Considering CoolSculpting vs cryotherapy and wondering what each treatment offers? Cold has been a wellness game-changer for centuries—whether you’re plunging into an ice bath, stepping into a cryotherapy chamber, or freezing away stubborn fat. But while both CoolSculpting and cryotherapy involve cold temperatures, they serve completely different purposes!
If you’re wondering whether cryotherapy can help you lose fat or if CoolSculpting works like cryotherapy, you’re not alone. Let’s break down their similarities, differences, and how to choose the right treatment for your goals.
Discover what areas can be treated with CoolSculpting.
What Is Cryotherapy?
Cryotherapy, or “cold therapy,” is the practice of exposing the body to extremely cold temperatures for a short period. There are several types of cryotherapy, each serving different purposes:
Types of Cryotherapy:
- Whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) – Standing in a chamber cooled to -200°F to -300°F for 2-4 minutes, often used for recovery and inflammation reduction.
- Localized cryotherapy – Applying cold air or ice packs to a specific area, commonly for pain relief or injury recovery.
- Ice baths – Submerging in ice-cold water for muscle recovery, frequently used by athletes.
- Cold compress therapy – Applying ice packs to treat acute injuries, swelling, or inflammation.
Common Uses of Cryotherapy:
- Muscle Recovery & Pain Relief – Athletes use cryotherapy to reduce inflammation and muscle soreness.
- Boosting Circulation & Energy – Cold exposure stimulates blood flow and releases endorphins.
- Reducing Swelling & Inflammation – Used in sports medicine and injury recovery.
- Metabolic Boost – Some claim cryotherapy helps burn calories, but does it actually burn fat?
What Is CoolSculpting?
CoolSculpting is an FDA-cleared, non-surgical fat reduction treatment that uses controlled cooling to freeze and eliminate fat cells. The process, called cryolipolysis, targets stubborn fat pockets resistant to diet and exercise.
How It Works:
- A specialized applicator cools fat cells to a precise temperature, triggering cell death.
- The body naturally processes and eliminates the frozen fat cells over several weeks.
- Results develop over 1-3 months, with permanent fat reduction in treated areas.
Unlike cryotherapy, which affects surface-level cold exposure, CoolSculpting targets and destroys fat cells for body contouring.
Discover what areas can be treated with CoolSculpting.
How Do CoolSculpting and Cryotherapy Affect the Body Differently?
CoolSculpting and cryotherapy affect the body in very different ways. Cryotherapy provides an overall systemic response to cold exposure, which can help with inflammation reduction, muscle recovery, and short-term metabolic boosts. It works by rapidly cooling the skin’s surface and stimulating circulation, which can lead to temporary benefits like increased energy and reduced pain. However, it does not directly impact fat cells in a targeted way.
CoolSculpting, on the other hand, is designed to eliminate fat cells permanently. The controlled cooling used in CoolSculpting selectively freezes fat cells beneath the skin without damaging surrounding tissues. Over time, the body naturally flushes out these dead fat cells, leading to long-term fat reduction in treated areas. Unlike cryotherapy, which works more broadly on the body’s thermoregulation, CoolSculpting is a body contouring treatment that specifically targets and removes stubborn fat deposits for a more sculpted appearance.
Does Cryotherapy Burn Fat?
A common misconception is that cryotherapy burns fat by forcing the body to work harder to regulate temperature. While some studies suggest whole-body cryotherapy can temporarily boost metabolism, this effect is short-lived and does not result in permanent fat loss.
Key Differences in Fat Loss:
- Cryotherapy: May slightly increase calorie burn after a session, but doesn’t target or eliminate fat cells.
- CoolSculpting: Directly destroys fat cells, leading to long-term fat reduction.
So while cryotherapy can support weight loss by boosting recovery and metabolism, it does not replace targeted fat reduction treatments like CoolSculpting.
Cryotherapy Fat Loss
People exploring cryotherapy for fat loss often hope it will help them shed excess weight. While cryotherapy may increase calorie expenditure, it does not offer localized or targeted fat reduction like CoolSculpting.
Pros of Cryotherapy for Fat Loss:
- Short-term metabolic boost
- Can support an active lifestyle
- Helps reduce inflammation, which can assist in recovery
Cons of Cryotherapy for Fat Loss:
- No permanent fat cell reduction
- Effects are temporary and require frequent sessions
- Not a replacement for body contouring treatments
Cryotherapy for Weight Loss
Weight loss ultimately comes down to calories in vs. calories out. Cryotherapy may temporarily increase calorie burn, but it won’t lead to significant or sustained weight loss on its own.
Does Cryotherapy permanently Kill Fat Cells?
No, Cryotherapy is great for many uses, but it does not permanently kill fat cells or cause any localized fat reduction. Instead, it affects weight loss in a different way.
How Cryotherapy Affects Weight Loss:
- Can kickstart metabolism but requires consistency.
- Does not target fat in specific areas.
- Works best when combined with diet and exercise.
Differences Between CoolSculpting and Cryotherapy
Both treatments use cold, but they are designed for very different purposes.
Is CoolSculpting the Same as Cryotherapy?
Some clients come to us wondering, “is cryotherapy the same as CoolSculpting?” No, CoolSculpting is a body contouring treatment that removes fat cells, while cryotherapy is a wellness treatment primarily used for recovery, inflammation reduction, and circulation.
Difference Between CoolSculpting and Cryotherapy
Here’s a quick breakdown of how they compare:
| Feature | CoolSculpting | Cryotherapy |
| Purpose | Targeted fat reduction | General wellness & recovery |
| How It Works | Freezes and eliminates fat cells | Exposes the body to cold for short-term metabolic benefits |
| Scientific Backing | FDA-cleared, proven to reduce fat | Some research on calorie burn, but no permanent fat loss |
| Treatment Areas | Specific body areas (belly, thighs, arms, etc.) | Whole-body or localized application |
| Results | Gradual fat loss over 1-3 months | Immediate benefits for inflammation & recovery |
| Ideal For | Body contouring, stubborn fat pockets | Athletes, pain relief, general well-being |
Which Is Better for Fat Reduction: CoolSculpting or Cryotherapy?
If your goal is fat loss, CoolSculpting is the clear winner. Unlike cryotherapy, which provides temporary metabolic effects, CoolSculpting delivers long-lasting fat reduction by permanently eliminating fat cells.
That said, cryotherapy can still be a great complement to a healthy lifestyle—helping with muscle recovery, inflammation, and even boosting your mood. But if you’re looking to sculpt and contour your body, CoolSculpting is your best bet.
Discover what areas can be treated with CoolSculpting.
Are CoolSculpting and Cryotherapy Safe?
Both treatments are non-invasive and generally safe:
- CoolSculpting has been extensively studied and is FDA-cleared for fat reduction with minimal side effects (temporary numbness, mild redness).
- Cryotherapy is safe for most people but should be avoided by those with certain circulatory conditions or cold sensitivities.
While CoolSculpting requires trained professionals, cryotherapy is often available at wellness spas and recovery centers.
Conclusion: The Right Cold for the Right Goal
Both CoolSculpting and cryotherapy use cold, but for very different purposes:
- If you want to boost recovery, reduce inflammation, or increase circulation, cryotherapy is great.
- If you want to target stubborn fat and sculpt your body, CoolSculpting is the best choice.
Want to learn more about what CoolSculpting can do for you? Discover what areas can be treated with CoolSculpting.