CoolSculpting Review: What Is It? vs Liposuction and Other Fat Reduction Methods

Reading Time: 12 minutes วันที่อัพเดตล่าสุด : 14 January 2026

CoolSculpting: Fat Reduction with Cold Technology

Excess fat is a common concern for many people today, often resulting from lifestyle and work habits that facilitate fat accumulation. Whether you’re male or female, even with strict dieting and regular exercise, there can still be stubborn fat in certain areas that just won’t go away.

In this article, you’ll learn about the pros and cons of localized fat reduction methods such as liposuction, Thermage, HIFU, and especially CoolSculpting. It explains what CoolSculpting is, how it works using cold technology, and who might benefit most from the procedure.

Table of Content : CoolSculpting

• 1. CoolSculpting: Fat Reduction with Cold Technology
• What is CoolSculpting?
• Benefits of CoolSculpting
• How Many Sessions Are Needed to See Results?
  • Does CoolSculpting Hurt?
  • How Many CoolSculpting Applicators Are There? How Do They Differ and Which Areas Are They Used For?
  • Does CoolSculpting Work?
  • Why Doesn’t CoolSculpting Work Sometimes?
• Who Is a Good Candidate for CoolSculpting?
  • Which Areas Can Be Treated with CoolSculpting?
• Preparing for CoolSculpting
• CoolSculpting Reviews
  • Where Is the Best Place to Get CoolSculpting?
  • How Much Does CoolSculpting Cost?
  • Why Choose CoolSculpting at V Square Clinic?
  • 2. Liposuction: Pros and Cons of Different Methods
  • 3. Important Things to Know Before Getting Liposuction
  • 4. Thermage FLX (new!) for Body
  • 5. Hifu Macrofocus for Body
  • 6. Mesofat Injection for Body Contouring
  • 7. Slimming & Lifting Devices Used at Weight-Loss Centers
  • 8. Going to the Gym
  • Summary

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1. CoolSculpting: Fat Reduction with Cold Technology

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What is CoolSculpting?

CoolSculpting is a non-invasive fat reduction treatment that uses controlled cooling to freeze and destroy fat cells, targeting only the fat layer beneath the skin. Fat cells are more sensitive to cold than other types of cells (for example, when food containing fat is placed in a refrigerator, the fat quickly solidifies and separates).

The CoolSculpting device uses a suction applicator to gently pull the targeted fat area into a cooling chamber, similar to pinching a fat roll on the abdomen. The device then cools the fat tissue to -11°C for approximately 35 minutes per area, effectively freezing the fat cells.

After the fat cells have been frozen, the treated area is massaged to break down the fat, which triggers a natural cell death process (apoptosis). The body then gradually eliminates these dead fat cells through the lymphatic system.

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Benefits of CoolSculpting

The key benefit of CoolSculpting is that it uses cooling technology to destroy fat cells without harming the skin’s outer layers. Importantly, there have been no reported cases of skin burns from CoolSculpting treatments. This is thanks to its Freeze Detect system, which automatically stops the device if the outer skin becomes too cold. In contrast, cheaper or counterfeit machines without this safety feature may cause cold burns or other complications.

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How Many Sessions Are Needed to See Results?

There are about 50 scientific studies that support the effectiveness of CoolSculpting. On average, each treatment can reduce fat cells in the treated area by 20–30%. If desired, the same area can be treated again for enhanced results.

Noticeable results typically appear within 3–4 weeks, with full results developing in around 3 months. During the first 1–2 weeks, some swelling may occur as the body works to eliminate the dead fat cells via the blood and lymphatic systems. Mild soreness or tenderness may last about 7–10 days, but most people can resume normal activities right away.

Does CoolSculpting Hurt?

The most uncomfortable part is the massage immediately after freezing the fat. This step is crucial, as massaging the treated area helps break down the frozen fat cells; skipping it can reduce the treatment’s effectiveness by up to 60%. In some cases, mild bruising can occur after the massage.

