When it comes to non-surgical body contouring, Glō Medical Aesthetics offers some of the most advanced options available. Two of the most talked-about treatments are CoolSculpting® Elite and EMSCULPT NEO®. Each has its own strengths and is best suited for different goals. This article will help you understand how they work, what to expect, and which might be a better fit based on your objectives. By the end, you should feel more confident deciding whether one, or perhaps both in combination, aligns with your body goals under the professional care at Glō.
Overview: What Each Treatment Does
CoolSculpting® Elite: Targeted Fat Reduction
CoolSculpting® Elite is Glō’s go-to option for reducing stubborn fat through cryolipolysis—a scientific process that freezes fat cells without damaging surrounding tissue. It’s ideal for areas that resist diet and exercise, such as the belly, love handles, double chin, inner thighs, triceps, back fat, under the buttocks, and upper arms.
Some key features:
- Cold is applied via an applicator shaped to conform to specific body areas.
- There’s a slight suction and cooling sensation during treatment; after the first few minutes, the area tends to go numb.
- It is non-invasive, no surgery, minimal downtime. Patients can typically return to normal activity very quickly.
- Over the weeks following treatment, the body processes and eliminates the frozen fat cells. Results become noticeable in several weeks and further refine over time.
EMSCULPT NEO®: Muscle Building + Fat Reduction
While CoolSculpting® Elite targets fat cells, EMSCULPT NEO® is designed to both build muscle and reduce fat. It uses high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) energy, plus radiofrequency, to stimulate muscle contractions that you cannot replicate with voluntary exercise. At Glō, this treatment is FDA cleared for use on areas like the abdominals, buttocks, arms, calves, and thighs.
Some distinguishing features include:
- Each session induces thousands of intense muscle contractions. The muscles adapt, get stronger, thicker, and more toned.
- Recommended initial course: four sessions over about four weeks, spaced 1 week apart. After that, maintenance is often every 2-3 months.
- Sensations are intense, but discomfort is typically manageable. The technician can adjust intensity if needed.
CoolSculpting® Elite vs. EMSCULPT NEO®: Key Differences
To decide which treatment might be right for you, consider the following aspects:
| Feature | CoolSculpting® Elite | EMSCULPT NEO® |
| Main Goal | Reduce fat in specific trouble spots | Both reduce fat and build/strengthen muscle |
| Ideal Candidate | Someone near their goal weight, with localized fat that won’t budge | Someone looking not only to slim down but also improve muscle tone / sculpt definition |
| Treatment Areas | Abdomen, sides (“love handles”), double chin, arms, thighs, back, under buttocks, etc. | Abdomen, buttocks, arms, thighs, calves |
| Treatment Sensation | Cold, numbness after a few minutes, slight suction feel at the start | Intense muscle contractions; can feel like strong exercise; adjustable intensity |
| Number of Sessions | Varies depending on area(s) treated; results appear over several weeks to months | Usually 4 sessions over ~2 weeks, then maintenance every few months |
| Downtime | Minimal to none; can resume regular activities quickly | Also minimal downtime; normal movement possible after treatment |
When to Choose CoolSculpting® Elite
CoolSculpting® Elite is often preferred if your main goal is to clear away stubborn fat pockets that don’t respond well to diet or exercise. If you are already close to your ideal body weight, but have specific areas, such as under the chin, love handles, or thighs, that remain with unwanted fat, this treatment can make those areas smoother, slimmer, or better contoured.
Glō’s approach is very personalized: during a consultation, the body specialist takes time to map out which applicator shape and how many areas make sense. The treatment plan is customized so that you address your priority areas.
Because fat reduction takes time, your body needs to process and eliminate the treated cells. Patience is important. You may not see full results for several weeks to a few months. But for many, the result is noticeable slimming in treated areas without surgery.
When to Choose EMSCULPT NEO®
If your goals include not just slimming down but also gaining muscle tone, improving firmness, or enhancing definition, then EMSCULPT NEO® may be the better fit. It’s especially useful if you want aesthetic improvements in your midsection, glutes, arms, or legs beyond just fat loss.
For example:
- Athletes or fitness-minded individuals who want extra muscle definition.
- Someone who wants a non-surgical alternative to procedures that shape both fat and muscle.
- Individuals interested in improving body contour in areas with both fat and muscle laxity.
