If you’re considering body contouring treatments, you may have reached a point where diet and exercise alone aren’t enough to address unwanted fat pockets. The right body contouring treatment can help you create the physique you want, often with little to no downtime — and without endless burpees, pushups, and crunches. Today’s advanced cosmetic methods include minimally invasive surgical procedures, such as laser liposuction, as well as fully non-invasive fat reduction treatments like CoolSculpting. Both are solid options to consider if you’re seeking a body transformation, but which one is right for you?
At ICLS Canada, we specialise in CoolSculpting, a completely non-surgical FDA approved treatment of stubborn subcutaneous fat tissue, that refuse to budge, even with a healthy diet and exercise regimen. At the same time, we recognise that for some patients, laser lipo is the preferred option. This article will help you compare laser liposuction vs. CoolSculpting and find the best fit for your goals and budget.
Laser Liposuction Vs. CoolSculpting: What’s the Difference?
Laser lipo and CoolSculpting are not considered weight-loss methods but rather body contouring treatments that can help patients sculpt their desired body shape. While the procedures both help to eliminate fat, they have distinct differences that may impact your choice of treatment. Notably, laser lipo requires surgery and everything that comes with it — from anesthesia to downtime and recovery — while CoolSculpting is 100% non-surgical. Here’s a quick overview of each, including typical results, costs, and other factors to consider.
About Laser Lipo & CoolSculpting
Laser lipo is a surgical procedure that uses targeted heat and suction to melt fat and remove it via small incisions. CoolSculpting is a non-invasive procedure that freezes fat cells while preserving surrounding tissue, allowing the body to slowly eliminate fat without surgery.
Effectiveness
Patients may see quicker results with laser lipo due to the immediate surgical fat removal. However, CoolSculpting allows for fat reduction over time, with potentially more natural-looking results.
Cost
Laser lipo and CoolSculpting fall in the same general price range — roughly $2,500 to $5,500 per area for laser lipo and $800 to $1,600 per treatment cycle for CoolSculpting. However, costs vary based on the treatment areas and number of sessions required, among other factors.
Safety
Both CoolSculpting and laser liposuction are Health Canada and FDA-approved body contouring treatments, but each carries its own safety considerations.
CoolSculpting is non-invasive and generally well-tolerated, but it’s not risk-free. Potential side effects include:
- Temporary redness, bruising, swelling, or numbness at the treatment site.
- Indents or uneven texture in rare cases.
- Paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH) – a rare but notable side effect where the treated fat area becomes enlarged instead of shrinking.
- Pigmentation changes or surface irregularities.
Laser liposuction, while more invasive, is a surgical procedure and comes with risks typical of any minor surgery, including:
- Bruising, swelling, and temporary soreness.
- Burns from the heat of the laser (rare with experienced providers).
- Infection, bleeding, or fluid buildup may occur if aftercare is not followed properly.
Regardless of your option, your safest approach is to work with an experienced medical provider who can evaluate your goals, skin type, and medical history to recommend the best treatment plan.
Convenience
Laser lipo sessions typically last one to two hours per area. While some patients see results after one session, others require multiple surgeries to achieve their desired results, and recovery may last several weeks. CoolSculpting sessions are quicker, usually starting at 35- 60 35-60mins per area; however, some areas may require 2-4 hand pieces, which can be applied once at a time, thus increasing treatment time. The treatment has minimal downtime that can last a couple of weeks, consisting of swelling, tenderness, itching, numbness or tingling. Complete results typically require several CoolSculpting sessions, especially for larger areas and can take up to 3 months to see those results. Remember, there are no guarantees like lipo surgery!
Lasers or Freezing: Which Is Right for You?
Both laser liposuction and CoolSculpting have the same goal — to eliminate stubborn fat cells — but they use different methods. Whereas laser lipo uses heat to liquefy fat and requires a surgical incision, CoolSculpting freezes fat without incisions and lets the body naturally eliminate it.
Understanding this difference is key to choosing the right approach for your goals, body type, and level of comfort with cosmetic procedures. For those who prefer a non-surgical approach, CoolSculpting offers a fully non-invasive alternative with low risk and minimal downtime, which varies with each individual.
Comparing Laser Lipo and CoolSculpting
As you weigh CoolSculpting vs. laser treatments, consider your tolerance for incisions and recovery time, your lifestyle, and your desired pace of results. It’s important to recognize that laser lipo is a surgical procedure that requires incisions, anesthesia, surgical fat removal, downtime, and careful post-procedure care — unlike CoolSculpting, which is fully non-invasive and non-surgical.
CoolSculpting Overview
If you’re looking to eliminate fat without surgery, needles, incisions, scars, or time away from your usual activities, CoolSculpting is an excellent option. This non-invasive fat reduction procedure uses fat-freezing technology to cool the fat underneath the skin, ultimately causing these fat cells to crystallize and die. From there, the body slowly flushes them out through the lymphatic system — and with proper maintenance, these cells never return. Although CoolSculpting is a gradual process, it also offers an easier recovery and natural-looking results without surgery.
Laser Lipo Overview
In contrast, laser liposuction is a surgical procedure that uses laser energy to target, heat, and liquefy fat cells. These cells are then suctioned out through a small incision. Compared to traditional liposuction, laser treatments cause less trauma overall and have shorter recovery times — but nonetheless, laser lipo still requires surgery. Laser lipo also reduces fat volume quickly and has mild skin tightening benefits; however, these effects are minimal at best and not comparable to treatments specifically designed to tighten skin, such as Renuvion and radiofrequency (RF) microneedling.
