CoolSculpting uses cold to freeze fat cells without damaging any of the surrounding tissue for non-invasive fat removal. Since we brought Zeltiq’s new CoolSculpting device to Denver, one of the most common questions that I get is, “How does it compare to Zerona? ” First and foremost there is significant amount of peer reviewed clinical data that shows how incredibly well CoolSculpting works. CoolSculpting is the ONLY FDA-approved, non-invasive fat removal treatment that has an indication for reducing the thickness of the fat layer.A series of six treatments may be performed in most cases over a period of two weeks in the doctor’s office. A single treatment may take about 40 minutes. Steve Shanks, president of Erchonia, the manufacturer of Zerona, says that Zerona has no side effects, no allergic reaction, no bruising, and the procedure is practically painless.
Zerona’s clinical trial conducted for the FDA found that the treatment managed to reduce about 1 to 1.5 inches from each of the treated areas, including the thighs, waist, and hips. Both CoolSculpting and Zerona have earned FDA’s approval, but neither of the treatments has been tested on areas such as upper arms or the neck.
Ideal candidates for Zerona treatments are those with body mass indexes between 20 and 30 BMI. Results and patient experience may vary. CoolSculpting is a selective cryolipolysis procedure that eliminates fat cells by freezing them. Following a CoolSculpting procedure, fat cells start to implode and die. Freezing fat cells requires temperatures higher than those needed to freeze surrounding tissues.
Accumulation of stubborn fat deposits in certain areas of the body such as the thighs, hips, abdomen, back, upper arms, calves, and chin is a common problem. Every year millions of women and men in the US seek cosmetic solutions to improve their body contours. One of the most effective and popular non-invasive treatments available today is CoolSculpting. Another non-surgical procedure that the patients may consider is Zerona. These procedures can help a patient lose fat without surgery.
Zerona uses red light, but this device only has about the same power as a laser pointer. There are no peer-reviewed studies that show significant fat layer reduction with Zerona. Unfortunately, people using Zerona use a measuring tape around the treated area to determine effectiveness. This is a notoriously inaccurate way to measure effectiveness.
People undergoing CoolSculpting treatment report the sensation isn't exactly painful but it is uncomfortable. Results and patient experience may vary. Zerona does not cause any bruising, swelling, scarring or numbness during or after treatment. While CoolSculpting produces areas of swelling, bruising and redness for several days following treatment, Zerona's method of eliminating fat cells relies on low-level laser energy rather than cryolipolysis, which does not promote the inflammatory side effects you experience with CoolSculpting. In addition, Zerona can treat people with higher BMIs compared to CoolSculpting candidates.
Zerona is unable to target where fat reduction will occur. • CoolSculpting kills fat cells, whereas Zerona is unable to make this claim because the fat cells reduce in size but do not leave the body. Even Zerona’s own study states that the reduction may only be temporary and that more research is required.
After that period of time, you can expect to see a 20-25% reduction in fat from the targeted area with skin tightening. The fat cells are officially gone for good and cannot come back. Some patients choose to return for a few treatments to attain their desired results while many patients find they only need one session. Why Choose CoolSculpting over Zerona? Zerona does not fully remove the fat cells from the targeted fat deposit so that it is not only possible, but likely, that those stubborn fat deposits will return over time.