Glō Medical Aesthetics emphasizes safety, comfort, and efficacy. Your sessions will be administered by experienced staff who monitor comfort levels and results. Before treatment, you’ll undergo a full assessment to confirm you are a good candidate for EMSCULPT NEO®. - NEW FDA APPROVAL: Individuals recovering from injury and cleared for exercise by their doctors may also benefit. EMSCULPT NEO® has been shown to rebuild muscle in patients and elderly individuals who have experienced atrophy due to age or injury.
Combining CoolSculpting® Elite & EMSCULPT NEO®
In some cases, combining the two treatments might provide the best overall contour. For example, you might first eliminate stubborn fat with CoolSculpting® Elite, then follow up with EMSCULPT NEO® to build muscle tone and improve firmness in the same area. This kind of approach can offer more dramatic contouring in the abdomen, flanks, or thighs, where both excess fat and muscle tone are concerns.
At Glō, this kind of dual-treatment plan is possible after a careful consultation. Your treatment schedule will be designed to give optimal spacing between procedures to allow your body to recover and respond well. It’s a strategy for those who want comprehensive body goals rather than one isolated outcome.
What to Expect: Treatment Process & Recovery
During Your Consultation
- You’ll meet with Glō’s body contouring specialist to discuss your aesthetic goals.
- A body map is done to assess fat deposits, musculature, previous treatments, and skin quality.
- Photos may be taken for baseline comparison.
During CoolSculpting® Elite
- The chosen applicator is placed on the treatment area, a gel pad is used to protect the skin, then cold is applied.
- A feeling of suction then cooling. After several minutes, numbness sets in. You can relax—many clients read, watch something, or rest during treatment.
During EMSCULPT NEO®
- The device is placed on the area; high-intensity electromagnetic pulses trigger intense involuntary muscle contractions.
- Some heat or tingling may be felt, due to the radiofrequency component, depending on area and settings.
Recovery
- With both treatments, there is minimal downtime. Most clients return to daily activities immediately.
- Some mild soreness, especially after EMSCULPT NEO®, and slight redness or swelling are possible.
Results Timeline
- With CoolSculpting® Elite, fat reduction becomes noticeable over weeks and improves for a few months as the body eliminates frozen cells.
- With EMSCULPT NEO®, some results in muscle tone and fat reduction may be seen shortly after sessions, with more pronounced change after full treatment and in maintenance phases.
Which One Fulfills Your Goal?
To help you decide, consider:
- Do you want just fat removal or do you also want muscle tone and definition?
- Which body areas concern you most? If fat around the waist, under the chin, or thighs is a concern, CoolSculpting® Elite is a strong choice. If building up the buttocks or defining abs, EMSCULPT NEO® might give more bang for your buck.
- How soon do you want visible results, and how much maintenance are you open to?
- Budget, comfort with sensations involved, and how much time you can commit, including multiple sessions.
At Glō, the specialists will guide you through all these questions and help you build a plan that aligns with your lifestyle and aesthetic desires.
Choosing Glō Medical Aesthetics
Glō is more than just a provider of the latest technologies. Here’s what you get:
- Certified, experienced staff, including Michael Corbett, their Body Contouring Specialist, who is trained and certified specifically in CoolSculpting® Elite and EMSCULPT NEO®.
- A full-spectrum body treatment menu, so options can be customized and combined. You’re not forced into a one-size-fits-all plan.
- State-of-the-art machines and safety protocols. Every treatment begins with a detailed consultation and assessment.
- Transparent information about what to expect during and after treatment.
For more about how our injectable options work or skin care services to complement body contouring, explore our section on injectables and facial treatments for an integrated aesthetic plan.
Final Thoughts
Both CoolSculpting® Elite and EMSCULPT NEO® are powerful non-surgical tools for body contouring, and each shines in different areas. If your priority is reducing fat in stubborn pockets, CoolSculpting® Elite is a proven method. If you want both fat reduction and muscle tone, and you’re okay with multiple sessions, EMSCULPT NEO® might be a better overall fit.
Many clients find that a combined or sequenced approach delivers the most satisfying results, and thanks to the expertise and patient focus at Glō, you can get a tailored plan that matches both your immediate and long-term goals. If you’d like to explore which treatment fits your body, your timeline, and your vision, schedule a consultation at Glō Medical Aesthetics. Let us help you choose wisely—and achieve real, sustainable results.