Over the last decade, many new advances in technology have developed leading to new body contouring machines hitting the market. The top two machines are Coolsculpting and Vanquish ME. Both are marketed as fat buster technology and can see up to a 30% reduction in fat. But what's the difference between these two forms? It all comes down to the technology.
Vanquish ME works by emitting radio frequency waves as well as heat. This combination targets fat cells causing them to heat up towards 120 degrees damaging fat cell membranes. Damaged fat cells under apoptosis (cell death) and the body will naturally clear them through the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system leads to the liver for detoxification and eventually into the urine.
CoolSculpting technology, similar to the Vanquish, is used to destroy fat cells to naturally be eliminated by the body. The difference between the two forms of body contouring comes down to the technology. Unlike the Vanquish, Coolsculpting uses cooling technology to freeze the fat cells in order to damage the cell membranes. It also requires direct contact with the skin using a vacuum to pull the fat cells towards the cooling applicators. Vanquish is completely contactless for increased safety and sterility of equipment.
Both machines are considered non-invasive, but you might be thinking are their any side effects?
Vanquish Side Effects
With the BTL Vanquish, there are really no side effects. Because the panels hover about the skin with heat, a mild pink hue will temporarily appear and you may even end up sweating during the treatment. All Vanquish treatments are monitored closely and the sweat can be wiped off. Once the skin returns back to normal temperature, it will go back to normal.
Coolsculpting Side Effects
Anytime we contact the skin, our risk of side effects increases.
● Nerve Pain – while the Coolsculpting treatment aims to target fat cells, some of the nerves in the treated area can also end up frozen from the cooling technology. This can then lead to nerve pain which will usually resolve on its own after a few weeks. In some cases, it can take a few months for this to disappear and may be uncomfortable during this time. ● Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia (PAH) – a side effect common to Coolsculpting refers to the sudden growth of fat cells in the areas that surround the treated locations. This doesn’t happen immediately but takes a few months after your very first treatment to occur. If it does, Coolsculpting is not normally able to destroy this new fat growth as these cells are quite abnormal. The best option if this occurs is surgical removal as liposuction has not shown to be that beneficial in these situations.
How Many Treatments Are Needed?
Vanquish ME- 4-5 treatments, 45 minute duration each time
Coolsculpting- 4-9 treatments, 1 hour duration each time
The Vanquish Advantage
Both machines will have their pros and cons but a large reason why Vanquish comes out ahead is due to the large panels. It is able to treat the entire abdomen during each treatment producing an even fat busting treatment. Due to the vacuum design, Coolscupting needs easily accessible fat to grab hold in order to treat and is well suited for areas of out pouching from the body.
The Vanquish ME technology is a great body contouring device and for those smaller areas, the Exilis ULTRA can be used in its place. Another advantage of the Vanquish comes from the heating technology. By heating the localized area, it helps to tighten the skin for better tone. So while the fat cells begin to disappear, the skin begins to tighten allowing the skin to take on a more youthful appearance.
As with all technology, results will vary between individuals but this short comparison helps to highlight the differences in treatment technology between the two top body contouring devices.
Disclaimer: this blog article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.