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CoolSculpting® Elite and EMSculpt NEO®: Which is Right For You?

22nd August 2025
Jayne McIntosh - Director - Air Aesthetics and Wellness Clinics
Jayne McIntosh

When it comes to non-surgical body sculpting, CoolSculpting Elite and EMSculpt NEO are two of the most effective options available. Both treatments improve your body shape but in different ways. CoolSculpting® Elite removes stubborn fat using controlled cooling, while EMSculpt NEO® uses electromagnetic energy to build muscle and reduce fat at the same time. You can choose either treatment on its own or combine them for a complete new body silhouette. Achieving the shape you desire can be a transformative experience, boosting your self-confidence, helping clothes fit more comfortably and empowering you to feel proud of your appearance.

coolsculpting elite and emsculpt neo

Key Takeaways of CoolSculpting Elite and EMSculpt NEO

Primary Goal
CoolSculpting® Elite is for targeted fat reduction. EMSculpt NEO® is for building muscle while also reducing fat.

Technology
CoolSculpting® Elite uses cryolipolysis™ (fat freezing). EMSculpt NEO® combines HIFEM (electromagnetic energy) with RF (radiofrequency) heating.

Non-Invasive
Both are non-surgical and require no downtime.

Combined Therapy
Using both Coolsculpting Elite and EMSculpt NEO can deliver the most complete results – first reducing fat, then toning the muscles underneath.

Consultation is Key
A personal consultation ensures your treatment plan matches your goals.

Body Contouring in 2025

Air Aesthetics is a leading aesthetics clinic who are pleased to offer the advanced versions of CoolSculpting® Elite and EMSculpt NEO® which offer proven results for fat reduction and muscle toning without the need for recovery time. These advancements in technology mean that you can now achieve significant changes in your body change without surgery.

First of all we will explain what each treatment is then we’ll dive into the differences and how they can be used together.

What is CoolSculpting® Elite? The Ultimate Fat Freezing Treatment

CoolSculpting® Elite is a FDA-approved non-invasive treatment that can permanently reduce that hard to shift stubborn fat. It can reduce up to 27% of fat cells in a single session. It’s the world’s number 1 treatment for permanent fat removal with over 20 million treatments carried out worldwide.

How Does CoolSculpting® Elite Work?

It uses cryolipolysis™, a process that cools fat cells to a temperature that causes them to break down. These cells are then naturally and safely removed by the body.

What Areas Can CoolSculpting® Elite Treat?

  • Under the chin and jawline
  • Thighs
  • Abdomen and flanks (love handles)
  • Bra fat
  • Back fat
  • Underneath the buttocks (banana roll)
  • Upper arms

What is EMSculpt NEO®? Build Muscle and Burn Fat

EMSculpt NEO® reduces fat and builds muscle in one treatment. Studies show an average of 30% fat reduction and 25% muscle growth after a course of treatments. It is ideal for people who are active but want greater muscle definition.

How Does EMSculpt NEO® Work?

HIFEM technology triggers powerful muscle contractions, similar to doing 20,000 sit-ups or squats in 30 minutes. RF energy heats fat cells, breaking them down so the body can remove them naturally.

What Areas Can EMSculpt NEO® Treat?

  • Stomach
  • Bum
  • Arms
  • Thighs

CoolSculpting® Elite vs EMSculpt NEO®

Fat Reduction vs Muscle Building

CoolSculpting® Elite focuses only on reducing fat whereas EMSculpt NEO® reduces fat and strengthens and tones muscle in your triceps, quads and calves.

Treatment Experience and Downtime

Both treatments are quick and require no downtime. CoolSculpting® Elite takes about 35 minutes per area. EMSculpt NEO® takes 30 - 40 minutes and feels like an intense workout with warmth in the treated area.

Who is the Ideal Candidate?

CoolSculpting® Elite is ideal for people who want to target fat pockets that they are struggling to get rid of as they don’t respond to diet or exercise. EMSculpt NEO® is for those who want to improve muscle tone and definition as well as reduce fat.

Potential Side Effects and Safety

Both treatments are FDA-cleared and safe when carried out by trained professionals. During your complimentary consultation we will always discuss any risks or potential side effects of any treatment. 

