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Coolsculpting is best when performed on an area that has an excess number of fat cells. For example, women say, "When I gain weight, it goes straight to my belly." That means that you were born with more fat cells in your abdominal area. It would be great to perform coolsculpting in that area to reduce the number of fat cells there and make that are more proportional with the rest of your body. Then, if you gain weight, it will be more evenly distributed over your body. It won't just "go straight" to one area. The fat loss is permanent after Coolsculpting. You typically lose 20-25% of the fat in the area treated, each time you treat it. I have done it to myself and my staff. It is truly effective and has no down time.I prefer Coolsculpting of the arms over liposuction (even though I do both) because the slow fat loss with Coolsculpting allows time for the skin to retract. Sometimes, when the skin is not very elastic, you can get saggy looking skin after liposuction. Discuss with a plastic surgeon to see which he or she recommends.Best of luck, Sheila Nazarian
CoolSculpting can be done at the arms, but the treatment at the arms is considered off-label. It will reduce about 20-25% of the fat in the area, but unfortunately, it does not address any skin laxity. You should have a consultation with a plastic surgeon to see what other options may be available to you to address your concerns.
Zeltiq, the makers of CoolSculpt have released an applicator that can be used on the upper arms. We have seen good results with this applicator. Age is less of an issue than general health. Every patient is different, so best to get a consult from a certified, experienced CoolSculpt office. It is a very nice non-surgical option, especially for those who cannot have post surgical downtime. We also do liposuction, and brachioplasty, (arm-lifts). There are benefits and downsides to each procedure. Best to see a board certified plastic surgeon who does these procedures and together you will make a plan that is right for you.
When skin has good elasticity, the upper arms can get good results with fat reduction both with liposuction and CoolSculpting (off-label) and the skin will shrink back into position. In some patients, a lack of elasticity can create a seemingly looser skin after either liposuction or CoolSculpting. In our NYC practice, ThermiRF, a relatively recently FDA-cleared device has shown promising results when done on the upper arms and face, neck and other body sites. It delivers controlled heat via radiofrequency, while monitoring internal temperature at the site of treatment and checking external skin temperature for safety. This heat tightens the connective tissue support of the skin, and induces new collagen growth below the epidermis to induce more tightening over three to six months after the procedure.The information provided in Dr. Shelton'sanswer is for educational purposes only and is not intendedto constitute medical advice. The information provided shouldnot be relied upon as a substitute for consultations with a qualifiedhealth professional who may be familiar with your individual medicalneeds.
I have had very nice results applying the safe CoolSculpting technology to fat of the arms. You need an evaluation to look at the quality of the skin, but it is absolutely a potential option. Good Luck!