How do I overcome repeated thermal events when I try to Coolsculpt my upper arms?

Question

I’ve tried to Coolsculpt my upper arms but keep getting thermal events. After several tries, I was able to complete a full Coolsculpting cycle on my right arm. I’ve unsuccessfully tried about 10 times (over multiple visits) to Coolsculpt my left arm but have gotten a thermal event each time. Now my right arm has noticeably less fat than my left arm. Coolsculpting says this is very rare. Has anyone had experience with this,how I can get through a full cycle on my left arm without another thermal event?

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

The thermal error just means that the temperature was not ideal for the entire treatment or the treatment area.  As long as you go the correct temperature for 1 hour, you will get a good result.
 My best,
 Sheila Nazarian

Michael A. Zadeh, MD, FACS · Answer

There are a few things you need to make sure of. One is that you are an appropriate candidate for treatment and you have enough fat for the procedure. The other is that the appropriate applicators are chosen and placed properly. During thermal events the device shuts off for your safety. If it continues to be an issue then you would need to seek alternative treatments. Make sure you are under the care of an experienced provider. Best wishes.

Michael Kerin, MD · Answer

Hi.  This issue is likely due to applicator placement/positioning.  I recommend a different approach to how the applicator is being placed.
Best of luck.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

This isn't typical and may be due to applicator placement. I recommend following up with your practitioners. For best results with areas like the arms, I recommend a hi definition procedure like VASER liposuction. I use VASER HI DEF with ThermRF and fat grafting to get the most fat removal, skin tightening, contour and definition. This combination will give you the most toned and symmetrical result. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a hi definition physique expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Robert Heck, MD, FACS · Answer

I tend to wonder if the positioning of the applicator is appropriate. We have done many arms and have never had this happen. I had to say however, we have also never tried 10 times on a client either. Have they used the cool advantage petite? Are you waiting at least 24 hours between tries? Thermal events are errors that assure your safety. Make sure you're going to an excellent center. A good provider would have already talked to their Rep (PDM) from Allergan to trouble shoot. Best of Luck.

Stanley Kovak, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I understand your frustrations, especially since you are now seeing results on the right arm. Thermal events are rare, but they can happen. It most often happens in people that are not good candidates for the procedure, treated with an applicator that does not fit appropriately, or when there is incorrect placement of the applicator. These are all factors that can be discussed with and adjusted by your provider. Unfortunately, some people have thermal events that are outside of our control and the body rejects the treatment causing a thermal event; this we cannot control. It is crucial that you research your providers to be sure you are seeing someone that is reputable, and they should be able to properly address your concerns. Best of luck to you!

Edward Stokes, MD · Answer

Having successfully treated thousands of Clients with CoolSculpting, we have found that arms get very smooth natural looking results. The issues associated with thermal events tend to be caused by not using the appropriate applicator, or also by not using the correct gel pad. In this case, the Cool Petite Applicator was designed especially for the arms. I would have a discussion with your provider, and be sure that this is the applicator that is being used. Good luck with everything!

Peter Petropoulos, MD · Answer

Hi,
I have never had this happen with any of the applicators on the arms, I would ask the provider to have Coolsculpting evaluate the applicator that was being used and even to look at your arm to get any idea as to why this is happening.

Drew Varano, MD · Answer

I would make sure the cool petite applicator is being used as that was developed specially for the arms . Some people may use the coolfit applicator but this has positioning issues and is suboptimal for some individuals.

Arian Mowlavi, MD, FACS (license on probation) · Answer

Cool sculpting is associated with uneven results and sometimes even growth of fat called Paroxismal Adipose Hyperplasia. These concerns can be definitively corrected with high definition liposuction which also allows for tightening of any loose skin if present at the same time with no cutting at all.

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