CoolSculpting® Elite Side Effects

Some side effects that Coolsculpting® can cause are redness, swelling, tenderness or bruising that usually clears in a few days. Some numbness and sensitivity may last a few weeks. On very rare occasions, PAH (paradoxical adipose hyperplasia) can occur, which is a firm, raised area in the treated spot, developing weeks or even months after treatment instead of the expected fat loss. Treatment to remedy PAH is available.

EMSculpt NEO® Side Effects

Some side effects of EMSculpt NEO® are muscle soreness, redness or mild swelling. These side effects are a similar feeling to what you might get after a workout.

Combining CoolSculpting® Elite and EMSculpt NEO®

Many clients choose to combine both treatments for more noticeable results. CoolSculpting® Elite is used first to reduce fat and then EMSculpt NEO® then tones the muscles underneath.

CoolSculpting® and EMSculpt NEO® Before and After

CoolSculpting® Elite leaves a slimmer, more contoured shape. EMSculpt NEO® enhances muscle tone for a firmer, more lifted look. Results can be seen in our portfolio during your consultation.

[add coolsculpting + emsculpt before and after pics]

Start Your Body Contouring Journey at Air Aesthetics

Whether you want to reduce fat, improve muscle tone or both, we can design a treatment plan tailored to you. Contact our multi-award winning clinic today to book your complimentary consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions about CoolSculpting Elite and EMSculpt NEO®

Which works better, EMSculpt NEO® or CoolSculpting® Elite?

Whether Coolsculpting Elite and EMSculpt NEO EMSculpt® or Coolsculpting® is right for you completely depends on your goals and what you are looking to achieve. For fat reduction alone, choose CoolSculpting® Elite. For fat reduction with muscle building, EMSculpt NEO® is more suitable. Many people choose both.

Can I do EMSculpt NEO® and CoolSculpting® Elite together?

Yes. CoolSculpting® Elite is often done first to remove fat, followed by EMSculpt NEO® to tone muscle.

Do I wait until I am done with CoolSculpting® sessions before beginning EMSculpt NEO®?

Yes. Waiting 4–6 weeks after your final CoolSculpting® session allows your body to clear treated fat so EMSculpt NEO® can work more effectively on remaining fat and muscle.

Does EMSculpt NEO® permanently destroy fat cells?

Yes. The RF energy destroys fat cells, which the body removes naturally.

How many sessions of CoolSculpting® do you need for your belly?

It depends on your goals and how much fat is being treated. One session can remove up to 27% of fat cells. A second session can increase this to about 40% and a third session can increase this to about 57%.

Can you see CoolSculpting® results after 1 week?

Not usually. Most people start seeing changes within 1–3 months, with full results in about 3 months.

What shouldn’t you do after CoolSculpting®?

You can return to normal activities immediately. We will give you any specific aftercare instructions during your appointment.

Is EMSculpt NEO® safe with heart stents?

In some cases. EMSculpt NEO® uses electromagnetic energy, which is not suitable for people with certain metal implants near the treatment area. If you have a heart stent, we will need your full medical history and clearance from your cardiologist before treatment.

Our Coolsculpting + EMSculpt Testimonials

“All the staff are friendly and professional. They always go that extra mile and nothing is too much trouble. The clinic is spotless and I always feel safe there when I have an appointment. My favourite treatment is Cool Sculpting and I would recommend this to anyone who has stubborn fat to loose.”

~ Helena Jones (Google Verified Review)

Our Sources and Further Reading

For more details on the treatments covered here, visit:

About the Author

This article exploring Coolsculpting Elite and EMSculpt NEO is by Jayne McIntosh, a specialist in non-invasive body contouring with more than 10 years of experience in the aesthetics field. As Director of the multi-award-winning Air Aesthetics & Wellness Clinics, Jayne introduced CoolSculpting® to the Midlands. Her focus on delivering exceptional results has helped establish Air Aesthetics as a Centre of Excellence, offering advanced, FDA-cleared treatments including CoolSculpting® Elite and EMSculpt NEO®.

View more of our Coolsculpting® articles

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