Zeltiq - How Long to See Results on Arms?

Question

I had coolsculpting on my arms Jan 26th. I have read that people can see results within 3 weeks. So far there has been nothing (I have been measuring my arms) and I am nervous that it is not working for me! Does it take longer for the arms to see results?

Anil Rajani, MD · Answer

CoolSculpting is an excellent treatment for reducing stubborn fat on the arms. The CoolSculpting fat-freezing procedure is the only FDA-cleared, non-surgical fat-reduction treatment that uses controlled cooling to eliminate stubborn fat that resists all efforts through diet and exercise. Over time, your body naturally processes the fat and eliminates the dead cells, leaving a more sculpted you. You may start to see changes as quickly as 3 weeks after your treatment and will experience the most dramatic results after 2 months. Your body will still continue to flush out fat cells for up to 4 to 6 months after treatment. You may need more than one session to achieve your ultimate goal. Follow up with the clinic where you were treated to review your before and after's and discuss any further treatments that may be needed.

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

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. It typically takes 2-3 months to see peak results. Discuss with a plastic surgeon to see which he or she recommends.

Paul Flashner, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question!  Coolsculpting is a great solution to help eliminate that stubborn arm fat. The whole process takes about three months to see your full results, but you can see results as soon as three weeks. We are all biologically different, so the process does vary from individual to individual.  A great way to speed up your results would be to combine the Coolsculpting with another modality such as Venus Legacy. Venus Legacy is a radio frequency based treatment that stimulates your collagen and elastin to tighten and tone the area but also helps to speed up the lymphatic response, so you can see faster and better results.Hope that helps,Dr. Paul Flashner

Andrew T. Lyos, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank-you for your question. Coolsculpting works on the basis that fat cells are more sensitive to cold than are surrounding tissues of the skin. During the Coolsculpting treatment the fat is cooled to cause cryolipolyis while carefully monitoring the temperature of the skin surface. The fat cells release their fat and shrink.  Unlike liposuction where the fat is removed, the released fat is metabolized and eliminated by your body.  The improvement can generally be seen at 3 weeks, but it typically takes 3 months to see the final result.  Most people require more than one treatment depending on degree of improvement needed and expectations. We utilize the new Cool Advantage applicators which are much more comfortable and reduce treatment time to 35 minutes.  We currently have 4 Coolsculpting machines and can offer "Dual Sculpting" which further reduces the treatment time.  I recommend keeping in touch withe the office of your treating physician and regular follow-up for optimal results.  Best wishes

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

I would generally say that this is an area where surgery can consistently outperform Coolsculpting.  For the right individual with great skin tone and some mild/moderate amount of fatty deposit, Coolsculpting is a great option.  But if you have even mild/moderate skin laxity, then an arm lift might be needed to get you the result you are looking for.

Steven H. Williams, MD · Answer

Some patients can start noticing results as early as 4 weeks. It can vary depending the area and on the individual. Results can take up to 8-12 weeks, so just give it some time. Initially the area can be swollen as well, so the results won't be noticeable early on.

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

We don't yet have an arm applicator but if the fat pad is such that one of the current three applicators fits well enough than we have performed Zeltiq's CoolSculpting with good results. Newer applicators are forthcoming. There is quite a bit of gravity that makes the skin of the upper outer arm hang down and it may take months to see the tightening and new collagen deposition that will occur after CoolSculpting.

W. Tomasz Majewski, MD, FACS · Answer

It takes about 2-3 months after your last treatment to see results.  In our office we treat the area, then see the patient back in the office in 1 month for a second treatment to the area.  We wait about 2-3 months to see them back in the office for a follow up visit and post procedure photos.  We then compare the before and after photos.  Some patients may require a 3rd and even 4th treatment to the area for the results that they are looking for.  There is also a small percentage of patients who may not see any difference at all after the procedure.  It also helps to keep a healthy diet and exercise plan.

Lisa Gardner, DO · Answer

You may start to see changes as quickly as 3 weeks after your treatment, and will experience the most dramatic results after 2 months. Your body will still continue to flush out fat cells for up to 4 to 6 months after treatment. I would suggest following up with your provider if you have any concerns.

Heidi A. Waldorf, MD · Answer

After coolsculpting, it takes about 4 weeks to see the initial results.  Full results take about 3 months. Although there is a small subgroup of patients who don't respond, generally the issue if you don't feel you've gotten results is that you just need another round of treatment.  Remember that each cycle (applicator) reduces fat in the treated area by 10 - 20%.  The number of treatments for a given area depends on the amount of fat you want treated.  In addition, the arms may have some laxity or sagging of the skin.  That doesn't become worse after coolsculpting but if that is your primary problem, then you need another type of procedure for that concern.My recommendation is that anyone unhappy with their results make a follow up with their treating physician.  You can review your pre and post treatment photographs with her and determine a plan of action.I hope this answer helps. Best wishes.

Zeltiq - How Long to See Results on Arms?

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