Reports from patients reveal that the average cost for CoolSculpting hovers around $2,450, which is slightly less than the brand's quoted average price of $3,200.
Prices fluctuate widely for this treatment; a single appointment focusing on one body area might only set you back around $400, while an extensive series of treatments across multiple regions could escalate to as much as $5,200.
Keep reading to learn more about:
- The factors causing the wide variation in cost
- A price comparison against Smart Lipo
- Patients' opinions on the value for money based on their results
Melon Hint: Fat Freezing, CoolSculpting and other similar body contouring procedures aim to eliminate stubborn fat deposits, not overall weight loss. A qualified health professional can determine if you're the right fit for this procedure.
Read More: Fat Freezing, A Guide to Cryolipolysis and CoolSculpting
Can Medicare or private health insurance cover Fat Freezing?
CoolSculpting falls under the category of elective cosmetic procedures, which implies it is not deemed essential from a medical perspective. As a result, both Medicare and private health insurance typically do not provide coverage for it.
Why is Fat Freezing so expensive?
Several factors can influence the final cost of your CoolSculpting treatment, including the number of target areas and the number of sessions you need.
Some of the most significant contributors to the procedure's high cost are:
- Initial Equipment Purchase: Healthcare providers incur a substantial initial investment to acquire an authentic CoolSculpting machine, which can cost upwards of $220,000. Additionally, they must also buy various applicators in different sizes and shapes to accommodate diverse body areas.
- Manufacturer Fees: For each treatment area, clinics are charged a few hundred dollars by the manufacturer each time the device is used. This cost is associated with the consumable computer chip required to run each CoolSculpting cycle.
- Expertise Costs: As the procedure is carried out by an operator specifically trained in fat freezing, the cost of their time and skill are incorporated into the overall price.
Despite these expenses, it's worth noting that the cost of CoolSculpting is generally on par with other noninvasive fat reduction alternatives, such as Emsculpt Neo.
What impacts the cost of Fat Freezing?
Your initial consultation offers an opportunity to obtain a personalised treatment plan and pricing from your provider. Request a detailed cost estimate for a single session of your chosen treatment regions, as well as a comprehensive cost for a full series of appointments.
The following elements will largely determine your Fat Freezing cost:
Size and Number of Treatment Areas:
The price of a fat freezing cycle generally decreases for smaller body regions compared to larger ones.
As an example, an average CoolMini treatment for a double chin costs approximately $1,400, while love handle or stomach treatments may cost upwards of $1,900.
Smaller areas such as the upper arms or inner thighs could cost as little as $800 each, but treating both sides would double the cost to $1,300.
Most providers offer reduced rates for multiple treatment areas.
Treatment Sessions Required:
Achieving the desired outcome often requires 2 to 3 treatments, particularly for more stubborn fat deposits, like those on the lower belly.
While a single session can reduce fat in the treated area, most patients find multiple treatments necessary to reach satisfactory results.
Many providers extend discounts for advance payment on multiple sessions.
Provider's Qualifications and Experience:
Although fat freezing might seem straightforward, the outcomes can rely heavily on technique. Experienced practitioners have the knowledge to optimize your results while minimizing side effects.
Sessions conducted by a board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist will likely cost more than those performed by beauticians, medical assistants, or registered nurses. The provider's years of experience can also affect the cost.
Regardless of the provider you select, ensure they have completed comprehensive training at CoolSculpting University provided by Zeltiq (parent company Allergan Aesthetics).
Seek out a provider with a long history of positive patient reviews and a robust portfolio of before & after pictures.
Some providers may also offer free consultations, making it simpler to seek multiple opinions and quotes.
Clinic Location:
Providers operating in larger cities where overhead costs are higher tend to charge more to cover their expenses.
Prices can differ even within the same suburb or neighbourhood, especially when comparing luxury medical spas to simpler facilities.
It can be worthwhile to compare prices from a few different locations.
Special Offers and Discounts:
As mentioned earlier, practitioners often give discounts for multiple treatment areas or session packages. Seasonal promotions may also be available.
Exercise caution when considering seemingly attractive offers from sources like Groupon.
Always ensure you're receiving the genuine treatment. Some medical spas may use other branded equipment for their cryolipolysis treatments. Doctors often say that when it comes to safety and outcomes, you often get what you pay for.
The cost of fat freezing compared to Smart Lipo
Smart Lipo is a minimally invasive surgical procedure, carried out by a board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatological surgeon, this explains why its average cost is almost twice that of fat freezing.
Patients rate Smart Lipo higher compared to CoolSculpting and other cryolipolysis techniques. Liposuction procedures such as Smart Lipo can produce more significant and precise body contouring outcomes in a single session versus nonsurgical fat reduction alternatives. Additionally, Smart Lipo provides the added advantage of moderate skin tightening.
Many individuals prefer fat freezing because of the lack of downtime and potential complications associated with surgery. It is important to note that patience is key with CoolSculpting, as it takes approximately 2 months post-treatment for your body to dispose of the dead fat cells.
Providers well-versed in various surgical and nonsurgical body contouring methods can guide you through the benefits, drawbacks, and costs associated with these options.
Can you finance a fat freezing procedure?
Yes, many clinics offer payment plans or accept financing alternatives.
Afterpay is a commonly accepted Buy Now Pay Later, payment method for both surgical and nonsurgical treatments.
Is fat freezing/CoolSculpting worth the money?
Around ¾ CoolSculpting patients deemed the procedure worth the money. This means a large majority felt their investment yielded value, despite some dissatisfaction regarding fat loss outcomes.
Many of those who labelled it worth the money, reported losing inches from their waist or successfully getting rid of persistent fat deposits. Although some experienced pain, patients often say the remarkable results justify the discomfort and cost.
Conversely, those who deemed it not worth the money, primarily complained about insufficient or zero results, even after waiting several months for their body to expel the destroyed fat cells. Some patients also experience side effects such as burns from the extreme cold, skin discolouration, and persistent nerve pain. In rare instances, fat cells in treated areas can expand in size.
An Allergan-funded study of 106 patients, published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal in 2021, reported a high satisfaction rate. It found that 89.6% of the patients were 'satisfied' or 'very satisfied' 20 weeks after their second treatment. However, it is notable that 48.1% of these participants underwent a staggering 12 cycles per session, totalling 24 cycles all up.
These findings echo a 2021 independent study published in Dermatologic Therapy that explored if applying multiple cycles and additional sessions to identical body regions could achieve better body contouring results. Even though the average number of cycles per area in this study was only 2.8, it produced high patient satisfaction (88%) and concluded that 'multiple cycles/sessions of CoolSculpting can safely enhance the overall treatment benefit.'
To maximize the likelihood that your investment will be worthwhile, it is advised to seek out a provider with positive reviews and extensive experience in crafting effective treatment plans.
Moreover, embracing a healthy diet and lifestyle is crucial to preserving your results over time.
