The Skinny
Content Reviewed by AEDIT Medical Advisory Board
What is the average cost of CoolSculpting®?
So, what does it cost to say goodbye to fat cells forever? According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the average cost of a CoolSculpting® procedure was between $1,300-$1,500 in 2020. It is important to note this is a general cost estimate based on the price of non-invasive fat reduction solutions, the provider performing the procedure, and the location of the facility.
CoolSculpting® by Allergan is a non-surgical, minimally invasive fat reduction solution using cryolipolysis techniques. CoolSculpting® is approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat excess fat on the chin, arms, abs (belly fat), hips (love handles), inner thighs, outer thighs, and back. CoolScultping® utilizes cryolipolysis, which freezes fat cells for permanent removal with few side effects beyond swelling and bruising. This is not a weight loss solution, rather CoolSculpting® is an adjunctive treatment for stubborn fat deposits resistant to diet and exercise.
For candidates considering CoolSculpting®, the total cost of the cosmetic procedure will be dependent on numerous factors outlined in the table below.
Factors to Consider in the Total Cost of a CoolSculpting® Procedure
| Cost Factor | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Treatment Area | Chin, Upper Body, Lower Body, etc. |
| Provider | Training, experience, specialty (dermatology vs. plastic surgery provider) |
| Consultation Fees | May or may not count towards the final cost of the procedure |
| Cost per Session | Dependent on provider and location |
| Location | Provider fees vary by region |
| Maintenance | Timing and regularity of follow up treatments |
The Specifics
What affects the cost of CoolSculpting®?
The cost of a CoolSculpting® treatment will be dependent on numerous factors. The actual cost of using the CoolSculpting® machine, the time of the provider performing the procedure, the body area receiving treatment, the ultimate goals, the location of the facility where you have the procedure, and supplies used during the session.
It is important to remember that CoolSculpting® may require a few sessions to achieve the desired results and all treatment plans are unique to each individual candidate. Also, once CoolSculpting® results are achieved, they will be subject to natural changes from weight gain or loss.
In many instances, facilities and providers have discounts, special promotions, and/or rewards programs for procedures like CoolSculpting®. Reviewing these types of programs, financing options, and incentives in your area can help to mitigate costs.
The table below looks at how difference in the treated area will affect the cost of a CoolSculpting® treatment.
CoolSculpting® by Treatment Area
| Treatment Area | Impact on Cost |
|---|---|
| Chin | Smaller area so lower average cost |
| Upper Arms | Medium-sized area with average cost |
| Abdomen | Large area with higher average cost |
| Hips | Large area with higher average cost |
| Thighs | Large area with higher average cost |
| Back | Medium- to large-sized area with mid to high cost |
What does the cost of CoolSculpting® include?
What do these cost ranges actually include? As we reviewed above, CoolSculpting® cost is dependent on a myriad of factors, the biggest being which body area you are treating. Besides the actual cost of the CoolSculpting® machine time, there are charges for the provider’s time, the supplies used during the session (gloves, needles, maybe anesthetics), and, possibly, facility fees.
The costs being quoted are per session costs and multiple CoolSculpting® treatments may be needed to achieve results. Are you feeling overwhelmed? Friendly reminder: depending on your provider and the facility where you have your CoolSculpting® procedure, there may be incentive programs and financing options to reduce costs.
How much does CoolSculpting® cost?
Next question: what are some actual numbers? The table below shows cost range estimates by body area. These estimates include all of the variables we discussed. The ranges are, well, wide-ranging, but they can help give you an idea of which procedure types are more costly.
The table below offers average single-session price ranges specific to areas typically treated with CoolSculpting®. The CoolSculpting® official website quotes all average costs at $2,000 to $4,000, but notes that the treatment area will affect cost.
Average CoolSculpting® Cost by Treatment Area
| Treatment Area | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Chin | $1,000 to $3,000 |
| Upper Arms | $1,000 to $3,000 |
| Abdomen | $2,000 to $4,000 |
| Hips | $2,000 to $4,000 |
| Thighs | $2,000 to $4,000 |
| Back | $1,500 to $4,000 |
How much does CoolSculpting® cost across the United States?
Location, location, location! In case we haven’t made it clear yet, where you have your procedure plays a large role in the overall cost of a cosmetic procedure. As we mentioned, the 2020 ASPS Report breaks procedures down by regions. In 2020, the coasts accounted for a majority of all CoolSculpting® treatments.
The table below breaks down costs in major cities across the U.S.
Average CoolSculpting® Cost by City and State
| State | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| New York, NY | $2,000 to $4,000 |
| Chicago, IL | $2,000 to $4,000 |
| Miami, FL | $1,000 to $4,000 |
| Birmingham, AL | $2,000 to $4,000 |
| Austin, TX | $1,000 to $4,000 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $1,500 to $4,000 |
How much does CoolSculpting® cost around the world?
For those considering pursuing a CoolSculpting® procedure abroad, the table below looks at average costs for a few countries around the globe. Don’t forget the factor in travel costs, the reputation of the provider and facility, and expenses related to recovery when looking at the cost difference. The table below reflects costs converted to U.S. dollars.
Average Cost of CoolSculpting® by Country in USD
| Country | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Canada | $750 to $4,000 |
| Mexico | $500 to $4,000 |
| Colombia | $500 to $2,000 |
| United Kingdom | $750 to $4,000 |
| Australia | $850 to $3,500 |
| Japan | $1,500 to $3,500 |
| United Arab Emirates | $500 to $3,000 |
Does insurance cover the cost of CoolSculpting®?
Insurance is confusing, and, when it comes to health insurance and aesthetic medicine, things stay confusing. It’s ok, we can help. Prevailing wisdom correctly states cosmetic procedures are not covered by insurance. This is generally true, although certain cosmetic procedures with documented medical benefits may be covered. Definitions from the American Medical Association (AMA) can help to further clarify this point:
CoolSculpting® is not a surgery and it has no medical indications. Suffice to say, your CoolSculpting® procedure is not going to be covered by insurance.
The Takeaway
CoolSculpting® is a minimally invasive fat removal solution for stubborn fat bulges in numerous problem areas. It is not a fat loss solution and is not a substitute for a healthy diet and exercise, but it is a non-invasive procedure with minimal recovery time that is available at a reasonable cost. The information we've just covered and a conversation with a CoolSculpting provider can have you on your way to your best results.
