How Much Does CoolSculpting Cost?

The average cost of CoolSculpting is $2,275, according to thousands of reviews from real patients on RealSelf. That's lower than the $3,200 average cost cited by the brand.

The cost can range from an average of $650 for a single treatment session in one area to as much as $6,835 for a full treatment series of multiple areas.

Read on to find out:

• why costs can vary so much
• how the price compares to Smart Lipo
• whether patients think their results are worth the price
• average CoolSculpting costs by U.S. state

RealSelf Tip: Body sculpting procedures like this one are intended for reducing pockets of stubborn fat, not for weight loss. A qualified provider can confirm whether you're a good candidate.

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Does insurance cover CoolSculpting?

CoolSculpting is an elective cosmetic procedure (not one that’s considered medically necessary), so it's not covered by insurance or Medicare.

Why is CoolSculpting so expensive?

In addition to all the factors that can drive up your price (like the number of treatment areas and sessions), these are the biggest reasons CoolSculpting is so expensive:

• Providers have to pay a hefty sum to buy the device in the first place—as much as $150,000. They also have to pay for additional CoolSculpting applicators of various sizes and shapes, to treat different areas of the body.
• The manufacturer charges providers a few hundred dollars for each area your provider treats with their device, for every treatment session. This technology uses a disposable computer chip to allow each CoolSculpting cycle to run, and these costs are added to your bill.
• The procedure needs to be performed by a specially trained provider, who will charge accordingly for their time.

That said, the cost is comparable to other noninvasive fat reduction treatment options like Emsculpt Neo.

What affects the cost of CoolSculpting?

During your initial consultation, your provider will outline their recommended treatment plan. Ask them to provide a personalized price quote for a single session for your desired treatment areas, along with an all-in cost quote for a full treatment series.

These are the biggest factors that will impact your total cost.

1. The size and number of treatment areas

Typically, your CoolSculpting cost per cycle will be lower for smaller areas of the body than larger ones. 

For example, the average cost of CoolMini treatment for a double chin is $1,250, while you can expect to pay $1,500 or more to treat love handles or the lower abdomen.

The upper arms or inner thighs are small areas that can cost as little as $650, but they each count as one area, which doubles the price to $1,300 when you do both sides.

Some providers offer discounted fat freezing prices for multiple treatment areas.

2. The number of treatment sessions you need

Most patients need two to three treatments to see their desired results, particularly for  stubborn pockets of fat in areas like the lower abdomen.

Dr. Bradley A. Hubbard, a plastic surgeon in Dallas, confirms that “although a single treatment does reduce the amount of body fat in that area, most patients need more than one treatment to be satisfied with the result.” 

Providers commonly offer a discounted package if you pay up front for multiple sessions.

3. Your provider’s credentials and level of experience

Nonsurgical fat freezing may seem straightforward, but CoolSculpting results can be very technique-dependent. An experienced provider will know better how to maximize your results, while avoiding side effects.

A treatment from a board-certifiedplastic surgeon or dermatologist will cost more than a session that's administered by an aesthetician, medical assistant, or registered nurse. How many years of experience they have can also be a factor. 

No matter which provider type you choose, make sure that they have been fully trained by Zeltiq (owned by Allergan Aesthetics) at CoolSculpting University. 

Also look for a solid track record of positive patient reviews and an extensive before and after photo gallery of their own patients. 

Some providers offer free consultations, which makes it easier to consult with more than one body contouring provider. You may find that they have different recommendations for the best treatment plan, along with very different price quotes.

4. Their practice location

Providers who practice in major cities (with higher rents and more overhead) charge more, to help cover their costs.

For example, in Fort Worth, Texas at plastic surgeon Dr. Steven M. Camp's practice:

• Double chinCoolSculpting costs $1,000 for two treatment cycles
• Love handleCoolSculpting costs $2,000 for four treatment cycles
• Belly CoolSculpting costs $2,000 for four treatment cycles

In New York City, at dermatologist Dr. Michelle Green's practice:

• Double chin costs $1,000 for one treatment cycle
• Inner thigh costs $750 per leg
• Arms cost $750-$1,000 per arm
• The lower abdomen costs $750-$1,500

Prices can vary even by zip code or neighborhood, especially if you’re comparing prices at a luxury med spa to a more modest set-up. Again, it can be worth shopping around.