During the first 7–10 days, patients may experience soreness similar to muscle aches after an intense workout. Some swelling is expected in the treated area during the first 1–2 weeks, and numbness or mild itching may occur during the first month.

Results begin to appear after about one month, with full visible results at around three months. If needed, additional sessions in the same area can be done after one month.

How Many CoolSculpting Applicators Are There? How Do They Differ and Which Areas Are They Used For?

The latest generation of CoolSculpting machines offers five types of applicators. These use vacuum suction, making the treatment less painful, faster, and more effective in reshaping various areas of the body. The procedure is suitable for almost the entire body.

1. CoolAdvantage – The most commonly used applicator, accounting for around 60–70% of cases. It’s suitable for people with moderate fat levels and can be used on 7 areas: abdomen, waist, upper arms, male chest, bra fat, inner thighs, and under the buttocks.
2. CoolAdvantage Petite – Designed for the same 7 areas as CoolAdvantage but better suited for slimmer individuals or those with less fat, or for patients who’ve already had treatment with the standard CoolAdvantage.
3. CoolAdvantage Plus – A larger applicator for people with significant fat deposits. Best for wide areas such as the waist and abdomen.
4. CoolMini – A smaller applicator designed to target fat under the chin (double chin), armpit bulge (accessory breast tissue), upper chest fat in women, or loose skin above the knees—ideal for those unable to exercise these areas effectively.
5. CoolSmooth Pro – Designed for use on the outer thighs and the area below the buttocks. Some clinics also use this applicator for defining the abdominal area (“six-pack” sculpting).

CoolSculpting offers a variety of applicator shapes and sizes, allowing for sculpting effects that can be customized to each patient’s body shape. A trained specialist will assess the individual’s needs and recommend the best combination for optimal results.

Does CoolSculpting Work?

On average, each CoolSculpting cycle (treatment) can eliminate approximately 60–70 cc of fat. In most cases, patients require 2–4 cycles per session to achieve noticeable body contouring results. The standard cost is approximately 8,500 THB per cycle.

Why Doesn’t CoolSculpting Work Sometimes?

There are two main reasons why CoolSculpting might not be effective:

1. Inappropriate candidate – If an individual has too much body fat, the treatment may not provide visible results because it’s intended for moderate fat reduction. A reputable clinic will assess each patient honestly and explain whether CoolSculpting is suitable for their body type.
2. Use of counterfeit equipment – Using imitation or substandard CoolSculpting devices can lead to disappointing results and even harmful side effects, such as skin burns or asymmetry in body shape.

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Who Is a Good Candidate for CoolSculpting?

CoolSculpting is ideal for individuals with moderate fat (BMI under 35) who want to contour specific areas without undergoing liposuction. It’s a good choice for those who want to avoid surgery, long downtime, or scarring. However, it’s not recommended for individuals with a high volume of fat (BMI over 35), as results won’t be immediate. The body needs time to naturally eliminate the treated fat cells, so visible slimming takes time.

Which Areas Can Be Treated with CoolSculpting?

CoolSculpting is designed for targeted fat reduction in specific areas such as the abdomen, waist, bra fat, inner thighs, under the buttocks, male chest, upper arms, hips, outer thighs, knees, and double chin. Each treatment area requires a different applicator head tailored to its size and shape.

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Preparing for CoolSculpting

Another advantage of fat freezing with CoolSculpting is that it requires very little preparation. Patients can eat, drink, exercise, and go about their daily routines as usual, just like before any other non-invasive treatment. There’s no need for special fasting or restrictions beforehand.

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CoolSculpting Reviews

• Left: Treated side
• Center: Treated only on the left side
• Right: Untreated side

Where Is the Best Place to Get CoolSculpting?

