Fat Removal for Arms

For many patients, the upper arms are a common site for excess fat accumulation. Even with healthy lifestyles, regular exercise, and a balanced diet, patients often still struggle with stubborn arm fat. These excess fat cells can keep many of us from feeling fully confident in our bodies. Fortunately, cosmetic procedures can permanently remove excess arm fat, helping you look and feel your best again. Dr. Michele Green has over 25 years of experience treating patients with non-invasive body contouring procedures for the upper arms and other body areas.

Many cosmetic procedures can reduce arm fat. Surgical options include liposuction to remove fat and brachioplasty (arm lift) to remove excess fat and skin. While effective, these procedures involve anesthesia, incisions, prolonged recovery, and an increased risk of side effects. Many patients prefer non-surgical options, such as CoolSculpting, for their ability to deliver permanent results with no downtime. CoolSculpting uses cryolipolysis to freeze excess fat cells while leaving the surrounding skin unaffected. Dr. Green may also recommend pairing CoolSculpting with Thermage skin-tightening treatment to tighten loose skin on the upper arms, resulting in a more rejuvenated appearance. If you’re looking to reduce the appearance of arm fat or sagging skin, Dr. Michele Green is here to help.

Dr. Michele Green is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City with more than 25 years of experience treating patients with cutting-edge technologies and innovative techniques for body contouring and skin rejuvenation. She is consistently voted one of the best dermatologists in NYC by Castle Connolly, Super Doctors, New York Magazine, and The New York Timesdue to her expertise and dedication to her patients. When you consult with Dr. Green for non-surgical arm fat reduction, she will work with you to develop a fully customized treatment plan that best addresses your specific concerns and desired body contours.

Where does arm fat come from?

Armpit fat is a common and normal occurrence, and people of all sizes, weights, and ages can develop extra fat in the underarms. Generally, women are more genetically predisposed to storing fat in the upper arms than men, likely due to hormonal fluctuations. Genetics plays a major role in the development of arm fat and in the distribution of fat throughout the body. If you have a genetic predisposition to accumulate fat in the upper arms, it is often difficult to lose those pounds even with a healthy diet and daily exercise. Another aspect of flabby arms is reduced skin elasticity, which occurs as part of the natural aging process and is driven by the loss of collagen and elastin. This aging process can lead to “bat wings” and loose skin–or a combination of excess skin and excess fat–that sags, making some patients feel as though they must limit movement or hide their upper arms in order to feel comfortable. As women age, total body mass increases, and fat cells tend to accumulate significantly in the upper arms.

Does arm fat ever go away?

For some patients, losing overall body weight can help reduce fat on the upper arms. However, it is impossible to spot-treat fat deposits in any body area, and many patients find that even with proper diet and exercise, arm fat does not budge. Patients who struggle with upper-arm fat can benefit from cosmetic procedures to permanently remove excess fat and sculpt the upper arm. Arm fat removal treatments include surgical procedures such as brachioplasty and liposuction, as well as non-surgical procedures such as CoolSculpting. Typically, patients prefer CoolSculpting to surgical procedures because it permanently eliminates unwanted fat with no downtime, anesthesia, or adverse effects. When you consult with Dr. Green in her private NYC dermatology office, she will review your medical history and assess your upper arms to determine which cosmetic procedure would be best for you.

Is there a surgery to remove arm fat?

Yes, liposuction is a cosmetic surgical procedure that permanently removes stubborn excess fat. Arm liposuction uses thin cannulas inserted under the skin through small incisions to suction fat from the upper arms. In traditional liposuction, ideal for removing large pockets of fat, the cannula is moved back and forth, which can cause swelling and damage to blood vessels. In tumescent liposuction, an anesthetic is injected into the tissue to stimulate vasoconstriction, reducing swelling and bruising. In ultrasound and laser-assisted liposuction, a small cannula is used to melt the fat. Laser-assisted liposuction is the only type that also firms the skin in the treatment area.

