Posted by  on Thu, Mar 29, 2012 @ 10:02 AM

Anne Hermann, MD

Which Cellulite Treatment is Best for You? 

SmoothShapes by Eleme is a noninvasive cellulite reduction laser treatment while CoolSculpting is a nonsurgical fat removal treatment.  They are both effective at what they do, but they are not FDA approved for the same purpose.  SmoothShapes is much less painful and has less chance of negative side effects.  It is used to remove the dimpling of fat in the thighs, arms and abdomen.  It does remove a little volume, but not as much as CoolSculpt by Zeltiq.  The main purpose of the CoolSculpt is to reduce volume.

Cellulite is fat that is has been pushed outside of the fat layer of the skin and cannot return to the fat layer on its own.  SmoothShapes has two wavelengths of cold laser: one wavelength breaks up the fat cell membrane and the other liquefies the fat.  The technician applies the laser with suction and rollers to push the liquefied fat out of the fat layer.  Treatments are done as series of eight and are painless.  There is no downtime and final results are best from one to two months after completion of the series.  Results last more than a year.  Because the SmoothShapes primarily targets only cellulite (the dimpled fat), it does minimal volume reduction.  It is ideal from you if you feel that your size is good, but are not happy with the texture of your thighs, abdomen or arms.  Typical cost for a series of 8 is $699 to $899.

The CoolSculpt is FDA approved for volume reduction.   Even though it is not surgical, it is a much more invasive technique than SmoothShapes.  It uses cold to freeze the fat cells in the fat layer under the skin and can achieve 20% reduction in volume.  You will be red and possibly have pain for several days after a treatment.  Patients often require two CoolSculpting treatments for full results.  If you have had significant volume reduction, you may have loose skin over the area where the treatment was applied.  We offer  for this.  The cost for CoolSculpting ranges from $800 to $2400.

At this time, we offer the SmoothShapes but not the CoolSculpt.  If you are more concerned with dimpling and cellulite, SmoothShapes is the way to go.  If you need volume reduction, CoolSculpt or more invasive procedures are best.

To schedule your appointment in our St. Pete Beach office, please call 727-278-3992.

This post was written by Anne Hermann. Follow Anne Hermann on , , & .