Cavitation vs Fat Freezing: Which Body Contouring Treatment Is Different?
Updated: 19 September 2026 For current treatment details and booking information, see Ultrasound Cavitation London.
Ultrasound cavitation and fat freezing are both non-surgical body-contouring treatments, but they use different technologies and should not be treated as interchangeable. This guide helps you understand the difference before a consultation.
Quick comparison
| Feature | Ultrasound Cavitation | Fat Freezing / Cryolipolysis |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Therapeutic ultrasound; current 3D-lipo information specifies 35 kHz | Controlled cooling; 3D Lipo London's fat-freezing information uses Sculpt Pro Cryo Quattro information as the primary machine reference |
| What it is for | Body contouring for suitable localised concerns | Targeting suitable localised pinchable fat |
| Weight-loss treatment? | No | No |
| Current price structure | £79 single / £599 8-session package | £139 chin / £159 one large applicator / £259 two large applicators; packages also listed |
| Fixed result guaranteed? | No | No |
How does cavitation work?
Cavitation uses ultrasound energy through the skin. General FDA guidance says therapeutic ultrasound used for body contouring can affect fat cells beneath the skin and may reduce circumference. The current 3D Aesthetics specification for UltimatePro cavitation is 35 kHz.
How does fat freezing work?
Cryolipolysis uses controlled cooling to damage cold-sensitive fat cells, which are then gradually cleared over time. It is aimed at suitable localised fat rather than overall weight loss. For this site's current fat-freezing content, the Sculpt Pro Cryo Quattro is the primary machine reference.
What does comparative research show?
A 2016 study comparing ultrasound cavitation, cryolipolysis and diet-only groups found that both treatment groups improved waist circumference and skinfold measurements compared with diet alone, with no statistically significant difference between cavitation and cryolipolysis for those measures. A later 2020 pilot study found that adding cavitation to cryolipolysis did not significantly improve the measured anthropometric outcomes compared with cryolipolysis alone.
Current prices at 3D Lipo London
Single session. 8-session package: £599.
3-session chin package: £369.
3-session package: £399.
3-session package: £689.
These prices come only from Prices page. A £30 booking deposit secures an in-person consultation. The deposit is fully redeemable against treatment and is refundable if you attend and decide not to proceed. Please give at least 72 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule. A no-show loses the £30 deposit and rebooking after a no-show requires a new £30 deposit. If you arrive late, the appointment may need to be shortened so later bookings are not delayed.
Which treatment may be more relevant?
If the main issue is a suitable pinchable localised fat pocket, cryolipolysis may be considered. If the goal is an ultrasound-based body-contouring programme, cavitation may be considered. If the concern is primarily loose skin, cellulite or muscle tone, another treatment information such as RF Skin Tightening, Shockwave/Cellulite or PowerSculpt may be more relevant.
Safety differences matter
Both technologies have contraindications and possible adverse effects. General FDA guidance for ultrasound includes risks such as discomfort, redness, swelling, burns and nerve injury and highlights open skin, implants and metal in the treatment area. Cryolipolysis has its own distinct risk profile, including rare paradoxical adipose hyperplasia and concerns around hernias or structurally weak areas. A consultation is used to assess suitability rather than choosing a treatment purely from an online comparison.
Frequently asked questions
Is cavitation the same as fat freezing?
No. Cavitation uses ultrasound; fat freezing uses controlled cooling.
Which one is better for weight loss?
Neither. They are body-contouring treatments, not weight-loss treatments.
Can I have both?
Possibly as part of a wider plan, but there is no rule that everybody should combine them. See our combined-treatment guide.
Which is cheaper?
The pricing structures are different, so compare the actual current prices rather than a single headline. Cavitation is session/course based; fat freezing is applicator based.
Related treatment information
Cavitation LondonCavitation guideFat Freezing LondonCombined treatment guideBody Contouring LondonPrices · Which body-contouring treatment fits your goal?Book a consultation in Marylebone
3D Lipo London is at 82 York Street, Marylebone, London W1H 1QP, close to Baker Street. Call 07763 566 574 or contact the clinic to discuss suitability.
What cavitation can and cannot do
Ultrasound cavitation is a non-surgical body-contouring treatment used on suitable localised areas. It is not a substitute for weight loss and should not be described as removing large volumes of fat or producing a surgical-liposuction result.
Suitability depends on the treatment area and medical history. For current clinic information see cavitation treatment in London, and compare it with fat freezing when deciding between different localised-fat approaches.