See the average costs by U.S. state

5. Special offers or discounts

As we mentioned, providers typically offer discounts for multiple treatment areas or a package of multiple treatment sessions. You can also keep an eye out for seasonal promotions. 

Allergan also has a loyalty program called Allē, which allows you to earn rewards points on every treatment. These points can be used towards discounts on future treatments, including other Allergan offerings, like Botox and Juvéderm. Ask your provider if they participate in the Allē program.

RealSelf Tip: Before you spring for a Groupon or any deal that seems a little too good, make sure you'll be getting the real thing. CoolSculpting is the only FDA-approvedcryolipolysis (fat freezing) device, but some med spas offer "cryolipo" treatments using knock-off devices and applicators. Doctors on RealSelf say this is a situation where you get what you pay for, in terms of both safety and results.

How does the cost of CoolSculpting compare to Smart Lipo?

Smart Lipo is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that should be performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologic surgeon, so it makes sense that the average cost of a Smart Lipo procedure is nearly double the average cost of CoolSculpting. 

On the other hand, Smart Lipo has a higher Worth It Rating than fat freezing. Any liposuction fat removal procedure can create more dramatic, precise body contouring results in a single session than nonsurgical fat reduction treatments can. Smart Lipo also offers mild skin tightening benefits.

Some people choose CoolSculpting to avoid the downtime and risks of surgery. Just keep in mind that you’ll have to be patient to see results: it takes about two months after each treatment for your body to eliminate the unwanted fat cells.

A provider who’s experienced and skilled in a range of surgical and nonsurgical body contouring procedures can help you weigh the pros, cons, and cost of these options.

Can you finance a CoolSculpting procedure?

Yes, most practices offer payment plans or accept financing options.

The CareCredit credit card is widely accepted by providers across the U.S., for both plastic surgery and nonsurgical procedures.

Is CoolSculpting worth the money?

CoolSculpting has a 68% Worth It Rating, based on hundreds of recent reviews from patients on RealSelf. So while not everyone was happy with their fat reduction results, a majority say it was worth the investment.

Many who say it was “Worth It” report that they lost inches from their waist or eliminated stubborn bulges. While some reported pain, they say the results were impressive enough to warrant the discomfort and expense. 

Among those reviewers who rated it “Not Worth It,” the primary concern was minimal or no results, even after waiting several months for the dead fat cells to be eliminated. Some reviewers cited side effects, including burns (from the extreme cold), skin pigmentation changes, and long-lasting nerve pain. It’s also possible for fat cells in the treated areas to increase in size—a rare complication. 

A study of 106 patients funded by Allergan and published in Aesthetic Surgery Journal in 2021 showed higher satisfaction: 20 weeks after their second treatment session, 89.6% were "satisfied" or "very satisfied" with their results. However, it’s worth noting that 48.1% of the study participants received “24 total treatment cycles in their treatment plan”—a whopping 12 cycles per session.

This finding aligns with an independent study of 28 patients published in Dermatologic Therapy in 2021, which assed whether multiple cycles and treatment sessions on the same body areas “could yield greater (more clinically significant) improvements in body contour.” The mean number of cycles per area was just 2.8 in this study, but it still showed high patient satisfaction (88%) and concluded that “multiple cycles/sessions of CoolSculpting can safely improve the overall treatment benefit.”

To help ensure your investment will be worth it, find a well-reviewed provider who has the experience to recommend the most effective treatment plan.

You’ll also need to adopt a healthy lifestyle and diet, to maintain your results over time.

CoolSculpting costs in U.S. states

Browse average CoolSculpting costs and ranges by state, according to the 534 most recent RealSelf reviews as of March 2023. (Note: States not included don't have enough recent data to display.)

CoolSculpting costs in major U.S. metros