CoolSculpting has long been a household name in the world of non-surgical body sculpting. As the first FDA-cleared device for fat freezing (cryolipolysis), it became popular for helping people slim down stubborn fat without needles, surgery, or downtime.
But now there's a new player in town: CoolSculpting Elite—the upgraded, faster, and more efficient version of the original CoolSculpting system.
So what’s the real difference between CoolSculpting vs. CoolSculpting Elite? Is Elite worth the upgrade? Does it deliver better results? In this ultimate guide, we’ll dive deep into technology, treatment times, results, and everything you need to know to make the best decision for your body goals.
CoolSculpting uses cryolipolysis, a science-backed process where fat cells are frozen and naturally eliminated by the body over time. It’s ideal for spot-reducing fat in areas resistant to diet and exercise, such as the abdomen, thighs, flanks, arms, and under the chin.
Once fat cells are frozen and destroyed, they don’t return. That makes it a permanent fat reduction solution, as long as you maintain your weight.
| Feature | Traditional CoolSculpting | CoolSculpting Elite |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Legacy cryolipolysis | Upgraded cryolipolysis |
| Applicator Design | Older, less ergonomic | Curved, larger, more efficient |
| Treatment Speed | One area at a time | Treats two areas at once |
| Coverage Area | Smaller treatment area | 18% more surface coverage |
| Comfort | Moderate | Improved comfort and suction |
| Results | Effective | Faster, better, more even |
| Downtime | Minimal | Minimal |
The Elite system features new C-shaped applicators that better fit the body’s natural curves. These new handpieces have:
18% more coverage area
Improved suction
More ergonomic comfort
This means a better seal, more fat frozen per session, and more consistent results.
With Traditional CoolSculpting, treating multiple areas often required two machines or two separate sessions. Elite devices come with DualSculpting, allowing providers to treat two areas at once—cutting treatment time in half.
CoolSculpting Elite uses upgraded cooling technology that reaches target temperatures faster and holds them more evenly, improving the effectiveness of fat freezing.
While both versions deliver permanent fat loss, many patients see results faster with Elite—some noticing changes in as little as 3 weeks.
Both CoolSculpting and CoolSculpting Elite are FDA-cleared to treat the following areas:
Abdomen (belly fat)
Flanks (love handles)
Inner and outer thighs
Upper arms
Submental (double chin)
Bra fat (back)
Under buttocks (banana roll)
Male chest (pseudogynecomastia)
Elite’s upgraded applicators allow more precise contouring, especially in hard-to-treat areas like the arms or inner thighs.
A consultation is required to create a custom treatment plan.
Photos and measurements are taken.
You’ll receive a “pinch test” to assess fat suitability.
An applicator is placed on the treatment area.
You’ll feel intense cold, suction, and pressure for the first 5–10 minutes, then numbness.
You can relax, scroll your phone, or nap.
Treatment time per area: 35–45 minutes (Elite can do 2 areas at once).
Treated areas may be red, swollen, or firm for a few hours.
Mild tenderness, bruising, or tingling may last a few days.
No downtime—you can return to daily activities right away.
Initial results: 3–4 weeks
Optimal results: 8–12 weeks
Fat cells are gradually flushed out by the lymphatic system
Up to 25% fat reduction per treated area is typical, and many patients do multiple sessions per area for best results.
Expect:
Flatter stomach
Slimmer waist or love handles
Lifted contour under the chin
Improved thigh gap
Smoother upper arms
Better silhouette in clothes
Before-and-after photos often show visible slimming with no surgical scars, bruising, or downtime.
Most patients report:
Mild discomfort during initial minutes (cold and suction)
Tingling or numbness during and after treatment
Temporary soreness or sensitivity
Elite’s updated applicators improve comfort significantly over the traditional device.
| Feature | CoolSculpting Elite | Liposuction | Emsculpt Neo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Invasive | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (surgery) | ❌ No |
| Fat Reduction | ✅ Up to 25% | ✅ Up to 80% | ✅ Up to 30% |
| Muscle Toning | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Downtime | ❌ None | ✅ 1–2 weeks | ❌ None |
| Scarring | ❌ None | ✅ Yes (small incisions) | ❌ None |
| Cost | $$ | $$$$ | $$$ |
Pricing varies based on:
Provider
Number of areas treated
Number of sessions
$750–$1,200 per cycle
Packages: $2,500–$4,000 for multiple areas
Some clinics offer:
Financing plans (e.g., Cherry, CareCredit)
Loyalty discounts
Seasonal promotions
✅ Great for people who:
Have pinchable fat that doesn’t respond to diet/exercise
Are near their goal weight (BMI under 30–35)
Want visible body contouring without surgery
❌ Not suitable for:
Obesity or high BMI
Loose or hanging skin
Pregnant individuals
People with cold sensitivity conditions
CoolSculpting Elite is a significant upgrade from the original CoolSculpting system. With its better design, larger treatment area, faster results, and improved comfort, it delivers more effective fat reduction in less time—making it the go-to choice for modern body contouring.
If you're looking to trim down stubborn areas, enhance your figure, and feel more confident in your skin without surgery, CoolSculpting Elite may be the perfect solution.
