Can Cool Sculpting Help with Fat Pockets in the Armpits and is It Safe?

The bulge near the underarm is often breast tissue that is compressed at its side and made more apparent by bulging outwardly with tight fitting bra straps or shirts.  CoolSculpting can't fit well with their applicators in this region, nor i indicated to treat breast tissue.

Hello,

 

Theoretically, if the area of interest is large enough with the fat thickness falling within optimal operating range of the Zeltiq device, then a patient should be fine.

However, the arms, neck and thighs are often out of the well defined range and even the usage of the small applicator for cool sculpting will not work well and will put the patient at risks. So, I recommend that you have a thorough assessment of any area in your body before you consider it for cool sculpting.

I hope this help.

Thank you for an important inquiry.

The best of luck to you.

Dr. Sajjadian

Yes, I have used
the CoolMini applicator from Zeltiq's CoolSculpting system to
successfully remove excess armpit fat. Most often patients complain
of the bulge of fat in front of the armpit and this area responds
nicely. We also commonly treat the fat behind the armpit.
CoolSculpting has been such an effective nonsurgical alternative to
liposuction that Zeltiq has developed a number of new applicators to
treat variously shaped parts of the body that may or may not have
“pinchable” fat.

The CoolMini was
originally designed to remove fat from the submental area –
freezing away double chins – but its small size makes it perfect
for reaching other little pockets of fat, such as those under the
arms and around the bra line. It will probably take more than one
session to get the results you desire. Final results take about three
to four months to be visible. Please consult a board-certified
dermatologist who is an expert in CoolSculpting to find out if you
are a candidate for this effective procedure.

CoolSculpting can be done on many areas, but unfortunately, the underarms may not be one of them. The applicators are successfully used in areas of pliable fat that can be suctioned into the applicator. The applicators that are currently available most likely will not be able to effectively treat the underarms because it is such a small area. You may consider possibly having liposuction done on the area instead. It is always best to go in for a consultation to best assess your needs and goals.

The new CoolMini applicator from Zeltiq's CoolSculpting system can fit very well in the armpit area on many patients and does a good job of removing fat there. CoolSculpting is noninvasive and very safe. The only side effects you should expect are short-term swelling, soreness, redness and/or bruising. Please consult a board-certified dermatologist to find out if you are a candidate for having your armpit fat treated with CoolSculpting.

Coolsculpting has developed several applicator sizes which allows for treatment in smaller areas. The areas around the armpits where fat appears would respond well to CoolSculpting. I recommend you book a consultation with a board-certified dermatologist to assess the area you are referring to and whether CoolSculpting would be an effective course of treatment. As far as safety is concerned, CoolSculpting has been approved by the FDA which requires it to pass several safety measures before going on the market.

The current CoolSculpting applicators are to large to treat small areas like the underarm area. Smaller applicators that may be available in the near future might be able to treat this area successfully.

CoolSculpting is great for the following areas: love handles (muffin tops), spare tires (abdominal fat), and bra fat (back fat). Newer applications are on the way, such as for the arms and neck. Currently, it would not be safe to use on the armpits. 

Coolsculpting in the axila is an off label use of the technology. I would discourage treatment in this area as there are certain risks with improper placement of the Coolsculpting handle.

The new CoolMini applicator is much smaller and designed to go under the chin. We have found that it's also the perfect size to remove fat pockets in the armpits and above the knees. It takes about 45 minutes and the results can be seen in two-three months. Below is a photo of one of our patients who had it done.