Body sculpting treatments are a great option if you want to shape, tone, and refine your physique without surgery or extended downtime. 

Modern non-invasive treatments go beyond what traditional exercise and diet can achieve alone, from toning muscles to targeting stubborn pockets of fat. 

While several body sculpting technologies are in the market, picking the right one for your needs can be overwhelming.

Two of the standout treatments in body sculpting today are Emsculpt Neo and CoolSculpting. Each brings something unique to the table—Emsculpt Neo combines muscle toning with fat reduction, while CoolSculpting focuses on freezing away unwanted fat cells.

But how do you know which is best suited to your goals?

In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about CoolSculpting and Emsculpt Neo. 

 

Overview of Emsculpt Neo

 

Emsculpt Neo has become a go-to option for individuals looking to boost their muscle tone while tackling stubborn fat, all in one session. 

It’s a unique, FDA-approved body sculpting treatment that combines two powerful technologies—radiofrequency (RF) and high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) energy—to burn fat and build muscle simultaneously.

 

How does Emsculpt Neo work?

Emsculpt Neo’s approach is grounded in science. It targets fat cells and muscles in a way that few other non-surgical treatments can.

 

• First, the device uses radiofrequency energy to gently heat the underlying fat cells. This thermal effect raises the temperature of the fat tissue by a few degrees, causing fat cells to break down. Studies show that heat-induced fat cell destruction can lead to about a 30% reduction in fat in the targeted area over time.
• Next, HIFEM energy kicks in, triggering thousands of powerful muscle contractions in the treated area. These contractions are known as “supramaximal” contractions. They’re much more intense than your muscles can achieve on their own through voluntary exercise.

 

This intense muscle activity prompts the body to build new muscle fibers and strengthen existing ones. Clinical study reviews suggest that Emsculpt Neo can increase muscle mass by about 25% on average.

 

Common Emsculpt Neo treatment areas

Emsculpt Neo can target multiple areas where you need fat reduction and muscle toning, including:

 

• Abdomen: To help define abs and reduce belly fat
• Buttocks: To lift and tone
• Arms: Particularly the triceps and biceps
• Thighs: For both inner and outer thigh toning
• Calves: For added definition and muscle strength

 

Each of these areas responds well to Emsculpt Neo’s dual technology, with most LA ViE MD clients reporting visible improvements within just a few sessions.

 

Ideal Candidates for Emsculpt Neo

Emsculpt Neo works best if you are already active but need extra help in shaping up or targeting areas that don’t respond well to diet and exercise alone.

Unlike many other body sculpting treatments, which are limited to people with lower BMIs, Emsculpt Neo works even if you have a higher BMI (up to 35).

If you want to reduce fat and build muscle tone without surgery, Emsculpt Neo could be a great fit. However, it’s worth noting that the treatment is not intended as a weight-loss solution. It’s about sculpting and enhancing, not shedding significant pounds.

 

What to expect during your Emsculpt Neo treatment

Your Emsculpt Neo session will take about 30 minutes, depending on the area being treated.

During the session, you’ll feel warmth from the RF energy, similar to a hot stone massage, followed by muscle contractions. While these contractions may feel intense, they’re not painful, and you should get used to the sensation pretty quickly.

After treatment, you might feel a bit sore, much like you would after an intense workout. There’s no downtime, so that you can resume your day as usual—just with a little extra spring in your step!

 

How many Emsculpt Neo treatment sessions will I need?

You will typically start to see the results after four sessions, about a week apart. Clinical trials indicate that maximum benefits and muscle tone improvements become visible within three months after completing the full treatment series. You can always schedule additional sessions for enhanced results or maintenance treatments. 

At LA ViE MD, our experts will help you determine the frequency of the maintenance sessions so you can prolong the results.

 

What is the cost of Emsculpt Neo treatment?

The cost of Emsculpt Neo varies depending on the area being treated and the number of sessions needed. Sessions cost between $750 and $1,000. At LA ViE MD, we offer package deals to help keep the total cost down. Schedule a consultation to learn more details. 

 

Benefits of Emsculpt Neo

The biggest benefit of Emsculpt Neo is that it’s a two-in-one treatment. One session provides fat reduction and muscle toning, making it a great option if you want quick results.

