What's the Difference Between Thermage & CoolSculpting?

The best non-invasive treatments for fat loss and skin firming

When it comes to non-invasive body contouring and skin tightening, CoolSculpting and Thermage are two of the biggest names in the game. But how do they actually work? And which one is best for you?

The short answer? CoolSculpting freezes away fat, while Thermage tightens skin. But let’s break it down further.

CoolSculpting = Fat reduction

Struggling with stubborn fat that won’t budge—no matter how much you hit the gym or tweak your diet? That’s where CoolSculpting comes in.

Using controlled cooling technology, CoolSculpting targets and eliminates fat cells—permanently. Here’s how it works:

Fat cells freeze at a higher temperature than the surrounding tissue.
CoolSculpting delivers a precise cooling effect that crystallizes fat cells, causing them to die off.
Over the next one to three months, your body naturally flushes them out—reducing fat in the treated area by up to 25% per session.

Each CoolSculpting session takes around 30 to 75 minutes, depending on the area. You’ll feel some tugging as the applicator suctions to your skin, followed by a cooling sensation. But once the area numbs, the treatment is totally tolerable.

Results? You could see changes in as little as four weeks, with full results in about three months. The best part? The fat cells don’t come back—so even if your weight fluctuates, you won’t see new fat accumulating in treated areas.

Thermage = Skin tightening

If loose or sagging skin is your concern, Thermage is your go-to. This radiofrequency (RF) treatment heats the skin’s deeper layers, triggering new collagen production to tighten and smooth out your skin over time.

Thermage is a great option for areas like:

Face & neck
Abdomen & stomach
Buttocks & thighs
Knees

Each session takes between 45 to 90 minutes, with zero downtime. While you may notice a subtle tightening effect immediately after treatment, results gradually improve over three to six months as collagen rebuilds. Depending on your skin, results can last two to three years, though some patients opt for maintenance treatments to optimize their results.

Can you combine CoolSculpting & Thermage?

Absolutely! Since CoolSculpting reduces fat and Thermage tightens skin, pairing the two can deliver even better results—especially if you’re looking to sculpt a more toned and contoured look.

Pro tip: For best results, do CoolSculpting first to reduce fat, then follow up with Thermage to firm up any loose skin.

Ready to transform your body?

LaserAway offers both CoolSculpting and Thermage, performed by medical professionals who specialize in non-invasive body contouring. Want to learn more about which treatment is right for you? Schedule a free consultation today!

References

“Assessment of the Efficacy of Cryolipolysis on Abdominal Fat Deposits: A Prospective Study,” Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, May 3, 2023.
“New Technologies in Skin Tightening,” Facial Plastics, October 11, 2021.
“Significant Improvement in Body Contour with Multiple Cycles of CoolSculpting: Results of a Prospective Study,” Dermatologic Therapy, February 21, 2021.