It’s the same story every January. You hit the gym, dial in your nutrition, and stay committed to your New Year’s resolutions. But by February, you might notice that despite your hard work, certain stubborn pockets of fat just won’t budge, or that muscle definition isn’t popping quite the way you hoped.
In the Pacific Northwest, we spend a lot of time covered up in layers, making winter the perfect time to start body contouring treatments so you’re ready for summer on Lake Washington.
At Pur Skin Clinic, serving Kirkland and Edmonds, we offer the two most powerful non-surgical body contouring tools on the market: CoolSculpting and CoolTone. But which one do you need? Or do you need both?
Here is your definitive guide to choosing the right treatment for your 2026 body goals.
The Core Difference: Freezing Fat vs. Building Muscle
Think of body contouring like renovating a house.
- CoolSculpting is the “demo day.” It clears out the clutter (fat) that is taking up space.
- CoolTone is the “interior design.” It builds structure, firmness, and tone (muscle) underneath.
CoolSculpting: The Fat Freezer
Best For: “Pinchable” pockets of fat that resist diet and exercise.
CoolSculpting uses cryolipolysis technology to freeze fat cells to the point of destruction. Once frozen, these cells die and are naturally processed and eliminated by your body over the course of 1 to 3 months. It is not a weight-loss treatment, but a fat-reduction treatment.
- Treatment Areas: Double chin, abdomen, flanks (love handles), bra fat, back fat, banana roll (under buttocks), inner/outer thighs, and upper arms.
- Results Timeline: You may see changes as early as 3 weeks, with the most dramatic results appearing between 1 and 3 months.
CoolTone: The Muscle Builder
Best For: Individuals near their goal weight who want definition, strength, and firmness.
CoolTone uses Magnetic Muscle Stimulation (MMS) to induce powerful muscle contractions—think of it as doing 20,000 crunches or squats in 30 minutes, but without the sweat. It strengthens muscle fibers to create a tighter, more toned appearance.
- Treatment Areas: Abdomen, buttocks (non-surgical butt lift), and thighs.
- Results Timeline: A typical series is 4 treatments over 2 weeks. You’ll feel stronger immediately (like after a good workout), with visible tone developing over 4–6 weeks.
Comparison Chart: At a Glance
| Feature | CoolSculpting | CoolTone |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | Remove stubborn fat | Build muscle & define tone |
| Technology | Freezing (Cryolipolysis) | Magnetic Muscle Stimulation (MMS) |
| Sensation | Intense cold, then numbness | Rapid, strong muscle contractions |
| Sessions Needed | 1–2 sessions per area (typically) | 4 sessions (initial series) |
| Downtime | None (mild soreness/numbness) | None (muscle soreness like a workout) |
| Ideal For | Bulges you can pinch | Areas you want to harden/lift |
Does It Really Work? (Real Pur Skin Patient Results)
We know skepticism is high with body contouring. Does it actually work?
The answer is yes—but seeing is believing.
Take our patient Kelcey, for example. She visited our Edmonds location to treat her lower abdomen and flanks. After just two treatments—one in May and one in June—her follow-up photos in November showed a completely transformed, flatter midsection. Her results weren’t immediate, but they were undeniable and permanent for the treated fat cells.
You can watch Kelcey’s full journey and see her Before & After photos on our YouTube Channel.
The “Power Couple” Strategy
For many of our patients in Kirkland and Edmonds, the magic happens when we combine treatments.
If you have a layer of fat covering your abdominal muscles, doing CoolTone alone might build a six-pack, but you won’t see it hidden under the fat.
The Pur Skin Protocol:
- De-Bulk: Start with CoolSculpting to reduce the fat layer.
- Define: Follow up with CoolTone to sculpt the muscles underneath.
Pricing Transparency: What to Expect
We believe in being upfront about investment.
- CoolSculpting: Treatments at Pur Skin Clinic typically start around $1,500, but this varies significantly based on how many applicators (cycles) your specific body requires.
- CoolTone: Pricing is based on a package series (usually 4 treatments).
Note: We offer flexible payment plans to make your body goals accessible.
Start Your Summer Prep Now
Body contouring takes time. If you start your CoolSculpting journey in January or February, your peak results will arrive just in time for spring break and early summer.
Ready to see which treatment is right for you?
Schedule a complimentary body contouring consultation at one of our two convenient locations:
- Pur Skin Clinic – Kirkland (Carillon Point)
- Pur Skin Clinic – Edmonds (Downtown Edmonds)
Call us at (425) 967-3877 to book your assessment.
