So you have some stubborn body fat you’re unhappy with and just can’t get rid of, no matter how much you exercise. It may be belly fat, flabby arms, love handles, or a double chin. Is it possible to get rid of this fat without going under the knife? Absolutely. Here we will discuss two solutions to permanent fat loss — CoolSculpting vs LavaSculpt — both safe nonsurgical alternatives to liposuction.

What is CoolSculpting?

CoolSculpting has been around since 2010. It is a fat loss treatment that freezes fat to destroy it. 

How does CoolSculpting work?

The science behind CoolSculpting is simply that fat cells are susceptible to damage at cold temperatures. At a certain temperature, they will freeze and die. Because they are less tolerant of cold than other cells — like your skin, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels — it is possible to target only the fat cells by exposing them to a particular temperature, without damaging other cells in the body. Once the fat cells die, your body will naturally eliminate them through the lymphatic system.

A CoolSculpting session involves applying a CoolSculpting device to the treatment area that acts almost like a vacuum, suctioning the skin in order to bring the fat cells closer to the surface. The applicator delivers precision cooling to the area. The treatment lasts from 35-75 minutes, after which patients can resume their normal daily activities, with no downtime.

The final results from a treatment may take 12-16 weeks to be fully realized, as the body needs time to eliminate the dead fat cells. An average of 20-25% fat reduction may be achieved from a treatment. Some people are satisfied after one treatment, but more than one treatment is usually recommended for optimal results. It is common to have up to four treatments to target a specific area. 

What is LavaSculpt?

LavaSculpt is Hawaii Blue’s answer to fat loss! We are the only provider of LavaSculpt, as it is our own patented procedure.

How Does LavaSculpt Work?

LavaSculpt is a series of injections into small pockets of fat that won’t otherwise go away with diet and exercise. We use deoxycholic acid (the same acid found in your gallbladder) to destroy the cell membranes of fat cells. Once destroyed, these cells can no longer store or accumulate fat, and your body will naturally eliminate them through the lymphatic and circulatory systems.

LavaSculpt requires a series of treatments, depending upon the area treated. Treating the abdomen for optimal results may take up to 6 sessions. By contrast, chin fat only takes 1-2 sessions. Other popular treatment areas include back fat, love handles, the back of the arms, and saddle bags. LavaSculpt is four times stronger than Kybella, and can be used anywhere there is fat. 

A LavaSculpt treatment can be completed in under an hour. There is downtime following the procedure. You can expect some swelling for up to a month, though any bruising or soreness should resolve in a couple of weeks. Full results are typically seen in 12-17 weeks.

CoolSculpting vs. LavaSculpt: How are they similar?

Not surprisingly, CoolSculpting and LavaSculpt share many similarities:

• Neither CoolSculpting nor LavaSculpt are solutions for weight loss. (Ideal candidates should be within 10-20 pounds of their target weight already, and be maintaining a healthy lifestyle.) Rather, these are fat reduction treatments that specifically target pockets of stubborn fat that don’t respond to diet or exercise.

• Both treatments give permanent results. Once the fat cells have been treated, they are gone for good and don’t regenerate. 

• In some cases, the cost of both treatments is comparable. As an example, take a treatment plan for the abdomen. For either CoolSculpting or LavaSculpt, the average cost is $3000.

CoolSculpting vs. LavaSculpt: How are they different?

With so many similarities, why would one choose one over the other? Well, there are differences between the two procedures. 

• The most obvious difference is the type of procedure. CoolSculpting uses cryolipolysis or “fat freezing” to destroy fat and LavaSculpt uses injections of deoxycholic acid to dissolve fat cells. The immediate sensations from each procedure are polar opposites: you will feel coldness during CoolSculpting, and you may feel mild burning sensations during LavaSculpt.

• In many cases, LavaSculpt is less expensive. At just $500 per treatment, LavaSculpt is more affordable compared to the $1500-2500 cost of a single CoolSculpting treatment. Take the above example of treating the abdomen for $3000 — this breaks down into two CoolSculpting sessions or six LavaSculpt sessions. But if you were to achieve your desired results in four or five LavaSculpt sessions instead of six, that would bring down your treatment cost considerably.

CoolSculpting vs LavaSculpt: which is right for me?

When you consider CoolSculpting vs LavaSculpt, there are a variety of factors to consider. Regardless of the procedure, your treatment plan will need to be personalized for your body type, body composition, and desired results. So, which one is best for you? Come see us at Hawaii Blue for a consultation and let’s chat! We’d love to see you at our Virginia Beach medspa or Newport News medspa — schedule a visit today to get started on your fat loss journey.