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Stubborn fat in the upper arms can be extremely challenging to eliminate, even with a strict workout routine and a healthy diet. After achieving your desired weight, unwanted fat can still persist in various areas of the body including the upper arms. For many men and women alike, this can negatively impact self-confidence and prevent them from feeling their best. Historically, the only cosmetic treatment for fat reduction on the upper arms was invasive plastic surgery- associated with a significant amount of risk and downtime. Luckily, there is now a non-invasive treatment option that is safe and effective for reducing unwanted fat in the upper arms: CoolSculpting. With consistently fabulous results and no recovery time required whatsoever, CoolSculpting for the upper arms can help you to feel confident wearing sleeveless shirts and dresses again.

FDA-approved in 2010, CoolSculpting, produced by ZELTIQ, is currently the #1 fat reduction procedure in the United States for good reason. Before CoolSculpting upper arms treatment was invented, there was no non-surgical method of fat reduction for the upper arms. But with CoolSculpting, patients can freeze fat away with no downtime necessary following treatment. The effects of CoolSculpting are permanent, provided you do not gain additional weight following the procedure, and with each treatment session, you can reduce a bulge of fat by up to 25%. As an expert in body contouring, Dr. Michele Green was one of the very first dermatologists in New York City, more than a decade ago, to incorporate CoolSculpting treatments into her New York practice with rave reviews. Dr. Green’s discreet Upper East office is CoolSculpting certified, and her staff are experts in the latest CoolSculpting procedures. Almost every patient who comes in for a CoolSculpting procedure is so happy that they return for another Coolsculpting treatment in a different area of the body! That is why Dr. Green has been so excited about the CoolSculpting applicator to treat the upper arms.

Dr. Green is an award-winning dermatologist with over 25 years of experience in non-surgical body sculpting procedures. An expert in non-invasive cosmetic dermatologic procedures, Dr. Green has incorporated the most cutting edge treatments, such as Velashape for body sculpting, QWO injections for cellulite, Thermage for skin tightening, and Kybella injections for permanently removing fat cells. Whether it is the best skincare, laser skin treatments for sun damage, anti-aging lasers and dermal fillers, Dr. Green will carefully listen to your concerns and create the perfect treatment plan to help you look and feel your best.

AH 61 4 month Before and After Coolsculpting CoolFit LT Inner Arm MGWatermark 1

Coolsculpting, Inner Arms – 4 months

Can you get CoolSculpting on your arms?

Yes! CoolSculpting works extremely well for the upper arms, and the upper arms is one of the nine treatment areas that are FDA-approved for CoolSculpting. If your arms make you self conscious and you are embarrassed to wear sleeveless shirts, CoolSculpting is the procedure for you! CoolSculpting procedure is able to reduce up to 25% of fat in the arms by freezing subcutaneous fat in the upper arms. A good candidate is someone in good health, who is within 20 pounds of their ideal weight, and has excess fat in their upper arms, or area being treated. An excess amount of loose skin will not be treated by CoolSculpting. CoolSculpting for the upper arms is designed for patients who have upper arm flab and diet and exercise has not improved its appearance. In many cases, especially in women, this excess fat in the upper arms can be hormonally related.

How does CoolSculpting work on arms?

CoolSculpting works via cryolipolysis technique, where controlled cooling (reducing the temperature down to -11°C) is delivered to targeted fat cells that are then frozen and destroyed. Cryolipolysis is founded on the understanding that fat cells freeze at higher temperatures than other cells, meaning that a CoolSculpting applicator can freeze only excess fat on the target area, without affecting the surrounding skin cells. Unwanted fat in the treatment area is frozen, which kills the fat cells. Then, over time, targeted fat cells are broken down, and the dead cells are gradually metabolized and excreted by the body through the lymphatic system, permanently eliminating excess fat. When you consult with Dr. Green for CoolSculpting, photographs will be taken of the desired treatment areas. Dr. Green will measure the treatment areas and determine which applicators are best to treat your specific areas of concern. A treatment plan is formulated and the applicator and cost are determined for you. In some cases, more than one applicator is needed. The results of CoolSculpting can be seen as early as within the first month but it gradually progresses to appreciate the final results in 4 months.

coolsculpting arms 16 weeks

Does CoolSculpting work on upper arms?

