If you’re well-versed in non-invasive body-contouring procedures, you’re probably aware of the technology behind CoolTone and CoolSculpting.  Similar to Emsculpt, these body-contouring treatments help kill fat cells while simultaneously building muscle definition. It’s no wonder these noninvasive procedures continue to rise in popularity. Beauty aficionados are able to have their fat frozen off and muscles toned up in a matter of minutes. With CoolTone and CoolSculpting, patients will be able to zap off the stubborn excess bulges without needing to double-up on twice-a-day SoulCycle classes. We caught up with Dr. Michele S. Green, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, who explains exactly what CoolSculpting and CoolTone are, the benefits of each procedure and how you can reduce inches to your thighs, waist and other areas of your body with just a few sessions.

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Haute Beauty: What is CoolTone? 

Dr. Michele S. Green: CoolTone is a device FDA approved to increase muscle tone in the abdomen, thighs and buttocks. It uses magnetic muscle stimulation to penetrate deep into the muscle layers. This magnetic penetration invokes involuntary muscle contractions. This contraction of the muscle results in toning, firming and strengthening of the treated area.

HB: What is the difference between CoolTone and CoolSculpting? 

MG: Cooltone treatment is used to firm, tone and strengthens the muscles in the treated for a more toned and defined appearance whereas Coolsculpting is fat reduction treatment used to eliminate bulging fat cells from the treated area. Cooltone makes a perfect complement treatment to CoolSculpting to give patients.

HB: What is CoolSculpting? 

MG: Coolsculpting is fat loss by means of cryolipolysis. Coolsculpting freezes the fat by controlled cooling down to -11°C. The frozen fat cells necrose and are eliminated from the body. Your fat cells expand when you gain weight, as a result, the areas of weight gain also expand.  A single Coolsculpting treatment can result in a 20 to 25% reduction in fat cells from a treated area. This non-invasive treatment is FDA approved to treat nine different areas on the body such as the chin, bra fat, upper arms, abdomen, flanks, inner thighs, outer thighs, under the buttocks, and above the knees.

HB: What does the treatment consist of? 

MG: Coolsculpting is a non-invasive procedure with no downtime. You can have a treatment and return to your normal activities immediately following the procedure. The length of your appointment is based upon the time of the applicator cycle. Treatment can be done in as little as 35 mins, 45mins or 1 hour per area depending upon the area being treated. There can be some mild discomfort at the start and end of the treatment in the form of a stinging or burning sensation. Based on the area being treated, there may be little pressure and a numb sensation in the first five minutes of the treatment as you get used to the cold.  At the end of the treatment, your technician will massage the treated area for 5 minutes which can be uncomfortable for some patients as the body is reheating itself.

HB: When do you see the results? 

MG: Results can be seen three to four months after the treatment. Depending on the patient more than one treatment can be done to achieve the desired outcome. Also, based on the fat in the area, the patient can have another treatment within a month. However, in some areas, it is recommended to wait four months before doing another treatment. 

HB: How long does it last? 

MG: The results of Coolsculpting is permanent. A single Coolsculpting treatment eliminates 20-25% of fat cells. If you gain weight after CoolSculpting fat cells in the untreated areas will expand however you do not redistribute your remaining fat cells from the treated area.

HB: Who is the ideal patient? 

MG: The ideal CoolSculpting candidate is anyone within 20 lbs of their ideal goal weight or with an area of bulging fat that diet and exercise won’t eliminate.

HB: What are the risks? 

MG: If you have a hernia, pacemaker, Raynaud’s disease, cold urticaria, diabetic neuropathy, open wounds, impaired skin sensation, paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria, or cryoglobulinemia you should not do Coolsculpting.