the Results Last?

This is where CoolSculpting really shines. Once your fat cells are frozen and removed from the body, they’re gone permanently. 

The number of fat cells in the treated area is reduced, so if you maintain a healthy lifestyle, those results are here to stay.

Heat-based treatments offer more temporary results because they only shrink the fat cells. If you regain weight, those same cells can get bigger again, and the results can fade over time.

Both CoolSculpting and heat-based body contouring treatments offer safe, non-surgical options for improving your shape. But if you’re looking for permanent fat reduction, CoolSculpting is your best bet. It’s clinically proven, low-risk, and requires little to no downtime.

Want to know if CoolSculpting is right for you? Book a consultation with our team, and we’ll walk you through your options and help you build a personalized treatment plan so you can finally feel confident in your skin.