How Long Does Each Procedure Take?
Knowing how long treatment takes will help you walk into any session prepared. Here’s what to expect from either type of procedure.
Laser Lipo Sessions
The typical session time for laser lipo is one to two hours, depending on the treatment area. Patients may experience bruising, swelling, and tenderness for several days afterward. As for when results show, patients may see an immediate difference, with more noticeable changes appearing after a few weeks. Full improvements may take several months.
CoolSculpting Sessions
A typical CoolSculpting session duration starts from 35 to 60 minutes per area, depending on the area being treated. Recovery expectations include minimal downtime, and most patients can return to their normal routines immediately. Each result timeline is different, but most people see changes within two to three months of treatment.
Comparing Results of CoolSculpting Vs. Laser Treatments
Both laser lipo and CoolSculpting can improve a patient’s body shape noticeably, but the outcomes may vary depending on treatment goals and body types.
Laser lipo tends to produce more immediate changes because the procedure removes liquefied fat through a tiny incision. Patients may notice additional improvements within the weeks that follow, particularly in problem areas like the abdomen, flanks, and thighs.
CoolSculpting, on the other hand, is a slower process, with subtle reductions in fat over time. Those who would rather not deal with surgery, incisions, or a longer recovery process often choose CoolSculpting. It works well on the arms, back, belly, hips, thighs, under the chin, and anywhere with “pinchable” fat pockets. Patients typically see up to a 20% to 25% reduction in fat per treatment, with more visible results within two to three months.
Cost of Each Procedure
The treatment cost of CoolSculpting vs. laser lipo can vary based on the treatment area and the required number of sessions.
In Canada, laser lipo generally costs between $2,500 and $5,500 per area. Factors that may impact the final cost include the size of the treatment area, the procedure complexity, and any additional facility or anesthesia fees.
CoolSculpting has a similar overall price, costing between $800 and $1,600 per cycle. Patients with larger or multiple treatment areas may require several sessions to achieve the best results. At your initial consultation, we can provide an accurate cost estimate based on your specific needs. We’ll also go over financing and other payment options, helping you pursue the treatment you desire sooner rather than later.
Side Effects of Laser Lipo Vs. CoolSculpting
While less invasive than traditional liposuction, laser lipo is still a surgical procedure involving small incisions and fat suctioning. As with any surgical procedure, there are risks, such as possible bruising, infection, swelling, or uneven results if healing doesn’t progress properly. Following aftercare instructions is essential for a smooth recovery and optimal results.
CoolSculpting is completely non-invasive and thus eliminates risks associated with surgery. While minimal, side effects may include temporary redness, numbness, bruising, tenderness or firmness in the treatment area. Research shows that in rare cases, patients may experience a condition called paradoxical fat hyperplasia, whereby the fat cells grow larger and result in firm masses under the skin. However, this is an uncommon complication.
Overall, CoolSculpting offers a low-risk way to permanently eliminate fat without surgery, painful incisions, or lengthy downtime. In fact, many patients report that the CoolSculpting procedure itself is quite comfortable — with nothing more than a slight tugging and cooling sensation as the technology does the work. Once the cycle is finished, a 2 minute manual massage is performed which can cause temporary cramping, stinging and discomfort.
Alternatives to Laser Lipo & CoolSculpting
Unsure about either option? Other body contouring treatments for non-invasive fat reduction include:
- UltraShape: Ultrasound fat disruption
- SculpSure: Laser-based fat reduction without suction
- Cryoskin: Localized cryotherapy
- Kybella: Fat-dissolving injections
- RF-based body contouring: Non-surgical technique that uses radiofrequency energy to heat and gradually reduce fat cells
An expert consultation is the best way to determine which option is the best fit for you.
Laser Lipo and CoolSculpting Comparison Chart
| Feature | Laser Lipo | CoolSculpting |
| Treatment Type | Heat-based, minimally invasive | Cold-based, completely non-invasive |
| Session Length | 1–2 hours | 35–60 minutes and up per area |
| Downtime | 3–7 days of swelling/bruising | Approximately up to 7 days or more of Swelling, tenderness, itching, numbness, tingling |
| Results Timeline | A few weeks to 3 months | 2–3 months |
| Typical Cost | $2,500–$5,500 per area | $800–$1,600 per cycle |
| Best For | Immediate results, mild skin tightening (but minimal compared to dedicated skin-tightening treatments) | Gradual, natural-looking fat loss |
Final Thoughts on Laser Lipo and CoolSculpting
Which is better: CoolSculpting or laser lipo? Laser lipo provides quicker visible changes but requires downtime and small surgical incisions. In contrast, CoolSculpting offers non-invasive fat reduction. It’s perfect for those who want to avoid anesthesia, incisions, and long recoveries — and get back to daily life quickly.
When it comes to laser lipo vs. CoolSculpting, the choice comes down to your aesthetic goals, lifestyle, and preferences. At ICLS Canada, we proudly offer CoolSculpting to help patients achieve non-invasive, targeted fat reduction safely and gradually, with results that blend with your body’s natural contours. As long as you maintain a healthy lifestyle, your results should be long-lasting.
Are you ready to achieve the physique you’ve always imagined? Our team of specialists is here to help. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and find out if CoolSculpting is right for you!