Average Cost of CoolSculpting

CoolSculpting is a relatively new non-surgical cosmetic procedure which uses extreme cold to freeze bulging fat cells in various parts of the body. The procedure is FDA cleared, but like most other plastic surgeries, is not covered by insurance. In this guide we discuss various coolsculpting costs and drill down the average cost of coolsculpting.

How Much Does CoolSculpting Cost?

The CoolSculpting site’s FAQ page only gives a general range of $2,000 to $4,000 as the average per session cost. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) lists the average cost of CoolSculpting treatments and other non-invasive fat reduction treatments as $1,481 in 2017, $1,417 in 2018, and $1,376 in 2019. The cost of a cycle is typically between $750 and $1,000, though keep in mind that many practitioners provide some kind of “buy more, save more” discount to bundle cycles and CoolSculpting treatments.

What Affects the Cost of CoolSculpting?

CoolSculpting is an incredibly individualized process. One person might need multiple treatments of several cycles (individual applicator uses) to achieve their desired result. Another may only need one cycle during a single treatment. Everyone’s body distributes fat cells differently, so two people with the same amount of fat in the same area may need drastically different cycle and treatment amounts because one person’s fat cells may be spread out over a much larger area than another’s.

Your final CoolSculpting treatment cost will depend on where you live, the treatment area(s), the goal results, and the number of cycles and treatments you need. Some areas require more cycles, like the abdomen and love handles which usually need 6, while others will typically only need one or two. Also, you may want to schedule a second session on the same treatment area for further fat reduction.   

Average Cost of CoolSculpting by Body Part

Each treatment area has different needs. Some areas are larger than others and may require a different size applicator or more than one application (AKA cycle). CoolSculpting practitioners typically have a good idea how many cycles each area usually requires, however, they will base the treatment on your body’s specific needs so these are estimates, averages, and generalizations.

How Much Does CoolSculpting Removal Cost for Arms?

Fat freezing is available to provide fat reduction in the arms. That can be a prime spot where fat cells tend to remain after weight loss that can be particularly difficult to get rid of through diet and exercise. Each arms is calculated separately because individual body parts are considered one treatment. Each arm is generally around $650, making both arms about $1,300. For most people, only one CoolSculpting treatment session is necessary.

How Much Does CoolSculpting Cost for Face?   

There are no areas on the face itself that CoolSculpting is approved for, however, you can have it done under the chin and jawline. This is ideal for anyone who wants to get rid of a double chin. The average cost is around $1,400. Side effects tend to be the most uncomfortable here as it’s so close to the throat and can cause a sensation of heavy pressure that may make you feel claustrophobic or as if someone is choking you. It affects everyone to a different degree so if you have an issue with claustrophobia, discuss these side effects with your practitioner beforehand.  

CoolSculpting Cost by State 

The cost of CoolSculpting can vary by location. It’s not about the state as much as the cost of living in the city. Manhattan prices would be much higher than in Red House even though they’re both in New York. For cost comparison, here are some example cities and average costs:

• Houston: $1,975
• Miami: $1,725
• Atlanta: $2,125
• Chicago: $2,125
• Los Angeles: $2,000

Is CoolSculpting Covered by Insurance?

CoolSculpting is a fat reduction treatment to help get rid of some of the fat–about 20% to 25% per treatment–in stubborn areas that have been resistant to diet and exercise. Coolsculpting is not a weight-loss treatment. The procedure is only recommended for people within 30 pounds of their goal weight.

Coolsculpting refines the results of weight loss by eliminating stubborn fat cells impervious to traditional methods. It is a contrast to liposuction or gastric bypass which are meant for weight loss. As a result, CoolSculpting isn’t considered a medical procedure for necessary weight loss by insurance, but rather a purely elective cosmetic procedure.  

Bottom Line

When used to supplement normal weight loss, this treatment can be very effective and inexpensive compared to some alternatives. While you’ll have to pay out-of-pocket, they do their best to help with cost and payment plans. You can even go back to normal life as soon as that day with no recovery time!