Should I consider lipo or CoolSculpting for my arms? Help - what are the pros and cons of both?

It would be necessary to see you in person to make a specific recommendation, and I would strongly suggest that you seek in person consultation by a board certified plastic surgeon who can confidently discuss both options for you, specifically.  That said, both may be viable options for this area.  Liposuction is a single treatment that may require an anesthetic and some period of recovery, with mild pain and need for compression garments.  Advantages include single treatment, better customizability, and quick results.  CS is noninvasive, requires no anesthesia, usually minimal pain, and no garments.  These advantages are offset to some degree by somewhat more limited patient selection, delayed results that appear over 2-3 months or longer, and probably require 2 or more treatments.  From a cost standpoint, the two are probably similar at similar endpoints (results).  

Thank you for your question. If you are interested, I would recommend seeing a board certified plastic surgeon with expertise in CoolSculpting. This way, you can explain your concerns, learn more about the procedure, and determine if you are a good candidate. An in-person assessment is always best. 

Regards, 

Coolsculpting 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. Liposuction for the arms will leave skin hanging and reducing the skin by surgery will leave a scar.

My best,

Sheila Nazarian, MD, MMM

Beverly Hills, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Thank you for your question, however liposuction and coolsculpting are to very different procedures  with different recovery and downtime. In considering liposuction, you should take into account that this is a surgical invasive procedure, that will require some down time and healing. Coolsculpting is a non-invasive, non –surgical procedure that will have little to no downtime. I think it is best to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon and/or dermatologist to discuss which would be the best procedure to give you the desired outcome you want.

non invasive approaches have little downtime but do little for contouring and fat removal to this area.  I suggest you see an expert for lipo if you want contouring and tightening.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Contouring the arms can be achieved with liposuction or non-invasive options such as coolsculpting.  The best way to choose which ir right for you is to visit a physician who offers both options.  Liposuction performed by a skilled doctor should not leave your with irregularities.  However, liposuction will require the use of compression garments for a few weeks and some swelling.  Coolsculpting has less downtime but does usually require multiple treatments for best effects.  In general, patients with tight skin and thicker arms do better with liposuction.  Patients with a little more laxity and softer skin do better with coolsculpting.   Both are great options, it depends highly on the person.  Make sure to seek out an expert in body contouring and avoid medspa type clinics for an honest opinion.  Best of luck.

Thank you for your question. It is best to evaluate you in person to determine if you are a good candidate for treatment. However, 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!

If you want the best results, liposuction will be the choice. If you have no desire for surgery and want less downtime, Coolsculpting can be done. If there is little fat, and alot of skin excess, Thermitight is an option. 

I would definitely consider a combination of Coolsculpting and Thermage for the arms.  I find that this combination of "heat" and "freezing" is what is best to treat this area.  Best, Dr. Green