How Much Does CoolSculpting Cost?

The average cost of CoolSculpting is $2,843, according to thousands of real patient reviews. That's significantly lower than the $3,200 average cost cited by the manufacturer.

Prices can range from an average of $650 for a single CoolSculpting treatment session for one targeted area to as much as $6,835 for a full treatment series on multiple body areas.

During an 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 the full treatment series.

To prepare for that conversation, read on to find out:

• why costs vary (even between providers)
• how prices compare to Smart Lipo
• whether real patients say the results are worth the money
• CoolSculpting costs by U.S. state

RealSelf Tip: Body sculpting procedures like this one are designed to reduce pockets of stubborn fat, not for weight loss. A qualified provider can assess whether you're a good candidate: close to your ideal weight, with small pockets of excess fat that have resisted a healthy diet and regular exercise.

Does insurance cover CoolSculpting?

CoolSculpting (aka fat freezing or cryolipolysis) 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?

These are the biggest reasons CoolSculpting is expensive:

• Providers have to pay a hefty sum—as much as $150,000—to buy the device itself. They also have to pay for additional CoolSculpting applicators of various sizes and shapes, to treat different areas of the body.
• The device manufacturer charges providers a few hundred dollars for each targeted area, for every treatment session. The controlled cooling CoolSculpting technology uses a disposable computer chip that allows each CoolSculpting cycle to run, and the cost gets added to your bill. Some providers charge by the cycle.
• This FDA-cleared treatment needs to be performed by a trained provider, who will charge accordingly for their time and experience.

Several other factors (like the number of treatment areas and sessions) can also drive up your price.

That said, this treatment option is actually less expensive than some other noninvasive fat reduction treatment options, such as Emsculpt.

Why CoolSculpting treatment costs vary

Your final bill will depend on these factors.

1. The size and number of treatment areas

Typically, the cost per treatment cycle is lower for small areas of the body (bra fat, banana rolls) than larger ones (back fat). 

For example, the average cost of CoolMini treatment for a double chin is $1,325, while you can expect to pay $1,500 or more to treat love handles (flanks) or the lower abdomen.

The upper arms, outer thighs, or inner thighs can cost as little as $650, but they each count as one area, which doubles the price to $1,300 for both sides. (Some providers in major metros charge $1,000 per side for the upper arms.)

Most providers now use CoolSculpting Elite, which has C-shaped dual applicators to treat both sides at the same time.

Some practices offer discounts for multiple treatment areas, so it’s always worth asking.

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 board-certified 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.

Treatment from a board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist will cost more than a session administered by an aesthetician, medical assistant, or registered nurse working in a medspa or dermatology clinic. 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 and know the ins and outs of how CoolSculpting works. 

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 treatment plan recommendations—and very different price quotes.

4. Your provider’s location

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

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

• Double chin CoolSculpting costs $1,000 for two treatment cycles
• The abdomen costs $2,000 for four treatment cycles

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

• A double chin treatment costs $1,000 for just one treatment cycle
• The lower abdomen costs $750-$1,500 for one cycle

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, as long as you don’t skimp on experience.

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 two or more 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-approved cryolipolysis device, but some medical 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?

The average cost of a Smart Lipo procedure is more than double the average cost of CoolSculpting. That’s because Smart Lipo is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that should only be performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologic surgeon.

You may not be interested in a more invasive procedure, but it’s worth noting that 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 effects, which could benefit areas like the jawline. CoolSculpting isn’t a skin tightening treatment, so it is possible for skin to look lax once the fat supporting it is gone. Treating loose skin could be an added expense you need to cover.

Some people choose nonsurgical fat reduction to avoid the downtime and risks of lipo. 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 qualified provider who has experience and skill in a range of body contouring procedures can help you weigh the pros, cons, and cost of all of your options.

Can you finance a CoolSculpting procedure?

Most practices offer monthly payment plans or accept third-party financing options. For example, 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 65% Worth It Rating, based on hundreds of recent reviews from patients on RealSelf. So while a majority say it was worth the investment, not everyone was happy with their fat reduction results.

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 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 also 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 called paradoxical adipose hyperplasia or PAH. The only cure for PAH is surgery (liposuction or a tummy tuck), and often patients have to pay for at least a portion of these expensive procedures out of pocket. 

A study of 106 patients funded by Allergan and published in Aesthetic Surgery Journal in 2021 showed high patient 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 for you.

A healthy lifestyle and diet will help you maintain the 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