CoolSculpting Vs. Zerona are the two procedures the same?

Though CoolSculpting by Zeltiq and Zerona may sound somewhat similar and are often confused for one another, they are very different in the way that they work and their results. CoolSculpting is the only FDA approved treatment that kills the fat cells by freezing them to the point of elimination. These fat cells are killed permanently and do not return. There are no dietary restrictions or exercise programs that are indicated with CoolSculpting, however, those people who maintain a healthy diet and an active lifestyle will get the best out of their results. Zerona, on the other hand, uses cold laser to disrupt fat cells. The content of the fat cells leak out, but the fat cell remains alive and is not killed. So, the fat cells treated with Zerona can always grow back to their original size after the treatment. That's why it is recommended to be used in conjunction with a regular diet and exercise regimen. While Zerona is FDA approved, this approval is for non-invasive body contouring and not for fat reduction.
We chose CoolSculpting over Zerona as there was overwhelming evidence that CoolSculpting is effective with long-lasting results. The same could not be said for Zerona. In our practice we have used CoolSculpting to treat many patients who previously had Zerona and did not see any results. They have all been very please with their results after just one CoolSculpting treatment!

The main difference is the removal of fat cells. The Zerona perforates fat cells and the cells begin to leak. The lipids released from the cells are eliminated through the lymphatic system. The gradual leaking of the cells leads to fat cell shrinkage but the fat cells will remain active in the body. Coolsculpting freezes and destroys fat cells. Fat cells treated with Coolsculpting die off completely. The body gradually eliminates the cells. Once those fat cells have been removed, they are gone permanently.