CoolSculpting machines have come a long way since first researched and developed. At Element Body Lab, we pride ourselves on having one of the few national trainers on CoolSculpting technology as our founder. As a result, we have a unique advantage and benefit from in-depth knowledge and a deep understanding of the CoolSculpting machines used in clinical settings. Undoubtebly, we offer the most up to date technology, called CoolSculpting Elite, at Element Body Lab to our clients in Dallas, Texas. Learn more about how experts use Coolsculpting Elite.
Want to understand more about the history of CoolSculpting or the specifics of the technology? Book a consultation with our knowledgeable team to talk one on one, or keep reading for this week’s blog covering the differences in each CoolSculpting machine.
History of the CoolSculpting Machine
CoolSculpting has come a long way since its inception. While the science behind CoolSculpting (called cryolipolysis) was first researched in the 1970s and discovered in 1999, it didn’t receive it’s first FDA clearance until 2009.
Let’s explore the evolution of the CoolSculpting machine used in clinical settings, from the early models to the latest advancements.
Are All CoolSculpting Machines the Same? Are There Different CoolSculpting Machines?
Simply put, not all CoolSculpting machines are the same. In fact, There have been three major iterations of the CoolSculpting device since it was first FDA-cleared:
- The Legacy CoolSculpting Machine
- The CoolSculpting Advantage Applicator Advancement (compatible with the CoolSculpting Legacy Machine)
- The CoolSculpting Elite Machine (not compatible with older CoolSculpting machine models). Learn more about how experts use Coolsculpting Elite.
When the original CoolSculpting Legacy Machine was launched in 2009, it used cooling panels, looking much like a vice grip from a workshop. Furthermore, it used tremendous amounts of suction to draw fat into the cooling panels to receive a therapeutic treatment. Hence the reason for a redesign.
Then, the CoolSculpting Advantage Applicators launched as the 2nd iteration of the treatment. These applicators were compatible with the CoolSculpting Legacy Machine and plugged into the top of the device using an umbilical cord and adapter to modify the old CoolSculpting machine to work with the newer technology.
Later, the CoolSculpting machine was completely redesigned in 2021 with the launch of CoolSculpting Elite. Learn more about how experts use Coolsculpting Elite.
What Is the New Technology for CoolSculpting? Explain the NEW CoolSculpting Machine
Ultimately, the most up-to-date version of CoolSculpting technology is CoolSculpting Elite. This advanced system includes:
- Redesigned applicators
- Dual ports, allowing treatment of twice the fat in half the time, which is crucial since we have two sides of the body
- A sleeker look
- Easier clean-up for providers
- Enhanced patient comfort and outcomes
CoolSculpting vs CoolSculpting Elite. Comparing different CoolSculpting machine Options
CoolSculpting Elite was launched to provide better results and a more comfortable experience for clients. Key features include:
- 18% larger handpieces
- Ability to treat up to 30% more tissue
- Faster and more aggressive results
- Improved contact with cooling panels, as shown in the following “paint study”. The inside of the applicators were painted prior to administering a treatment, showing the amount of contact for each of the coolsculpting machine technologies (coolsculpting vs. coolsculpting elite)
Learn more about how experts use Coolsculpting Elite.
What Equipment is Used for CoolSculpting?
CoolSculpting treatments involve several key pieces of equipment:
- The main CoolSculpting machine – this is often referred to as the “box”, and these devices usually cost a practice around $150k to purchase
- Umbilicals – these are the hoses that connect the CoolSculpting machine to the customizable applicators
- Applicators – We also call applicators handpieces, and they physically touch the body during treatment. Applicator selection is key when developing treatment recommendations. The treatment is fully customized using these uniquely designed, custom-fit applicators.
What Do CoolSculpting Applicators Look Like?
Overall, the CoolSculpting applicators resemble elongated ice cream scoops. They come in various sizes and shapes, and developers are constantly creating new ones to advance the machines available on the market today. Today, they consist of:
- Suction mechanism
- Thermistors
- Cooling panels
- Umbilical connection
How Big Is the CoolSculpting Applicator?
The size of CoolSculpting applicators varies, starting with our smallest handpiece (around 3 inches) and getting progressively larger, up to about 9 inches. Here is a list and dimensions of the different applicators used in treatments.
- C80: Designed for smaller pockets of fat, such as the chin or the axillary puff (also called bra or armpit fat). This applicator is about 3.5 inches long.
- C120: Previously known as the “Petite” applicator, this handpiece is ideal for smaller, curved areas like the love handles, bra fat, or abdomen. It measures about 5.25 inches long.
- C150: Known as the “OG” medium-sized, curved applicator, this handpiece was previously called the CoolAdvantage. It measures around 6.5 inches long and is our tried-and-true choice for most abdomens, love handles, or back fat pockets. Its curved design is great as long as the body can support the width of the applicator.
- C240: Formerly known as the CoolAdvantage Plus applicator, this handpiece is perfect for addressing longer pockets or larger areas like the lower abdomen. It measures around 10 inches long and requires clients to have the length, width, and depth to support this handpiece in treatment.
- F125: Similar in size to the C120 (Petite) applicator, but with a flat contour instead of a curved one. This applicator is specifically designed for the inner thighs and upper arms and is about 5.25 inches long.
- F165: Comparable in size to the C150, this handpiece features a flat contour instead of a curved top, making it an ideal choice for areas like the inner thighs and upper arms when the F125 isn’t quite the right length. This applicator is about 7 inches long.
- S150: A surface-based handpiece that measures around 5 inches in width. It is specifically designed for more fibrous areas, such as the outer thigh, and is rarely used in other areas.
In fact, the initial letter on each of these applicators indicates the contour of the applicator. To clarify, current designs include Curved, Flat, or Surface applicators, as photographed here. Learn more about how experts use Coolsculpting Elite.
What Temperature Is the CoolSculpting Device?
The CoolSculpting device uses heat extraction to target fat cells. Ultimately, the cooling panels maintain a target temperature of -11 to -13 degrees Celsius. Specifically, that holds the treated fat at +4 degrees Celsius for around 28 minutes, triggering fat cell death.
What Is the FDA Approved Machine for Cryolipolysis?
When discussing medical devices, understanding the difference between FDA approval and FDA clearance is essential:
- FDA Approval: The FDA reserves this more rigorous process for high-risk medical devices (Class III) or ingestible items. Devices that undergo FDA approval must demonstrate extensive evidence through clinical trials that they are safe and effective for their intended use. This process can be lengthy and involves a thorough review of clinical data.
- FDA Clearance: This is the process that many moderate-risk medical devices (Class II) go through, including CoolSculpting. To receive FDA clearance, manufacturers must demonstrate that their device is substantially equivalent to a legally marketed device that is not subject to premarket approval. This means the device is at least as safe and effective as the existing device. The clearance process, while still stringent, is generally faster than the approval process and focuses on proving equivalence rather than undergoing new clinical trials.
The FDA has cleared CoolSculpting Elite for cryolipolysis, confirming it as a safe and effective option for fat reduction, comparable to previously approved or cleared devices. Additionally, CoolSculpting holds the exclusive patent to use cold technology specifically to kill fat cells, distinguishing it from other fat reduction treatments on the market. Learn more about how experts use Coolsculpting Elite.
What Class Medical Device Is CoolSculpting?
CoolSculpting is classified as a Class II medical device. This classification makes it a prescription device in Texas, subject to TMB193.17 regulations. Read more at elementbodylab.com/compliance.