Yes! CoolSculpting is a perfect non-invasive treatment for reducing the appearance of stubborn upper arm fat without surgical intervention and downtime. CoolSculpting utilizes cryolipolysis or “fat freezing” technology to deliver controlled cooling to the desired treatment area, freezing subcutaneous fat cells and destroying up to 25% of fat cells in the area. The damaged fat cells are slowly and gradually excreted by the body, which means there is no risk of developing skin laxity like liposuction where fat is removed quickly. Since its FDA approval in 2010, CoolSculpting has become the most popular noninvasive fat reduction treatment in the United States. Because CoolSculpting treatments do not require preparation or downtime, the treatment sessions can be customized to fit your busy schedule, and you can return to normal daily activities like working and exercising immediately post-treatment.

How effective is CoolSculpting for arms?

CoolSculpting of the upper arms is extremely effective at reducing the appearance of stubborn fat bulges and flabby arms that do not resolve with healthy diet and exercise. Utilizing the cryolipolysis technology, CoolSculpting treatments can destroy up to 25% of fat cells in the treated area. Because the damaged fat cells are slowly metabolized and excreted through the lymphatic system, there is minimal risk of developing skin laxity in the treated areas. For those with a larger concentration of fat in the upper arms, the CoolSculpting treatment can be repeated one to four months post-treatment to reduce more fat and achieve the best body contouring results. The best part of CoolSculpting is that there is minimal downtime unlike invasive plastic surgery. You can resume normal daily activities like working and exercising immediately after treatment. What is the CoolSculpting treatment process?

When you have decided to reduce the appearance of unwanted fat, the first step is to schedule your consultation appointment with Dr. Green. At your first appointment, Dr. Green will assess the treatment area and make a determination about the treatment or combination of treatments to reduce the concentration of fat cells on the upper arm and tighten the skin, if necessary. Depending on the amount of fat that has accumulated in the treatment area, you may need multiple CoolSculpting treatment sessions for optimal results. If Dr. Green determines that CoolSculpting is the right treatment to address your specific needs and aesthetic goals, Dr. Green’s office will start by photographing the treatment area in order to help measure the change. Then, the treatment area is marked to determine the correct applicator shape and size, and the treatment area is prepped by cleansing the skin and applying gel pads. Typically, the CoolAdvantage Fit applicator to treat the upper arms. If the treatment area is smaller, Dr. Green may use the CoolPetite instead or in addition. Treatment using the CoolAdvantage Fit applicator usually takes 35 minutes per upper arm.

During the procedure, pinching and numbness are common when the vacuum applicator is applied to the treatment area. Patients will feel an initial cold sensation followed by numbness on their skin as the treatment freezes the fat cells. Those with a history of poor circulation, such as Raynaud’s syndrome, may be particularly affected by the cooling treatment. Following the use of the applicator, the treatment area is massaged for two minutes to trigger the absorption and metabolizing of the fat cells. CoolSculpting is a non-invasive procedure that does not require any downtime, meaning you can return to your regularly scheduled activities immediately after receiving the treatment. The results from CoolSculpting are gradual and can be noticed starting one month post-treatment with optimal results at three to four months post-treatment.

How many CoolSculpting treatments are needed for arms?

The number of CoolSculpting treatments really depends on the amount of fat in the upper arms.  Each treatment of CoolSculpting yields a 25% reduction in the area treated. If there is a significant amount of fat in your upper arms, patients can have two treatments of CoolSculpting spaced minimum of one month apart to yield a 40 to 50% fat reduction in the upper arms. Each patient is unique and a treatment plan will be formulated for you during the consultation with Dr. Green.

When does Coolsculpting start to work?

The results of CoolSculpting can be noticed starting around six post-treatment, and optimal results can be seen four months after the treatment. The cryolipolysis technique involves the body’s natural lymphatic system slowly removing the frozen and damaged fat cells, which requires time. The benefit of this gradual fat reduction process is that there is minimal risk of developing skin laxity or loose skin. If desired, the treated area can be reassessed three to four months post-treatment to determine if an additional treatment can be beneficial. If there is a lot of stubborn fat in the treatment area, Dr. Green may recommend two CoolSculpting treatments one month apart to achieve the best results.

LG 59 coolsculpting arms 18 months 1 MGwatermark

CoolSculpting, arms – 18 months

What are the side effects of CoolSculpting?

