CoolSculpting or Lipo for upper arms? (Photo)

Question

I work out 4-5 days a week. I'm not obese but I'm a thicker girl. 5'2 160 lbs size 10-12. My main issue is abnormally big upper arms! I believe they may be genetic! I remember my grandmother had same arms. No matter how much I work-out my tricep area hangs down & is FAT. I'm scared of liposuction I've been looking into non-surgical procedures. I'm worried that Coolsculpting won't work & I will waste money. I think I'd be okay with a 20-25% reduction instead of having a surgical procedure. Help!

Hung William Song, MD · Answer

If you are looking to reduce a little bit of fat from your upper arms, Coolsculpting is a good option. I wouldn't worry too much about the loose skin because Coolsculpting will not remove enough fat to leave a lot of loose skin. If you are looking for more significant reduction, Liposuction would be a better option, but you will have to be concerned about loose skin. Liposuction with the new J-Plasma for skin tightening is the best option.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

For best results shaping the arms, I recommend a hi definition procedure like VASER liposuction, which can be performed at the same time as an arm lift, depending on skin laxity. I use VASER HI DEF with ThermiRF and fat grafting to get the most fat removal, skin tightening, contour and definition. This combination will give you the most toned result. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a hi definition physique expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. While the CoolSculpting may help to reduce a little of the bulk, it will not do anything for the laxity of the skin. Laser assisted liposuction, such as SmartLipo, may be a better option for you if you were looking for a less invasive treatment to help with the fat reduction and tightening. Schedule an in-person consultation with a Board Certified Surgeon for an evaluation to determine the right procedure for you. Good luck!

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is best to evaluate you in person to determine if you are a good candidate for treatment. However, based from your photos it looks like you would benefit from treatment. Most patients need a minimum of 2 treatments for the arms to see optimal results. Please make sure you see and expert physician. Best of Luck!

Usha Rajagopal, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question! Due to the amount of subcutaneous fat in the arm area, along with some skin laxity, I think liposuction is a better option for you. You can expect a much stronger treatment with liposuction, you will get fat reduction along with some moderate skin tightening. When you do liposuction in the arm you can treat 70% of the arm’s circumference, whereas with CoolSculpt it is closer to about 40% since generally the CoolSculpt applicators are recommended for the posterior arm and posterior lateral arm. I believe liposuction will end up giving you a better result.

Jill C. Fichtel, MD · Answer

Based on the images you provided, I think you would be much happier with the results of Liposuction, which can be combined with a laser procedure to provide skin tightening as well.  CoolSculpting will not be effective in tightening the area you mention near your triceps.

Adam Wallach, MD · Answer

Hello cleogirl33,
Great Question!  Coolsculpting is a great way to remove fat from problem areas like the upper arms. One treatment would eliminate 20 to 25 percent of the fat cells in the treated area. Some people will need two treatments.  These fat cells are gone forever, they do not come back, although you could in theory regain the fat, if in those treated areas the remaining fat cells were to expand significantly.  In practice, most patients tend to be inspired by their results and adjust their lifestyle (diet and exercise) to further support their initial success.  Liposuction is an invasive treatment and takes longer to heal, but would provide more immediate results once the swelling is diminished. Coolsculpting takes approximately 3 months for the results to be seen, it is noninvasive and the fat cells are eliminated naturally through your lymphatic system. Once the fat is reduced, the skin will become less weighted and some retraction may occur, this would be a bonus only, because neither procedure is indicated to tighten loose skin. I hope this was helpful. Best of luck with your journey!

Robert G. Aycock, MD, FACS · Answer

CoolSculpting could remove the fat from your arms but this treatment does not tighten the skin. Laser assisted liposuction may be a better option for you. Please schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to learn more about your options.

Grant Stevens, MD · Answer

Our patients have been very pleased with Coolsculpting for the upper arms.  Some fat does respond better than other fat.  It is somewhat easier to predict if you are a good candidate once we physically examine you and grab the fat that concerns you. Judging by the photos alone, you will likely need more than one treatment to achieve a 25% reduction overall.  Generally, when you hear about a 20-25% reduction, that refers to the approximate amount of fat reduced in the area covered by the applicator (it does not refer to 20-25% of the entire area, such as the arm).  I would definitely recommend a consultation with someone who is experienced with Coolsculpting and can provide you with information that is specifically addressing your concerns.

Evolved Science · Answer

Thank you for your question.  In my experience when I have done in person consultation for fat reduction for arms, there have been patients that were coolsculpting candidates and some Lipo.  It depends on how the fat feels, how your skin is, and important to set realistic expectations for patients.  I have seen great results with coolsculpting for this area in particular.  These patients had great laxity of the skin before hand and had a reduction of about 25% fat in the area.  It is important to have an in person consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to see if lipo is your best rout and/ or facility that's certified in coolsculpting with a medical team. I hope this helps!
Best of luck!
-Nurse Jes

CoolSculpting or Lipo for upper arms? (Photo)

Answers (13)

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