(This post has been updated on 10/10/2024)
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reported over 17.7 million aesthetic procedures performed in 2019. A significant portion of this increase is attributed to the rising popularity of non-surgical treatments. Among these, body sculpting—a fat-loss procedure—has led the way, seeing a 6% increase from 2018 to 2019 with a total of 377,000 treatments.
Non-surgical fat loss procedures are FDA-approved and are designed for individuals seeking to lose stubborn fat that doesn’t respond to diet and exercise. These procedures work best for people within 30 pounds of their ideal weight. To help you understand the costs associated with body sculpting and how to make it more affordable, we’ve created this guide.
Body Sculpting Costs by Technique
The FDA has approved four non-surgical body contouring techniques: cryolipolysis, radiofrequency, ultrasound, and laser body sculpting therapies. These are safe and effective for individuals with a BMI of 30 or below. Let’s explore the costs of each method.
1- Cryolipolysis Therapies
Cryolipolysis, commonly known as fat freezing, uses medical-grade cryolipolysis machines to freeze and destroy fat cells permanently. The most popular brand, CoolSculpting, has been around since 2012. It’s effective for treating double chins, jawlines, thighs, abs, and more. According to the official CoolSculpting website, the cost of treatment ranges from $2000 to $4000, depending on the number of sessions and the area being treated.
2- Radiofrequency Applications
Radiofrequency body contouring treatments use heat energy to melt away fat cells. One of the top techniques is TruSculpt iD, which can reduce fat cells by up to 24% in just 15 minutes. The average cost per session is $750.
3- Ultrasound Techniques
Ultrasound body contouring works by delivering energy through vibrations to destroy fat cells. It’s particularly effective for smaller fat reductions on the stomach. The FDA-approved technique, UltraShape, costs between $1000 and $4500, according to Healthline.
4- Laser Therapies
Laser body contouring is a noninvasive alternative to traditional liposuction. The most well-known method, SculpSure, typically costs between $1400 and $1500, as noted by Healthline.
Additional Cost Factors
Beyond the per-session costs, several other factors can influence the total cost of non-surgical fat loss treatments, including:
1- Target Body Area
Costs vary depending on the size of the area being treated. For example, sculpting a smaller area like the jawline will generally be less expensive than treating larger areas like the abdomen. Treating multiple areas at once or on the same body part will also raise the price.
2- Number of Sessions
Multiple sessions may be required to achieve the desired results, which increases the total cost. However, many providers offer package deals for multiple treatments to help reduce the overall expense. It’s always a good idea to ask your provider about package pricing.
3- Time Missed from Work
Although non-invasive fat loss procedures require little to no downtime, it’s important to factor in the time you might need to take off from work for your appointments. Most people can return to work on the same day, but planning ahead is still advisable.
How to Make Body Sculpting More Affordable
The cost of body sculpting varies by technique, body area, and number of sessions. To help manage these costs, some providers offer financing options. Always ask your provider if they have payment plans or special promotions available.
Track Your Progress
Whatever treatment you choose, it’s important to document your progress. Take pictures of the treatment area before and after each session to track changes over time. If you’re visiting a medical facility, ask your provider to do this for you as part of your treatment plan.
Conclusion
Non-surgical fat loss treatments can offer great results, but it’s crucial to find the right provider and treatment for your needs. Seek a provider who offers free consultations, so you can make an informed decision without any financial pressure. If you’re looking to eliminate more significant areas of fat, you may want to consider surgical options like HD liposuction surgery. Remember, cost should not be the only deciding factor—choose your provider based on experience and trustworthiness rather than price alone.