CoolSculpting is generally a safe fat reduction procedure with low risks. Common side effects that are mild and temporary include:

  • Redness
  • Minor swelling
  • Bruising
  • Skin sensitivity
  • Stinging, tingling, and pinching sensation
  • Numbness — It is normal to experience numbness in the treatment area for around one month post-treatment
  • Tenderness or aching at the treatment site

Rare but a severe side effect of CoolSculpting include:

  • Paradoxical adipose hyperplasia — a rare side effect that occurs more commonly in men. The fat cells in the treatment side enlarge and need to be surgically removed.

How much is CoolSculpting for the arms?

CoolSculpting costs depend on a variety of factors, including the area of the body being treated, the size of the applicator, and how many sessions are required to reach your body contouring goals. A larger applicator for the abdomen will take longer and typically be more expensive than the smaller CoolSculpting applicator for the chin. The more areas of treatments needed, the greater the overall cost of the procedure. CoolSculpting performed by a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon is likely more expensive than a med spa or clinic; however, it is very important to research the credentials of the treating CoolSculpting provider to ensure they have the proper training and experience for the best cosmetic results.

Can CoolSculpting get rid of arm fat?

CoolSculpting works extremely well in all areas of the body, especially for reducing the appearance of stubborn upper arm fat. The best candidate for CoolSculpting is a patient who is within 10 to 20 pounds of their ideal weight, without a lot of extra skin on their upper arms. The CoolSculpting applicator that is commonly used for the arms is the CoolAdvantage Fit. The CoolAdvantage Fit takes 35 minutes each side to treat the upper arms. In patients with longer arms, the patient may need an additional smaller applicator: the CoolAdvantage Petite. The CoolAdvantage Petite requires an additional 35 minutes to treat each side of the upper arm for a total of about one hour and ten minutes. With no recovery time, no pain, and no incision, the non-invasive CoolSculpting procedures have soared in popularity, especially for treating the upper arms.

What other areas of the body can CoolSculpting treat?

CoolSculpting treats many other areas for body sculpting and reducing fat bulges on the body including:

  • Neck or double chin
  • Abdomen
  • Flanks or love handles
  • Inner thighs
  • Outer thighs
  • Banana roll
  • Tops of knees
  • Back and bra fat

Will CoolSculpting leave loose skin?

CoolSculpting is a non-invasive treatment specifically designed to reduce unwanted fat deposits that are hard to get rid of even with a strict work out regimen and a healthy diet. While CoolSculpting is not used specifically to treat loose skin, the treatment will not leave patients with increased skin laxity. The CoolSculpting treatment is best for people who are at or very near their target weight, as it is not a weight loss procedure. Through the process of cryolipolysis, the CoolSculpting treatment causes the fat cells in the body to freeze and then be destroyed. Once that has occurred, the lymphatic system will slowly metabolize the ruptured fat cells over time. Because the metabolism of the dead fat cells and the subsequent reduction in fat occurs gradually over the course of several weeks, there is no increased skin laxity, or loose skin, that occurs as a result of the treatment. If you already have skin laxity in the arms, CoolSculpting will not tighten already loose skin. For the best body contouring results, Dr. Green will recommend pairing the CoolSculpting treatment for fat reduction with Thermage radiofrequency laser treatment for skin tightening.

Does CoolSculpting work on flabby arms?

CoolSculpting is the ideal choice for patients looking to reduce pockets of fat cells from the upper arms. This nonsurgical solution can permanently remove the fat from your upper arms to achieve a smoother, trimmer set of upper arms that you can show off all summer and year long. For some patients, this flabby or saggy skin is a product of both aging and genetics. As we age, collagen breaks down, and we lose the firmness and elasticity in the skin. For many women, this loss of collagen and increase in fat is particularly noticeable in the upper arms. Fluctuations in weight loss can also play a role in the appearance and saggy upper arm skin. This is why Dr. Green often combines CoolSculpting for the upper arms with Thermage for radiofrequency skin tightening. By reducing fat and tightening the skin, the upper arms will be more toned and youthful in appearance.

Does CoolSculpting tighten the skin?