Here are some key benefits of the body contouring treatment:

 

• Non-surgical: Emsculpt Neo is non-invasive, with no incisions, anesthesia, or recovery time.
• Lasting results: We recommend maintenance sessions, but many of our clients achieve long-lasting results with a balanced lifestyle.
• Scientifically backed: Emsculpt Neo has been scientifically shown to work. 
• Minimal discomfort: The muscle contractions are intense but well tolerated, and you will experience no significant post-treatment pain.

 

Downsides of Emsculpt Neo

While Emsculpt Neo has many benefits, there are a few things to keep in mind:

 

• Cost: Emsculpt Neo can be a costly treatment, costing $750 to $1,000 per session, and you might need several sessions.
• Limited areas: The treatment is best for certain areas (abs, buttocks, upper arms, thighs, calves) and may not be as effective on smaller, more intricate body parts.
• Results vary: It works very well, but results vary. The treatment stimulates muscle mass gain and fat reduction, but the degree to which this happens will depend on your baseline fitness level and whether you continue to follow a healthy lifestyle after treatment.
• Not a weight-loss treatment: It is not designed for substantial weight loss. If that is your goal, you should consider other options.

 

Also read: Long-term Benefits of Emsculpt Neo vs Traditional Weight Loss Programs.

 

Overview of CoolSculpting

 

CoolSculpting is another popular body contouring treatment, but it works on a totally different principle from Emsculpt Neo.

Known for its unique “fat-freezing” technology, CoolSculpting effectively reduces unwanted fat in specific areas without needles, surgery, or significant downtime. This FDA-cleared treatment relies on “Cryolipolysis,” a technique that uses controlled cooling to freeze and destroy fat cells under the skin.

 

How does CoolSculpting work?

CoolSculpting works through a process called cryolipolysis. It literally translates to “cold-induced fat breakdown.”

During the treatment, the CoolSculpting machine targets a specific body area to cool the underlying fat cells. As fat cells are more sensitive to cold than other types of cells, this process triggers their natural death while leaving other tissue intact. Once frozen, these damaged fat cells are gradually flushed out by the body’s natural lymphatic system over the following weeks.

Studies have shown that CoolSculpting can reduce fat in a treated area by about 20-25% after one session. The results become noticeable after 2-3 months as the body clears the dead cells away.

 

Common CoolSculpting treatment areas

CoolSculpting is FDA-cleared for use on multiple areas of the body, making it a versatile choice if you want to reduce fat in localized regions.

Popular treatment areas include:

 

• Abdomen: Helps reduce belly fat that’s resistant to diet and exercise
• Flanks (love handles): Contours the waistline by targeting stubborn side fat
• Thighs: Works well for both inner and outer thighs
• Chin and jawline: Reduces submental fullness (double chin)
• Upper arms: Addresses unwanted fat that’s difficult to target through exercise
• Back and bra fat: Smooths out rolls and folds around the back

 

Each area may require a different applicator and treatment approach, but CoolSculpting offers options that can contour multiple areas for a cohesive result.

 

Ideal candidates for CoolSculpting

CoolSculpting is most effective if you are already close to your ideal weight but have isolated stubborn fat areas that are difficult to lose through diet and exercise alone.

This treatment won’t help you lose significant weight, but it’s great for “spot reduction,” targeting specific areas that need a little extra help. To be an ideal candidate, you should typically have a BMI under 30 and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

CoolSculpting is a fantastic choice if you don’t want the downtime associated with surgical procedures like liposuction. However, it’s important to note that CoolSculpting may not be suitable for people with certain medical conditions, such as cryoglobulinemia or paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria, as these involve sensitivities to cold temperatures.

 

What should I expect during my CoolSculpting treatment?

A typical CoolSculpting session lasts between 35 and 60 minutes, depending on the treatment area and the applicator used.

During the procedure, you’ll feel intense cold initially, followed by numbness as the area adjusts to the temperature. Some people also report a mild pulling or tugging sensation as the applicator suctions the skin, but most find the experience tolerable.

The area may experience redness, minor swelling, or tenderness for several hours or days afterward. The best news is that there’s no downtime, and you can resume regular activities immediately.

