Coolsculpting vs laser lipo for upper arms? (Photo)

Question

I have always had extra fat on my triceps that do not go down with exercise, and have about 1 inch to lose on each arm. Would CoolSculpting or would laser-lipo be a better option for this?

Michael A. Zadeh, MD, FACS · Answer

The answer to your question depends on your expectations and how aggressive you are willing to be with treatments. You are a candidate for CoolSculpting the arms. However, almost everyone that gets CoolSculpting for the arms will need at least 2 treatments for optimal results. Results will be subtle compared to more aggressive treatments and you may not lose a whole inch. You may want to combine it with a skin tightening treatment such as ThermiTight to give you optimal non-surgical results.

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

Hi, In office examination is very important to see if you are a good candidate for coolsculpting. It is an excellent form of non-invasive  fat reduction for
the right patient. Some applicators take 1 or 2 hours but the new advantage
applicators take only 35 minutes and have significantly less risk for delayed
onset pain (especially in the abdomen). Results are seen at 2 months and
typically 1-3 treatments will be necessary on each area to achieve ideal
results. The number of treatments depends on the amount of fat there and the
patient's goals.  There is not downtime and the results can be impressive
in the right patient.  We also use the Zimmer Z-wave for improved patient
comfort and added results. The best candidates are those who are in pretty
good shape with areas of stubborn fat that won't go away no matter what.I use Pelleve which uses radio frequency for skin tightening. My best,

Sheila Nazarian, MD, MMM

Beverly Hills,
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Robert Heck, MD, FACS · Answer

It's hard to assess skin by a photo but it appears healthy. If that's the case and you want non invasive options then i think a cool sculpting consultation is reasonable. The arms are still off label for Zeltq and may require more than one treatment. Surgical intervention is best in most cases but Cool sculpting is a nice option if you wish to avoid surgery. Best of Luck.

Steven H. Dayan, MD · Answer

Coolsculpting is an option for treating fat in the arm area. For some people they may need fat reduction followed by radio frequency for skin tightening.  However, you will not know if you need skin tightening post coolsculpting until you have completed 2 treatments in the area and waited for 3 months.

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is best to evaluate you in person to determine if you are a good candidate for treatment. However, based from your photos it looks like you would benefit from treatment. Most patients need a minimum of 2 treatments for the arms to see optimal results. Please make sure you see and expert physician. Best of Luck!

Sheryl D. Clark, MD, FAAD · Answer

Dear NYCgal26:   The answer to your excellent question, I believe, boils down to price and whether you want surgery or a nonsurgical approach.  You would get great results with one or two CoolSculpting treatments with the #CoolFit applicator, after which you can decide if you want to tighten the arms with focused ultrasound (#Ulthera) or #radiofrequency (in our office we use #PelleFirm).  I believe the end results would be similar.  All the best,   Dr. Clark

Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS · Answer

If skin tightening is desired, then laser liposuction would be the better option for the upper arms as it provides nominal skin tightening as opposed to no noticeable skin tightening with Coolsculpting.

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

I would estimate that the better treatment is laser lipo/Thermitight over Coolsculpting. It can lead to better skin tightening which is a major component of this area. There will be more downtime but if you are results oriented, the minor surgery will give better results in my opinion.

Jeffrey M. Hartog, DMD, MD · Answer

Based on your picture, you do seem like you would be a good candidate for CoolSculpting of the arms.  This is an off-label area, but many providers are very successful with it.  You may want 1-2 treatments on each arm.  You can do the 2nd treatment as early as 30 days after the first to see quicker results.  After you see the results of your CoolSculpting, then you may decide on adding in some skin tightening treatments.  Our office offers a radio frequency treatment called Venus Legacy to help with some skin tightening.

Ariel Ostad, MD · Answer

I agree with the advice given below. You are an excellent candidate for Coolsculpting with possible radiofrequncy to tighten, after.  We see great results with coolsculpting alone, but have the option of further tightening with radiofrequency. Both are non-invasive procedures that are ideal for a candidate your age. Please feel free to call my office for a complementary consultation. Best,Dr. Ariel Ostad

Coolsculpting vs laser lipo for upper arms? (Photo)

Answers (12)