Choosing a reputable clinic for CoolSculpting is essential to ensure safety and confidence in the results. Here are a few important factors to consider:

• The clinic should be licensed, clean, and spacious, not cramped or poorly maintained.
• It must use authentic CoolSculpting devices (official, FDA-cleared machines only).
• The procedure should be performed by qualified physicians and certified CoolSculpting specialists.
• Look for real reviews from actual patients, preferably from reliable sources or platforms.
• The price should be reasonable. If it’s too cheap, it may be a counterfeit or non-standard machine.
  

Choosing a well-established, accredited clinic gives you peace of mind regarding safety and results. Therefore, thorough research is recommended before deciding on CoolSculpting.

At V Square Clinic, which has multiple locations throughout Bangkok, every patient is evaluated and treated by experienced physicians who provide direct consultation and care for each case.

How Much Does CoolSculpting Cost?

CoolSculpting is considered a relatively affordable procedure, with pricing starting at around 8,500 THB per cycle. Compared to other fat-reduction methods, CoolSculpting offers several advantages, especially in terms of safety and results. There’s no need for surgery, suction, or extended downtime, making it a highly recommended non-invasive alternative.

Interested in getting CoolSculpting at V Square Clinic?
Click here to view the latest promotions.

Why Choose CoolSculpting at V Square Clinic?

• The procedure is performed and supervised by experienced physicians and CoolSculpting specialists with over three years of expertise.
• CoolSculpting rooms are at least 20 square meters in size, ensuring comfort and no sense of confinement.
• Treatments are conducted using premium wide-seat Lazboy chairs for maximum comfort, especially during long sessions.
• We use special techniques to help reduce post-treatment swelling faster than average.
• Our promotional pricing is the most competitive on the market, with no hidden conditions or charges.
  

2. Liposuction: Pros and Cons of Different Methods

Several technologies are commonly used for liposuction, each with its own approach:

These four liposuction methods work by using different energy sources to break up fat cells before removing them from the body. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages:

• Ultrasound and Radiofrequency-based liposuction can help surrounding tissue contract over the 2–3 months following treatment, reducing the chance of sagging.
  
  However, the downside is more bruising, swelling, and a longer recovery period, sometimes over a month. Additionally, fat cells removed via these methods are usually less viable for re-injection (fat grafting) elsewhere in the body.
• Water-jet and vibration-assisted liposuction generally result in less bruising and soreness, with a shorter recovery time of about 3–4 weeks. Fat cells harvested using these techniques tend to be healthier and more viable for fat grafting. That said, graft survival also depends on the techniques used for fat preservation and injection.
  
  The tradeoff is that skin firmness after the swelling subsides may be lacking, requiring additional skin-tightening procedures to achieve optimal results.
  

Liposuction cost typically ranges from 50,000–100,000 THB, depending on the device used and the number of areas treated.

3. Important Things to Know Before Getting Liposuction

The cannula used for liposuction must have a diameter of at least 3 mm, and a large amount of local anesthetic is required in the targeted area. Because of this, the procedure must be performed under the close supervision of an experienced physician. General anesthesia is generally not recommended due to its higher risks compared to local anesthesia.

After the procedure, significant bruising and swelling are common. These occur due to the tearing of small blood vessels when the cannula is inserted into various fat layers. Patients should plan for about a one-month recovery period to allow the swelling and soreness to subside.

It’s also common to experience uneven skin texture in areas where liposuction was performed. This can result from tissue trauma or inconsistent cannula movement. If it occurs, uneven skin is usually permanent and difficult to correct completely.

Small incision marks (~3 mm) may also remain at each site where the cannula was inserted, typically 1–2 per area treated.

Even after fat is removed through liposuction, it can come back if diet and exercise are not maintained. Repeated liposuction procedures are not recommended, as multiple sessions can cause fibrosis (scar tissue) under the skin, leading to more uneven texture and increased bruising with each session.

Liposuction is best suited for individuals who need to remove large volumes of fat (BMI > 35). For those with less body fat, safer non-invasive methods with fewer long-term side effects may be a better option.

