What is Venus Freeze?

Question

I saw something about the Venus Freeze being a liposuction alternative. Is it like CoolSculpting? Would it work on belly fat and how many doctors have it?

G. Robert Meger, MD · Answer

Makenzie:  Others have done an excellent job of answering your question on this thread so I won't repeat what they have written. I do want to let you know that Venus Freeze has been replaced with multiple refinements in a new platform called Venus Legacy.  There are numerous improvements but the highlights include addition of suction to the handpiece.  This not only improves lymphatic drainage but also physically stresses the fat cell to improve fat reduction.  Since the skin gets partially "sucked up" into the handpiece the new machine now adds a series of horizontal probes in addition to the vertical probes of the old model.  That means we can deliver more heat more deeply to improve results.  Finally, the new technology has real time temperature measuring capabilities.  That allows the technician to deliver the energy more precisely and again results in improved outcomes. Of course we have not had a lot of time to use it yet but thus far we have been very impressed with the results.

Dima Ali, MD · Answer

Great question! Venus Freeze is a non-surgical treatment used for circumference reduction, cellulite improvement and skin tightening.  Unlike cryogen technology with CoolSculpt, it uses radiofrequency to shrink AND tighten the area.  It works great on abdominal fat.  Often times we use UltraShape (ultrasound therapy) in combination with VF to optimize results. I think it's safer, hurts less and the results are better.
In order to find the best treatment for your body type and desired results, I would recommend visiting a Doctor that is specialized in all types of non-surgical body contouring treatments.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Venus Freeze uses radio frequency and Pulsed Magnetic fields to produce "therapeutic heat matrix over the skin". Skin tightening, wrinkle reduction and cellulite reduction occur because of the  thermal reaction in the tissue which stimulates the body’s natural healing response. This restoring response causes new collagen to form and the production of new elastin fibres.  The theory is that the active collagen in the skin contracts, achieving tighter skin, softening of wrinkles and reduced cellulite

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

The basic technology used in Venus Freeze is the same as that used in many other devices such as Exilis, Thermage, Invasix, Alma Accent, Velashape, Pelleve, and many more. This is called radiofrequency. The essential principles are that the distance between the transmitting and receiving electrodes will effect the depth of penetration. Tissue exposed to radiofrequency energy will experience thermal increases and heat. The heat can be used to accomplish desired goals of skin contraction or fat reduction or even skin destruction. The real secret remains in how to deliver that energy and how to monitor the energy. Thus the variety of devices in the marketplace. Venus Treatments claim that their proprietary method of alternating the distance between the electrodes will allow variable depth treatment and well as minimize the discomfort experienced by the patient. In addition, they add magnetic pulses for their supposed benefits. The new generation of machines, called Venus Legacy, adds suction to draw the skin into the machine (similar to other technologies such as Endermologie) and increases the distance between and the direction of the electrodes.

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

freezing the fat away is only accomplished by Zeltiq's CoolSculpting. Venus Freeze uses radiofrequency, similar to Thermage, to heat up the tissues and to help induce collagen tightening. It uses radiofrequency coupled with magnetic pulses.

Chaitali Nangrani, MD · Answer

Venus Freeze is a non-surgical body contouring, cellulite reduction, skin tightening, and wrinkle reduction treatment for the face, neck, and body! The Venus Freeze is a very relaxing treatment that uses radio frequency and pulsed magnetic fields that produces heat that causes collagen stimulation! 6-8 treatments are recommended for the Venus Freeze Treatments. This is a treatment that requires maintenance every quarter. Works great for a patient who is looking for a non surgical treatment! I hope this helps you on your journey!

Hal Michael Bass, MD · Answer

In your case, Venus Legacy (the second generation of Venus Freeze) may or may not be a substitute for liposuction. It depends upon the severity of your belly fat and skin laxity in the abdominal area. However, because I have not examined you and have no photo for reference it’s impossible for me to make a medical recommendation. I do want to clear the air, however, about the difference between Coolsculpting and Venus Freeze, which are nothing alike. The former uses controlled cooling to eliminate targeted fat cells, while the latter uses radiofrequency heat to eliminate fat and cellulite while tightening skin.Both treatments are non-surgical with no recovery time. And both are effective for sculpting the body to achieve a slimmer and more toned body profile. Nevertheless, for shrinking and tightening the abdominal area, I prefer Venus Legacy, but if you have a large amount of excess fat to remove, you’ll need Liposuction for the fat removal, in addition to Venus Legacy for contouring and skin retraction. I would suggest you see a board certified plastic surgeon, who will propose the best course of action after a thorough examination.

Robert N. Cooper, MD · Answer

Venus Freeze is combined, Synergistic Multi-polar Radio-frequency and Pulsed Magnetic Fields in the Non-Invasive Treatment of Skin Laxity and Body Contouring. The history of success for Thermage, another radio-frequency skin tightening technology has not been good. I will not offer this technology to my patients until more long term results confirm that this technology is worth the cost of the treatments. You may remember that about 8 to 9 years ago we were are flooded with ads for a $130 cream that dramatically reduced cellulite of the legs. The phones in our office lit up for months. The cream never worked and has not been promoted for years. Always be cautious when the practitioner needs to "manage patient's expectations."

R. Stephen Mulholland, MD (retired) · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Venus Freeze is not the same procedure as Coolsculpting which uses cryolipolysis to address the fat cell.  Venus Freeze, despite it's name, uses heat through the mechanism of radio frequency, to target fat.

	Both cryolipolysis and radio frequency are non-surgical approaches to unwanted localized fat pads.  However they are not an alternative as they do not offer the same outcomes as a surgical procedure will.  Many patient today opt for non-surgical treatments as options to address their concerns as they may not be candidates, they do not have the downtime needed to recover from surgery or they do not want the risks associated with any surgical procedure. 

	Your best course of action is to have an in person consultation with a cosmetic plastic surgeon and see if a non- surgical approach will deliver the results you are anticipating.  Nothing can replace the one on one consultation.

What is Venus Freeze?

Answers (9)