What is the difference between SculpSure & BodyFX?

Thanks for your question - many potential patients; and us doctors too, can get confused by all different devices out there and their claims.  The following is my totally biased opinion, based on years of experience.  First of all, there is no non-surgical fat reducing device on the market that comes close to liposuction with respect to permanently removing fat.  That's a given.  Looking at all the devices out there, you can lump them into different categories.  All of them, except CoolSculpting, use an energy source to produce heat in the fatty tissue layer.  Some use laser energy (like SculpSure), some use radio-frequency (RF) energy (Thermi, Exillis, BodyFX), some use ultrasound (Ultherapy), and some use a combination of energy sources (TruSculpt 3D).  Some of these companies have conducted research to prove that they cause death of fat cells and some have not, but they all do produce lasting results.  The problem with all of them, is that those results may be variable from one patient to the next and even from one body part to the next in the same patient!  The other problem is that none of them are cheap.  They are all less expensive than liposuction, by a little, but the results are not at all as dramatic.  On the positive side, they are all non-surgical; therefore, the risks are substantially less and the recovery time is nearly non-existent.  I cannot answer you specifically regarding BodyFX, because I do not have experience with that device.  I do have experience with SculpSure, CoolSculpting, Thermi250, ThermiTight, Thermage, Venus Legacy, VelaShape, Viora Reaction, and Exillis.  The market leader is probably CoolSculpting, but Sculpsure gets equivalent results with a lower complication rate and faster recovery time.  I have evaluated TruSculpt 3D and I would expect that that device would also get very good results.  I was not impressed with any of the earlier RF devices (Thermage, et al), as results were all over the map and the last thing I or any doctor wants is a line of folks at the front desk wanting refunds.  The best advice I can give you is to go to a legitimate establishment with the proper medical oversight and ask the physician or NP to show you some before-and-after pictures of patients using that device.  Also, be sure that the device in question actually states that it gets fat reduction.  Some of these devices do not get the heat down deep enough and really only result in skin tightening.  I recommend CoolSculpting, SculpSure, or TruSculpt 3D, but there are many others that may work as well.

Sculpsure uses laser technology to while Body FX uses radiofrequency. Both are used to reduce stubborn areas of fat, but need a combination approach to get the most improvement.  I recommend combining Sculpsure with Vanquish and Venus Legacy/Exilis Ultra treatments. We currently use a fire and ice treatment with Coolsculpting and Vanquish for good results in fat removal. However, a VASER hi definition procedure would give you the best results with fat removal, contouring and definition. See an expert for a formal evaluation. Best, Dr. Emer

Hello alleeb00, Thank you for your question.  SculpSure is a unique technology that uses laser energy to target fat tissue and reduce permanently up to 24% of stubborn fat in the treated area.  It is ideal for body contouring.  This is in contrast to devices that are designed to stimulate collagen and tighten skin with radiofrequency energy.  The results of these technologies can be complimentary, however.  I hope this is helpful.  All my best!  Dr. Elizabeth"This information has been provided without seeing the individual and should not be construed as medical advice."

I personally have had both Sculpsure and BodyFX treatments. BodyFX was more effective for my areas of concern so I purchased that device. As the other physicians stated the way each device reduces fat is different - Sculpsure uses laser energy and BodyFX uses radiofrequency to generate heat to kill the fat cells.  I offer BodyFX at my practice because it provides both collagen stimulation to tighten skin plus fat reduction in localized areas with medical studies to support those both benefits.  No two bodies are the same and trouble areas come in different shapes.  The Sculpsure treatment uses a rectangular pad that is only minimally modifiable to your area of concern.  In contrast, the BodyFX handheld device is smaller and can follow the curves of your body so if your area of concern is the outer thigh or abdomen for instance, then the BodyFX can specifically follow the shape of the area (such as an oval or circle).  In the 20 years I've practiced medicine I have never seen a person with a rectangular area to body contour!

Sculpsure and Coolsculpting are the only two non invasive devices that are FDA approved for permanent fat reduction.  Radiofrequency energy is temporary and must be repeated at more frequent intervals.  Both Sculpsure and Coolsculpting can destroy up to 24% of adipose in the treated area in one sitting.