4. Thermage FLX (new!) for Body

The latest model of Thermage is the FLX, an upgrade from the older CPT version.
It includes a surface temperature sensor (AccuREP) that helps optimize radiofrequency (RF) energy delivery with every shot, reducing discomfort while enhancing results.

This model also features a larger tip, ideal for tightening loose skin on areas like the arms, thighs, and abdomen, especially in cases where there’s not much fat, but excess upper-layer skin.

Thermage FLX is suitable for those with skin laxity after weight loss, liposuction, or postpartum. Each tip includes 2,000 shots, covering approximately four palm-sized areas, with a price range of 100,000–150,000 THB.

Thermage is highly effective for superficial skin tightening at a depth of 4.3 mm, perfect for the type of concerns shown in the example below.

5. Hifu Macrofocus for Body

The Macrofocus technology of the Ultraformer III HIFU device includes cartridges with treatment depths of 6 mm, 9 mm, and 13 mm, specifically designed to address deep-layer cellulite up to 2 cm beneath the skin.

A typical HIFU Macrofocus session for the body includes 1,000 shots, covering approximately two hand spans, with a cost of around 25,000–40,000 THB.

This treatment is ideal for patients who don’t have a large amount of fat but do experience deep-tissue laxity or loose skin that originates from the deeper dermal layer (around 2 cm).

6. Mesofat Injection for Body Contouring

Mesofat injection involves administering fat-dissolving substances, clinically studied for their ability to break down fat cells, into targeted areas where localized fat reduction is desired.

However, the results may vary significantly from person to person, as the effectiveness depends on individual metabolic response. Some patients see excellent results, while others may not respond as strongly.

The price for mesofat treatment is approximately 5,000 THB for 40 cc, covering around one palm-sized area. It’s a more budget-friendly option compared to other procedures and can be a good first step for those exploring fat-reduction treatments with limited budgets.

7. Slimming & Lifting Devices Used at Weight-Loss Centers

Devices that effectively reduce body size should be medically approved and supported by clinical research, falling under the category of specialized medical equipment. However, most commercial slimming centers do not have licensed doctors on site and are not registered medical clinics. As a result, they cannot legally use certified medical-grade machines.

Instead, these centers typically use basic thermal massage tools or low-energy radiofrequency (RF) devices, which offer only temporary results. Any visible firmness usually comes from short-term tissue swelling or water drainage, lasting just 3–7 days.

It’s also common for staff at these centers to schedule clients for weekly sessions to maintain results. Once treatments are discontinued, the body tends to return to its previous state, especially if weight remains unchanged.

A typical example of such devices would be ultrasonic massage or weak RF machines often found in non-medical slimming spas.

These establishments usually focus more on dietary counseling and psychological motivation, which can be helpful for individuals needing structured support. If a person has strong self-discipline and can follow the meal plan strictly, visible improvement in body contouring is possible. This method may suit those looking for guidance in weight loss through diet control.

8. Going to the Gym

Exercising at the gym is one of the most effective and healthiest ways to reduce body fat and improve overall wellness. The key principle is building muscle, which in turn increases daily metabolism, allowing the body to burn more calories. When combined with proper diet control, the body starts using stored fat for energy, leading to visible fat reduction.

However, some individuals may find that after losing weight through fitness, their skin remains loose, or certain fat deposits are stubborn and difficult to reduce. In such cases, medical fat-reduction treatments, as discussed earlier, can be used to target those problem areas more effectively.

Summary

If you’re struggling with localized fat and want to improve your body proportions but face challenges with diet or exercise, medical-grade fat reduction treatments can provide a targeted and effective solution.

If you’re unsure which method suits your body and goals best, we recommend coming in for a consultation. A proper medical evaluation allows us to suggest the most suitable procedure or combination of treatments to help you achieve your desired shape safely and efficiently.

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