Sculpsure: Can it be done on the arms?

Question

Can the sculpsure procedure be done off-label on the upper arms? If so, how many applicators would need to be applied for someone who has about 1.5 inches of pinchable upper arm fat?

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. SculpSure can be used on the arms to reduce any extra skin. I suggest that you move forward and consult with a board certified facial plastic surgeon who has completed training through SculpSure and is experienced with this new and innovative technology.Best wishes,

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.

Sculpsure is a noninvasive 1060nm diode laser treatment that removes up to 25% of stubborn fat in the treated area in 25 minutes.It is FDA approved for the abdomen and flanks. It is safe if you get pregnant in the future.
The body contouring effects are seen in as quick as six weeks with final results at 12 weeks. 
The results are permanent as long as you maintain your weight and health.
The laser targets and destroys the fat cells only which are then naturally removed from the body. Since the laser does not affect the skin or muscle it can be used on all skin colors and there has been no reported incidents of burns when treated by a properly trained physician. It is protective since it alternates heating and cooling. 
It has four applicators that can be customized to treat the areas of stubborn fat. 
If a second treatment is needed we wait at least six weeks and usually closer to 12.

If you notice lumps after (which I've never seen) I would recommend massage. You should also alert your surgeon.

There is no downtime and you can resume your normal activities right after the treatment. There may be some soreness in the area for a few days for which you can take ibuprofen or tylenol. A cold compress can also be used.

Sculpsure is not used for skin tightening however some of our patients have seen this. If more skin tightening is needed we have combined this with thermi or Ulthera for a complete treatment. Sculpsure is recommended for stubborn areas of fat that are not being lost by diet and exercise. It is not a weight loss treatment

Since I have both a coolsculpting and sculpsure I am working on protocols of utilizing both of these depending upon what areas need to be treated and the response to the treatment. 
I have used sculpsure on other areas other than the abdomen with very good results.

I also use a Vectra 3D imaging system to try and show people what their treatment areas could look like.

Since Sculpsure outcomes can be based on technique and experience, please see a board certified plastic surgeon that specializes body contouring to see if Sculpsure or other treatments are available to meet your goals.

Take care,

Dr. Schwartz 
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Stephen Prendiville, MD · Answer

Yes, it can be performed on the arms.  However, this area is considered "off-label" because the FDA trials were on teh abdomen and flanks only.  The mechanism of action of Sculpsure is to penetrate roughly 1 cm below the surface of the skin and reduce the population of fat cells by about 24%, which also applies to the arm areas.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

SculpSure could be performed on the arms, but you are correct in that it would be considered an off-label use.  Everyone is different, so it is difficult without an exam to determine how many applicators you might need to treat your arms.  I would say for most people, one per side could be sufficient and would be surprised if someone needed more than two per side.

Promila Banerjee, MD · Answer

We have successfully used Sculpsure for arms (non FDA approved indication) but results vary.  A thorough evaluation to ensure that there is enough fat to evoke a reaction to laser and strategic placement of adapters is necessary to achieve optimal results.  Typically a series of 2-3 treatments is necessary followed by at least 3 months of wait before judging results!
Hope this helps.  Best wishes, Dr B

Christian Halvorson, MD · Answer

SculpSure has been used successfully on the arms. However, it’s important to get a consultation with a board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon to determine if it’s a good fit. The number of applicators can be determined at the time of the visit to achieve optimal results. The results will depend on skill and technique of your treating physician.

Sean Doherty, MD, FACS · Answer

Although SculpSure is only FDA approved for the abdomen and flanks, I have been using it "off label" on the arms with great results. I typically treat each arm twice and the treatments need to be spaced about 6-8 weeks apart. Hope this helps.

Dennis Gross, MD · Answer

Sculpsure can definitely be done on the arms, we've had many patients who have had great results. The applicators are about the size of an IPhone, so I would probably recommend two applicators per arm. It is always easier to determine that in consultation, but most of the time two applicators per arm do great. The SculpSure laser permanently destroys fat cells using heat, and loss of fat is seen quickly within 6 weeks with full results seen at 12 weeks. This is the time it takes for the body to absorb and eliminate the destroyed fat cells. Many patients need just one treatment to get their desired results. 2 to 3 treatments maybe needed if further fat reduction is desired.

Nicole Hayre, MD · Answer

Currently, SculpSure has FDA approval for the abdomen and flanks only. But, we are using it “off-label” and having great results. One of the best parts about SculpSure is that you can customize the applicators to fit around almost any area of the body to treat undesired fat. We have treated arms successfully in our office, the most common being with 2 applicators on each arm; however, I would recommend seeing a Board- Certified Dermatologist for a consultation to determine the placement of the applicators.

Peter H. Grossman, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question! SculpSure is only FDA approved for the abdomen and flanks, however, many physicians are applying the SculpSure to "off-label" areas, such as, arms, saddle bags,  and bra line. From my experience, I have seen exceptional results using the SculpSure on some of these areas.

Sculpsure: Can it be done on the arms?

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