A common question patients ask is, “Is there a surgery to get rid of arm fat and excess skin?” Though liposuction is the most common outpatient surgical procedure for fat removal, it alone will not reduce the appearance of excess or hanging skin on the upper arms. In some cases, a surgical arm lift can be combined with liposuction to reduce stubborn upper-arm fat. Brachioplasty (arm lift surgery) is a procedure designed to improve the appearance of the underside of the upper arms. During this procedure, a plastic surgeon makes incisions on the underside of the arm to remove excess skin and fat between the armpit and elbow. The remaining arm skin is then placed back over the treatment area to create a tighter, firmer look. Brachioplasty is ideal for individuals who have undergone significant weight loss, as the procedure can correct excess, hanging skin from the upper arms. A surgical arm lift is often combined with a “mommy makeover,” which may include a tummy tuck, breast augmentation, or breast lift, and other body contouring procedures.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, risks from an arm lift procedure include anesthesia-related complications, bleeding, infection, scarring, fat necrosis, and tissue damage. When undergoing any surgical procedure, it is essential to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon for optimal results.

Can you get rid of arm fat without surgery?

Absolutely! Non-surgical methods are often preferred over surgical procedures for arm fat removal because they eliminate excess fat with no downtime. One of the most exciting discoveries in cosmetic dermatology was CoolSculpting, a permanent fat-reduction technique that freezes fat cells. Cryolipolysis, or fat-freezing technology, was discovered by two Harvard medical researchers who observed that children would develop dimples in their cheeks after eating ice pops. This discovery indicated that fat cells freeze at a higher temperature than surrounding cells, laying the groundwork for CoolSculpting applicators. CoolSculpting can eliminate stubborn fat by freezing fat cells in the treatment area, allowing the body to eliminate them through its natural metabolic processes permanently. Many patients prefer CoolSculpting because it reduces fat without the need for general anesthesia, arm-lift scars, sutures, or adverse side effects. When you work with Dr. Green, she will carefully evaluate your medical history, current skin condition, and individual desires to determine a treatment plan that best fits your needs.

How does CoolSculpting work for arm fat removal?

CoolSculpting is an FDA-approved, non-invasive cosmetic procedure that targets fat cells in treatment areas all over the body, including the upper arms, stomach, inner and outer thighs, knees, buttocks, bra fat, underarm, and double chin. The treatment delivers controlled cooling to the target area via specialized applicators, freezing fat cells while leaving the surrounding skin unaffected. After treatment, the fat cells are gradually broken down and excreted by the body’s natural metabolic system. In a single treatment session, CoolSculpting can eliminate up to 25% of fat cells in the treatment area. Some patients achieve desired results in a single session, while others may require multiple sessions, depending on the amount of fat in the area. No downtime is required after treatment, and patients can resume normal activities immediately. CoolSculpting results are permanent, provided patients do not gain excess weight after treatment. It’s important to note that CoolSculpting is not intended as a substitute for weight loss, and patients should maintain a stable weight and good health after treatment to preserve results.

Who is a good candidate for CoolSculpting?

Good candidates for CoolSculpting are individuals in good health and at or within 20 pounds of their ideal weight. Candidates should aim to remove unwanted pockets of fat and understand that CoolSculpting is not a weight-loss procedure. Patients should not be pregnant or breastfeeding, as safety has not yet been established. Contraindications to CoolSculpting include cold-sensitive conditions such as cold agglutinin disease, cryoglobulinemia, and paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria. Patients with tattoos on their upper arms may not be eligible for CoolSculpting, as the ink can interfere with the cooling process. When you consult with Dr. Green, she will assess your medical history and anatomy to determine whether you are a candidate for the procedure.

What is the CoolSculpting process like for arm fat removal?

The first step in the CoolSculpting process is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Green at her private Upper East Side dermatology office. During your consultation, she will discuss your goals, assess your natural body shape and fat distribution in the target area, and review your medical history to confirm you are a good candidate for CoolSculpting. Dr. Green will then fit your upper arms with a specific CoolSculpting applicator and provide an estimated treatment time. Medical photography may be taken to assess treatment progress.

When you arrive at the office for your CoolSculpting procedure, the area is marked and prepped with a pre-treatment skin wipe. A gel pad is then applied to protect the skin. The vacuum applicator is placed over the marked area to deliver controlled cooling to the targeted fat pockets. During the first 10 minutes, patients may experience pulling, mild pinching, intense cold, tingling, and cramping around the arm area. These sensations subside as the area becomes numb. After the allotted time elapses, the applicator is detached, and the area is massaged for 2 minutes to break up treated fat cells and promote fat reduction mechanically. There is no downtime with CoolSculpting, and patients can resume normal daily activities and their exercise routine. Depending on the severity of fat in the area, Dr. Green may recommend a second treatment session one month later. CoolSculpting results are visible 3 to 4 months after treatment. Patients can schedule a follow-up appointment with Dr. Green 4 months after their last treatment session to compare before-and-after photos and assess treatment results.