When patients ask, does CoolSculpting get rid of loose skin, the answer is: not really. Although, some patients report a skin tightening effect as a result of fat reduction. While CoolSculpting does not leave patients with loose skin following the treatment, it is not designed to tighten flabby skin. Unlike liposuction, which gets rid of a large amount of fat all at once and can leave patients with loose, sagging skin, CoolSculpting fat reduction occurs gradually over time, meaning that there is no increased skin laxity associated with the procedure. However, if the skin on your arms is already loose, which is common as a result of the natural aging process, Dr. Green may recommend pairing the CoolSculpting treatment with a skin tightening treatment, such as Thermage RF laser treatment.

Does CoolSculpting tighten the skin on the arms?

Some patients may feel that the skin is somewhat tightened due to the fat reduction. However, CoolSculpting does not tighten the skin, as it is designed to remove unwanted fat. Many patients choose to combine CoolSculpting with Thermage to tighten the skin on their arms. Thermage tightens the skin in various areas of the body, and is even used to treat cellulite. Thermage FLX is the gold standard for skin tightening the arms, legs, abdomen, jowls, and buttocks. Thermage works through radiofrequency (RF) heat, where the deep dermal layer of the skin stimulates new production of collagen. This new collagen production tightens the skin and rejuvenates the areas treated, such as the upper arms. By combining CoolSculpting for fat reduction in the upper arms and Thermage to tighten the skin, you can achieve excellent body sculpting results.

Unlike liposuction which is an aggressive surgical procedure to remove fat, CoolSculpting is a non-surgical, non-invasive procedure for fat reduction. One of the problems with liposuction is that the skin can become loose or have rippling in treated areas because of the sudden “trauma” of fat removal. CoolSculpting, however, gradually reduces the fat in the treated areas, which can take up to four months. Because of the gradual results with CoolSculpting, there is no skin sagging after the fat reduction is complete.

Combining Thermage with CoolSculpting to tighten the upper arm skin

Thermage is a radiofrequency (RF) laser treatment that is used to tighten the skin and create a lifting effect, which can be combined with CoolSculpting for patients with high skin laxity on their arms. Thermage RF treatment is a non-invasive treatment that improves the contour and texture of the skin without the need for injections, surgery, or downtime. The treatment works via the application of the Thermage device on the treatment area. The applicator emits a wavelength of radiofrequency energy that heats the inner layer of tissue while keeping the outer layer of skin cool. The energy emitted is absorbed as heat by the inner layer of skin, which causes controlled damage to the tissue. This damage triggers the body’s natural healing process, which stimulates the production of collagen, the protein responsible for keeping the skin firm, smooth, and youthful-looking. The loose, sagging skin is then replaced with tighter skin for a natural, contoured look, while also reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The Thermage treatment can be used for skin tightening in many areas of the body along with CoolSculpting, including the arms, neck, jawline, buttocks, abdomen, and legs.

Brachioplasty vs. CoolSculpting

Brachioplasty, or arm lift surgery, is an invasive plastic surgery procedure which removes excess skin and fat from the arms. This invasive surgery is performed under general anesthesia by a plastic surgeon and has a significant healing and recovery time. At the end of the brachioplasty surgery, while both fat and skin are removed, you will be left with a significant scar under your arms. This type of arm lift procedure is best for patients who have lost a significant amount of weight and have a large amount of excess skin. CoolSculpting is best for patients who prefer no down time, no surgery, and who need to reduce the fat bulge on their upper arms. There is no anesthesia, incision, or scars associated with any CoolSculpting procedure.

How many CoolSculpting treatments are needed for arms?

The number of CoolSculpting treatment sessions necessary to achieve optimal results depends on the needs of individual patients. Patients with a higher concentration of fat cells in a given treatment area may require more treatment sessions. CoolSculpting can reduce fat bulges in various areas of the body by as much as 25% per session. For some patients, optimal results are achieved after only one treatment session, but for others, 2-4 treatment sessions may be necessary spaced one to four months apart. Results of the procedure will start to become visible after about one month, but the fat cell metabolism process will take place over the course of several months. For that reason, full results of each treatment session can be seen after three to four months.

Does CoolSculpting affect pregnancy?

