Is there a risk of damaging lymph nodes in the armpit area with CoolSculpting?

Question

W. Tomasz Majewski, MD, FACS · Answer

CoolSculpting is not approved for the underarm area.  The only place on the arm for CoolSculpting to be used is the upper arm (bat wing) area.  It can also be used in the anterior and posterior bra rolls.  Where the applicator is placed for those treatments, there are no lymph nodes.  You should visit an experienced provider for evaluation to make sure the procedure is done properly and safely.

Michael A. Zadeh, MD, FACS · Answer

What do you mean damage the lymph nodes in the armpits? We don't perform CoolSculpting directly on the armpits, and though the elimination of fat cells after Coolsculpting relies on the lymphatic system there is no risk of damage to the lymph nodes of the armpit or anywhere else in the body for that matter. To ensure utmost safety make sure you are under the care of an experienced physician. Best wishes.

Brian S. Biesman, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I would recommend seeing a physician who is extremely experienced with CoolSculpting to determine if you are the best candidate for this procedure.  Why are you concerned about your lymph nodes?  Are they enlarged?  Have you had other surgeries in the area?  Have you had breast cancer?  An expert will make sure that you are an excellent candidate for this procedure.  Best of luck.

Laura A. Katz, MD · Answer

No. Coolsculpting is not indicated for the armpit area because the tissue is thinner there and there do not tend to be fact pockets that are amenable to treatment.  It is indicated for the underarm area and bra fat area, but in both of these scenarios the applicator is not positioned too close to the armpit.

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question! Coolsculpting will not damage your lymph nodes. But I have to say that cool sculpting is not performed right in the armpit. One can have the upper arms treated and even if the applicator might be positioned close to the edge of the arms does not affect the armpit. Bra fat area can be treated as well but nothing gets close to the armpit. Please make sure you are evaluated by a certified physician. Best of luck!

Martin Everhard, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

There has not been any reported damage to lymph nodes in any area of the body.  The job of  lymph nodes is to process material and pass it through the lymphatic system and finally to exit the body via bowel movements or urine.  Your lymph nodes are safe..

Aurora DeJuliis, MD · Answer

Coolsculpting will not damage your lymph nodes. But I have to say that cool sculpting is not performed right in the armpit. One can have the upper arms treated and even if the applicator might be positioned close to the edge of the arms does not affect the armpit. Bra fat area can be treated as well but nothing gets close to the armpit. Please make sure you are evaluated by a certified physician.

Sheryl D. Clark, MD, FAAD · Answer

Dear SnowboardGirl:Thanks for the great question. Fortunately, lymph nodes are very deep in the axillae, and no where near the fatty areas of the lateral back and bra tops that we sometimes treat. It's a good idea to be evaluated by a dermatologist or plastic surgeon, who will evaluate the tissue to ensure it is not accessory breast tissue rather than fat.  Having a core physician mark out and plan the treatment, perform caliper measures and obtain your weight is helpful in achieve the best and most sculpted results.All the best,Sheryl Clark MD, FAAD

Mary Beth Mudd, MD · Answer

Great question! The good news is that fat is found in the skin fold in front, behind, or underneath the armpit but not the armpit itself. Therefore, if the CoolSculpting device has been properly applied, it should not be anywhere close to location of your lymph nodes and would not damage them. You want to make sure you work with a physician who is able to properly assess the fat and skin in the axillary region (sometimes what a patient assumes is fat will turn out to be loose skin and would not be helped with CoolSculpting)  and is familiar with the proper anatomy to avoid any problems. Best wishes, Mary Beth Mudd

Alain Michon, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. CoolSculpting is an extremely safe procedure. Fat cells are more sensitive to cold, hence why they can be targeted during your CoolScultping treatment without damaging the surrounding tissue. I hope this help. All the best, Dr Michon

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Is there a risk of damaging lymph nodes in the armpit area with CoolSculpting?

Answers (11)

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