Diet and exercise may get you to your ideal body weight, but you could still be left with stubborn fat that doesn’t want to go away. Don’t give up just yet! Bat wings, turkey gobble necks, and love handles can be a thing of the past with body contouring treatments like TruSculpt 3D and CoolSculpting. Both of these treatments have become very popular in recent years, but what’s the difference?
A look at TruSculpt and CoolSculpting
In the past, surgical liposuction was the only way to get rid of fat, but now there are nonsurgical options like TruSculpt and CoolSculpting that work just as well without the risks of surgery. Upon first glance, both treatments are very similar. However, these procedures are using opposite mechanisms to achieve similar results. One uses radiofrequency heat to destroy fat cells and the other uses extreme cold. There are also important differences in who it’s best suited for.
A deeper look at TruSculpt
TruSculpt 3D uses radiofrequency technology to heat fat cells and destroy them through a process called lipolysis. The cells then shrink and the body eliminates them over about three months.
During a TruSculpt treatment, a handheld device is pressed over the treatment area to deliver targeted pulses of calibrated radiofrequency energy. If you’re worried about any discomfort from the heat of the machine, the frequency used penetrates the layer of fat and heats the cells more so than the skin. Additionally, your doctor will be able to adjust the device to a temperature you’re comfortable with.
Oftentimes, several handheld devices are used simultaneously so the treatment may only last 20 to 30 minutes depending on the treatment area size. TruSculpt 3D is a great option for those that are too small or too large for the machine used in the CoolSculpt procedure, as it does not require any skin to be pinched. It’s also great for people who have pockets of fat in difficult to reach places, like the underarms, neck, and shoulders.
A deeper look at CoolSculpting
As the name would suggest, CoolSculpting uses cold to freeze fat cells through the cryolipolysis process. Similar to the TruSculpt process, the cells then shrink, die, and your body eliminates them over a few months.
During the CoolSculpting treatment, your problem areas will be pulled up into a cup-like device. The skin held in that device will receive the cold treatment until the fat cells are frozen. If you’re worried about the pain of the treatment, the first 10 minutes or so is the only time that patients may feel discomfort. After that, the skin will feel numb and the discomfort goes away.
CoolSculpting sessions typically last between 40 to 60 minutes. Unlike TruSculpt, only one area can be treated at a time with CoolSculpting, so more than one treatment may be necessary. Additionally, CoolSculpting is a little more limited in who it’s best for. It’s best for those who have areas of excess fat that can be pinched (usually about an inch of fat is needed to be pulled into the machine). Where TruSculpt does not require a specific amount of fat needed for the treatment to be effective.
Whichever method of body contouring you’re interested in, it’s important to do your research and learn your options. The best way to figure out if a treatment is right for you is to come in for a consultation. One of our experienced physicians at ANU will find the perfect treatment plan for you to get rid of stubborn fat! This month, ANU is offering one area of TruSculpt for $999 and you’ll get the second area half off! Learn more here.