Will arm fat go away with CoolSculpting treatment?

Yes! The beauty of CoolSculpting is that it delivers permanent fat reduction in the treated area. In a single session, CoolSculpting can eliminate up to 25% of fat, and with a second session, up to 40%. However, if patients gain excessive weight after treatment, the fat cells in the area can expand, and in cases of obesity, increase in number. Patients must maintain a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle to achieve permanent fat reduction.

Is arm fat removal safe with CoolSculpting treatment?

Yes, CoolSculpting is a very safe procedure for removing arm fat. It is FDA-approved for treating stubborn fat on the upper arms and has undergone rigorous clinical trials demonstrating its safety and efficacy. CoolSculpting uses cryolipolysis to freeze fat cells. Because fat cells freeze at a higher temperature than other tissues, only the fat cells are affected, leaving the surrounding skin and tissues intact. No incisions, general anesthesia, or downtime are required with CoolSculpting, making it an incredibly safe option for arm fat removal. When you consult with Dr. Green, she will assess your medical history and anatomy to determine whether you are an ideal candidate for CoolSculpting and create a treatment plan to help you eliminate your stubborn fat for good.

How to tighten skin after arm fat removal

Because CoolSculpting gradually eliminates fat over 3 to 4 months, the skin has time to naturally retract and tighten, so loose skin does not occur after treatment. However, CoolSculpting is not a skin-tightening treatment, and many patients report being bothered by upper-arm skin laxity after treatment. Dr. Green often pairs Thermage with CoolSculpting to help achieve full rejuvenation of the upper arms. Thermage is an FDA-approved skin-tightening treatment that uses radiofrequency energy to heat the deeper layers of the dermis, stimulating the production of new collagen and elastin to firm and tighten the skin. Thermage FLX builds on Thermage’s unique technology, offering a wider treatment tip and patented AccuREP™ technology to create a shorter, more precise, and more comfortable treatment experience. Thermage FLX requires no downtime, increases collagen stimulation, and allows patients to resume normal activity immediately after treatment. After a single treatment session, patients can expect results that last up to 2 years. Most patients engage in annual treatment sessions to maintain results. In addition to the upper arms, Thermage can also be used to treat the face, neck, jowls, decolletage, abdomen, thighs, and buttocks.

FAQs about arm fat removal

Does arm fat go away with weight loss?

Reducing overall body weight can sometimes help reduce fat on the upper arms. However, spot reduction isn’t possible, and many find that, despite proper diet and exercise, arm fat remains unchanged. Arm fat can develop from factors other than weight, including genetic predisposition, aging, and hormonal fluctuations. For those struggling with excess upper-arm fat, cosmetic procedures offer a permanent solution to remove fat and shape the upper arm.

What is arm fat removal surgery called?

With so many surgical options available for body contouring, many patients ask, “What is arm fat removal called?” Two plastic surgery procedures are used for arm fat removal: brachioplasty and liposuction. Brachioplasty, or an arm lift, removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms, whereas liposuction removes only excess fat. When considering plastic surgery, most patients prefer brachioplasty to liposuction because it removes excess, sagging skin, providing more complete rejuvenation of the upper arms. However, surgical procedures are associated with long recovery times, incisions, scarring, and an increased risk of adverse side effects. Non-invasive arm rejuvenation procedures such as CoolSculpting and Thermage are popular because they can deliver permanent fat reduction and skin-tightening results with no downtime or side effects.

How long does it take to recover from arm fat removal?

The recovery time for arm fat removal will depend on the treatment procedure. Liposuction or arm lift recovery can be significant and take up to a month. During this time, you will need to avoid strenuous activities and wear compression garments on the upper arms while they heal. Patients may experience swelling, bruising, limited mobility, and scarring that can take weeks or months to heal fully.

Recovery from CoolSculpting is incredibly easy, as there is no downtime after treatment. Patients may experience mild redness or swelling, which resolves within hours post-treatment. Localized numbness is common after treatment and can persist for several weeks; however, patients can return to all normal activities immediately following treatment, including exercising.