Dr. Green does not recommend CoolSculpting for patients who are pregnant, but receiving CoolSculpting treatments will not affect future pregnancies in any way. For patients who are interested in CoolSculpting treatment but are currently pregnant, it is recommended to wait six months postpartum before proceeding with CoolSculpting treatments. CoolSculpting is also not recommended for those currently breastfeeding, as there are not enough studies to determine if CoolSculpting is safe for lactating. CoolSculpting has become a popular non-surgical fat reduction option for new moms to feel confident in their bodies after pregnancy. CoolSculpting can not only be performed to create slimmer, more toned arms, but can also treat fat bulges on the abdomen for a “mommy makeover.”

Alternative ways to reduce unwanted upper arm fat

Dr. Green recommends combining CoolSculpting for unwanted upper arm fat reduction with other targeted exercises and healthy life style choices including:

  • Lifting weights for your arms: exercises like biceps curls will strengthen and improve the tone of your upper arms
  • Cardio exercises that burn fat, including exercises that target your upper arms like jumping jacks
  • Adding protein to your diet
  • Reducing intake of processed sugars and refined carbohydrates
  • Incorporating more protein in your daily diet
  • Drinking at least 24 ounces of water daily
  • Maintaining a healthy sleep cycle

coolsculpting arms 8 weeks

Free Consultations for CoolSculpting

Since its FDA approval in 2010, CoolSculpting for non-invasive fat reduction has become widely available in the United States. The question is: where should I go for my CoolSculpting treatments? Dr. Green was one of the first dermatologists in New York City to implement CoolSculpting in her private office in Upper East Side, and she has over a decade of experience in body contouring with CoolSculpting. Med spas and clinics often have flashy promotions and offer free consultations that might grab your attention. However, clinical data shows that cosmetic procedures performed by board-certified physicians have a significantly reduced risk of unwanted side effects than when performed at Med spas, which may or may not have a supervising physician on site to oversee the safety and efficacy of the treatment. Med spas may be inclined to say you are a good candidate for CoolSculpting in order to increase clientele, which can lead to improper treatment if the applicator used is placed incorrectly or not appropriate for the specific area. CoolSculpting consultations require an experienced provider with extensive knowledge in body contouring and anatomy to determine if CoolSculpting is the best fat reduction treatment option for you. In order to have the best CoolSculpting treatment, seek advice from experienced, qualified, and board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Michele Green who will carefully listen to your concerns and put your health and safety first.

How do I get started with CoolSculpting for upper arm fat today?

The upper arms can be an extremely challenging area to target when it comes to weight loss, and the appearance of flabby arms is disheartening to many patients. If you are looking for ways to reduce arm fat without surgery, Dr. Green is here to help. She has been utilizing CoolSculpting for over a decade to achieve ultimate body contouring, often combining with other body sculpting procedures like Thermage and QWO for the best results. Coolsculpting is an FDA-cleared, non-surgical, non invasive fat reduction treatment proven to eliminate fat from the arms without surgery, incisions, or downtime. CoolSculpting has a specially designed applicator for the upper arms to eliminate fat cells and help you regain your self confidence.

CoolSculpting is designed to reduce up to 25% of fat per treatment area. In addition to the upper arms, common treatment areas include the abdomen, love handles, back, bra fat (barbell), inner thighs, outer thighs, banana roll and buttocks, and the chin or submental area to treat the “double chin.” There are special CoolSculpting applicators catered for each problem area of the body, with the CoolSculpting upper arms procedure being one of the most popular treatment areas requested in Dr. Green’s NYC office. Due to the simplicity of the procedure, and the ability to perform this treatment with no recovery time, CoolSculpting is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in Dr. Green’s office.

The first step in starting your CoolSculpting treatment for upper arm fat is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Michele Green in her boutique NYC office. As a leader in non-invasive body contouring, Dr. Green will carefully listen to your concerns and perform a thorough assessment of the desired treatment areas to determine if CoolSculpting is the best option for you. Dr. Green is an internationally renowned expert in the field of cosmetic dermatology with over 25 years of experience in non-invasive fat removal with CoolSculpting and Kybella, Botox and dermal filler injections, anti-aging Thermage and Fraxel treatments, and many more. Dr. Michele Green is consistently voted as one of the best dermatologists in New York City by Castle Connolly, the New York Times, Super Doctors and New York Magazine for her “less is more” philosophy and natural-looking results. To schedule your CoolSculpting consultation with Dr. Green, please call 212-535-3088 or contact us online today.

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