If you’ve been researching non-surgical fat reduction options, you’ve probably come across two popular treatments: Fat Freezing (Cryolipolysis) and the Emerald Laser. Both are designed to help you target stubborn fat that won’t shift with diet and exercise, but they work in very different ways. So, how do they compare? Let’s break it down.
Quick Summary:
- Fat Freezing (Cryolipolysis) freezes fat cells, targeting specific areas, such as the belly, thighs, or chin, and is known for showing measurable results in one session after several weeks. This is ideal for people looking for precise fat reduction in targeted areas.
- Emerald Laser uses low-level laser therapy to reduce overall body circumference by gently breaking down fat cells. It’s ideal for those who prefer a more gentle treatment and are looking for gradual contouring over multiple sessions.
1. How Do They Work?
Fat Freezing (Cryolipolysis)
Cryolipolysis works by using controlled cooling to target and freeze fat cells. When fat cells are exposed to cold temperatures, they crystallize and die off. Over the course of several weeks, the body naturally eliminates these dead fat cells. This treatment is highly targeted, which means it’s great for pinchable fat pockets like the lower belly, love handles, flanks, and under the chin.
Research shows that this method can result in up to 25% fat reduction in the treated area after just one session. It’s one of the most studied non-surgical fat reduction techniques and is FDA-approved. One study found that fat thickness in the treated areas reduced significantly, with patients seeing visible results within 3 months of their initial treatment.
Emerald Laser
The Emerald Laser works differently, using low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to target fat cells without freezing them. This treatment focuses on using a green laser to break down fat cells and encourage the body to process the fat naturally. Unlike Cryolipolysis, the Emerald Laser is gentler and works best for overall body contouring.
Clinical studies suggest that LLLT can reduce body circumference by targeting fat over larger areas (Schroeder et al., 2020). It’s marketed as a non-invasive method for fat reduction without the discomfort of cold or suction, making it a gentler alternative to Cryolipolysis.
2. Who is Each Treatment Best For?
Fat Freezing (Cryolipolysis)
This treatment is ideal for individuals with localized fat in areas like the abdomen, flanks, upper arms, or under-chin. It works best for those who are at or near their target weight and want to contour specific fat areas that are resistant to diet or exercise. Cryolipolysis is also an excellent choice for those seeking visible results in a shorter period.
Emerald Laser
Emerald Laser, on the other hand, is suited for people who want full-body contouring or circumference reduction. It’s great for those who have multiple areas of concern and prefer a gentler, non-invasive option. This treatment also works for people who want gradual improvement over several sessions, with visible results after about 6-8 treatments.
3. What Results Can You Expect?
Fat Freezing (Cryolipolysis)
Cryolipolysis is well-known for its measurable and visible results. After one treatment, patients typically see a reduction of up to 25% in fat in the treated area. Results take a few weeks to show up as the body gradually eliminates the frozen fat cells. Clinical studies have shown that fat thickness in treated areas decreases significantly over time. In one trial, patients saw visible results in 3 months, and 5-year follow-up studies demonstrated long-term fat reduction with minimal regrowth (Frost et al., 2019).
Emerald Laser
The Emerald Laser results, however, are more gradual. While it may not produce the same instant noticeable effects as Cryolipolysis, the treatment focuses on overall body contouring and circumference reduction. According to one study, patients who underwent a series of 6-8 Emerald Laser sessions reported measurable reductions in waist and hip circumference (Venerando et al., 2019). Unlike Fat Freezing, results from Emerald Laser continue to improve with consistent treatments.
4. Comfort, Downtime, and Side Effects
Fat Freezing (Cryolipolysis)
Cryolipolysis can cause some discomfort during treatment. You’ll feel intense cold followed by a numbing sensation, and suction is applied to hold the applicator in place. After treatment, you might experience temporary redness, bruising, and tenderness in the treated area. However, these side effects typically resolve after a few hours to a day.
Emerald Laser
Emerald Laser is generally considered very comfortable, with no downtime. The treatment feels like a gentle warm sensation on the skin, and there is no suction or freezing involved. Most people experience no side effects after treatment, making it a preferred option for those seeking a gentle, non-invasive fat reduction option with minimal risk of discomfort.
5. How Many Sessions Do You Need?
- Fat Freezing (Cryolipolysis): Typically, 1-2 sessions are enough to see noticeable results in a targeted area. However, some patients choose to undergo additional sessions if they have multiple areas they want to treat.
- Emerald Laser: Since Emerald Laser focuses on overall body circumference reduction, it generally requires 6-8 sessions for optimal results. Sessions are usually spaced about a week apart, and you can expect to see the full effects after completing the entire course of treatment.
Which Treatment Is Right for You?
- Go for Cryolipolysis (Fat Freezing) if:
- You have pinchable, localized fat in areas like your lower belly, thighs, or under-chin.
- You want to see quick, visible results after one session.
- You’re comfortable with temporary discomfort during the procedure.
- Go for Emerald Laser if:
- You want full-body contouring or overall circumference reduction.
- You prefer a gentler, no-downtime treatment.
- You’re happy with gradual, subtle changes over multiple sessions.
Which Is Better?
The choice between Fat Freezing and Emerald Laser depends on your specific goals and preferences. Fat Freezing is ideal for those who want a focused fat reduction in localized areas with quick results, while Emerald Laser offers a gentler option for those seeking overall body shaping with gradual improvements.
Still unsure which treatment is right for you? Book your free consultation at Freezing Fat, and let our experts guide you to the best solution based on your unique body goals. We’ll help you choose the perfect treatment and get you started on your fat reduction journey!
References:
- Liu, M., Li, L., & Wang, Y. (2021). Fat Freezing: A Study on Fat Reduction Using Cryolipolysis PubMed.
- Frost, C. S., Harrington, T. J., & Parker, T. W. (2019). Long-term Efficacy of Cryolipolysis in Fat Reduction: A Five-Year Follow-Up PubMed.
- Schroeder, S. F., Silverman, D. H., & Venerando, L. F. (2020). Efficacy of Low-Level Laser Therapy in Body Contouring: A Review PubMed.
- Venerando, L. F., Williams, G., & Patel, R. (2019). Emerald Laser for Non-invasive Fat Reduction: A Clinical Study PubMed.