 

How many CoolSculpting treatment sessions will I need?

Most clients see noticeable results with just one or two CoolSculpting sessions per treatment area, although additional sessions may enhance the outcome for those seeking more dramatic results.

Since CoolSculpting relies on the body’s natural processes to flush out dead fat cells, you can expect full results to become visible within about 2-4 months.

 

What is the cost of CoolSculpting treatment?

The cost of CoolSculpting varies depending on the size and number of areas being treated. On average, each session costs $600 to $1,200 per area.

 

Benefits of CoolSculpting

CoolSculpting’s popularity is largely due to its non-invasive nature, quick treatment time, and effective results.

Key benefits include:

 

• Non-surgical: CoolSculpting requires no incisions, anesthesia, or needles
• Minimal discomfort and downtime: While you may experience some numbness or tenderness, it generally doesn’t require a recovery period, allowing you to resume daily activities immediately
• Targeted fat reduction: CoolSculpting is perfect for spot reduction, targeting areas that are hard to slim down through diet and exercise alone
• Permanent fat reduction: Once destroyed, dead fat cells do not return, meaning the results last if you maintain a stable weight
• Backed by research: Over 100 peer-reviewed studies have documented CoolSculpting’s safety and efficacy, making it a trusted option in the world of body contouring.

 

Downsides of CoolSculpting

Although CoolSculpting has numerous benefits, there are a few things to consider before treatment:

 

• Results take time: Because CoolSculpting relies on the body’s natural processes to clear out fat cells, it can take several weeks to months for results to fully appear
• Limited to specific areas: CoolSculpting works well for small, localized fat reduction, but it’s not effective for loose skin or larger body sculpting needs
• Temporary side effects: Some people may experience numbness, bruising, or sensitivity in the treated area, which can last for several days to weeks
• Rare side effects: Although uncommon, CoolSculpting can lead to a condition known as paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH), where the treated area becomes firmer and enlarges instead of shrinking. PAH is treatable but may require additional procedures to correct
• Not a weight-loss solution: CoolSculpting is for shaping, not weight loss, so clients with more significant weight-loss goals may need to consider other treatments.

 

Emsculpt Neo vs CoolSculpting, which is better?

Both Emsculpt Neo and CoolSculpting offer effective, non-surgical options—yet they excel in different ways.

CoolSculpting focuses on targeted fat reduction through fat-freezing, making it ideal for sculpting specific areas. Emsculpt Neo, on the other hand, uses a combination of high-intensity focused electromagnetic energy (HIFEM) and radiofrequency to burn fat and build muscle, making it a more comprehensive option if you’re seeking muscle growth and fat reduction.

 

Emsculpt Neo vs. CoolSculpting treatment results

If you’re looking for full-body transformation, Emsculpt Neo might be the better fit due to its unique dual-action approach. It reduces fat in treated areas and helps build muscle for a sculpted, toned appearance—benefits CoolSculpting doesn’t offer.

 

Emsculpt Neo vs. CoolSculpting: Which is better for improving muscle tone?

Emsculpt Neo far exceeds CoolSculpting in improving your muscle tone. The technique causes stronger muscle contractions beyond what’s possible with exercise and helps you build defined, stronger muscles that CoolSculpting can’t replicate.

 

Emsculpt Neo vs. CoolSculpting: Which is better for fat loss?

Both treatments help you lose fat, but Emsculpt Neo’s added benefit of improved muscle tone makes it the choice for clients who want to reduce fat and enhance muscle definition in one treatment.

It’s important to remember at this point that both techniques are not your first-line options for weight reduction. They are meant to enhance your physique rather than help you reduce weight.

 

Takeaway: Choose the sculpting treatment that works for you

Both CoolSculpting and Emsculpt Neo are great nonsurgical body contouring treatments that offer unique benefits, but your choice comes down to your goals.

If you’re after targeted fat reduction, CoolSculpting can help, but if you want the dual benefits of muscle toning and fat burning, Emsculpt Neo is the clear, superior choice.

At LA ViE MD, we specialize in Emsculpt Neo to help you achieve a stronger, leaner physique without surgery or downtime.

Ready to experience advanced body contouring tailored to you? Book your consultation with us today and take the next step toward your transformation!