How much does arm fat removal cost?

The cost of arm fat removal can vary widely depending on geographic location, the type of procedure, the severity of the fat, the number of sessions needed, and the provider’s expertise. Surgical procedures such as brachioplasty and liposuction are typically more expensive than non-surgical CoolSculpting. Costs can also increase with the plastic surgeon’s expertise. The cost of a CoolSculpting treatment is typically determined by the type and number of applicators used. Larger applicators generally cost more than smaller ones. Patients with larger pockets of fat in the treatment area may need more CoolSculpting sessions than those with less fat, resulting in higher overall costs.

Additionally, while it may be more cost-effective to seek CoolSculpting treatment at a MedSpa, it is always best to consult an experienced board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Michele Green in NYC, to avoid unwanted cosmetic results. When you consult with Dr. Green, she will assess your arms and cosmetic goals to determine whether you are a candidate for CoolSculpting, which applicator will best fit your arms, and how many sessions you may need. At that time, the treatment cost will be provided.

Does insurance cover arm fat removal?

No, insurance typically does not cover arm fat removal, as it is considered an elective, cosmetic procedure. Patients should contact their insurance company to determine if arm fat removal is covered.

Does treatment remove visceral fat from the arms?

No, surgical or non-surgical treatments will not remove visceral fat from the arms, because there is none there. Visceral fat is deep within the body, typically in the abdominal cavity. The fat on the upper arms is subcutaneous, lying directly under the skin. Subcutaneous fat can be treated with non-invasive CoolSculpting and invasive procedures such as brachioplasty and liposuction.

How to remove arm fat naturally

Flabby arms can be toned to a certain extent through muscle-building exercises, weight training, and dietary changes, but ultimately, patients with a considerable amount of excess fat or loose skin will not see this dissipate purely through natural means. For patients who struggle with flabby arms, non-surgical treatment options like CoolSculpting and Thermage can offer proven results without the need for cosmetic surgery, general anesthesia, or downtime.

How to remove arm fat exercises

By engaging in exercises that target the primary muscle groups of the arms, such as the biceps and triceps, you may find that you’re able to achieve a certain amount of upper arm contouring. In general, weight-lifting exercises are more likely to create contouring results than cardio workouts, which are better suited for overall weight loss. You might try incorporating bicep curls or overhead tricep extensions to build arm muscle, potentially reducing the appearance of arm fat. However, the majority of our patients find that flabby arms often require non-invasive cosmetic treatment in order to achieve their desired results.

How to remove fat from arms fast

Unfortunately, there is no quick way to remove fat from the upper arms. Results from surgical procedures such as brachioplasty and liposuction may be visible immediately; however, swelling, bruising, and scarring can mask them, and full healing can take weeks or months. Results from CoolSculpting are typically visible three to four months after treatment. However, there is no downtime, and patients can return to their daily activities while gradually noticing an improvement in their upper arm contour.

How do I get started with arm fat removal today?

The upper arms are among the most common areas of the body to store unwanted, stubborn fat. Even with regular exercising and dieting, many patients find that their fat does not budge. In the past, the only options for arm fat removal were brachioplasty and liposuction procedures. While these procedures are effective for fat reduction, they are also associated with long recovery times, anesthesia, incisions, and adverse side effects. Many patients prefer non-invasive CoolSculpting for removing fat and contouring the upper arms. CoolSculpting uses fat-freezing technology to eliminate up to 25% of fat in a single treatment session, with zero downtime. Patients can pair CoolSculpting with Thermage skin tightening treatment to firm the upper arms and achieve optimal rejuvenation results. Dr. Michele Green was one of the first dermatologists in NYC to incorporate CoolSculpting and Thermage into her patients’ treatment plans and will help you achieve contoured upper arms that last.

Dr. Michele Green is an internationally renowned board-certified cosmetic dermatologist with over 25 years of practice in New York City. She is at the forefront of innovative cosmetic procedures, including liquid facelifts, laser treatments, Botox, Thermage, and CoolSculpting on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Due to her expertise and dedication to her patients, she is consistently ranked among NYC’s top dermatologists by Castle Connolly, Super Doctors, New York Magazine, and The New York Times. Please contact our office today, either online or by calling us at 212-535-3088, to schedule a consultation with Dr. Green and develop a custom-tailored treatment plan for fat reduction and skin tightening of your upper arms.