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CoolSculpting Arms: How It Works and What to Expect

Arm fat is notoriously difficult to remove with diet and exercise alone. CoolSculpting received FDA clearance to treat upper arm fat, giving thousands of people a non-invasive way to slim down this stubborn area without surgery or downtime.

Kristina Cadwell

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Read on to learn all about the CoolSculpting procedure for arms.

What Is CoolSculpting Arms Treatment?

CoolSculpting is the first non-surgical cosmetic treatment for upper-arm-fat reduction. It uses cryolipolysis, an innovative technology that freezes fat cells at temperatures of 39-41°F. The body’s lymphatic system flushes the destroyed fat cells out as waste within six months of the treatment. The arms become leaner, with up to 25% of fat permanently removed after one treatment.


Note: If you have loose skin on your arms and wish to tighten it, CoolSculpting is not for you and may achieve the opposite effect. Learn how to tighten loose skin on arms via treatments, lifestyle changes, and over-the-counter products.


Who Is a Good Candidate for CoolSculpting Arms?

Ideal candidates for CoolSculpting on arms are healthy, physically fit men and women with fat on their arms that they can’t eliminate with diet and weightlifting.

If you have over 30 pounds of excess fat or loose skin on your arms from previous weight loss, you may not see a noticeable change after a CoolSculpting treatment.

CoolSculpting Arms: The Procedure

CoolSculpting for arms is a quick, non-invasive procedure that requires minimal preparation and no downtime.


Note: Find out what to do before CoolSculpting and get the most out of this treatment with our 9 tips.


The first step is to book a consultation with a CoolSculpting-certified medical provider. They’ll discuss your medical history with you, inspect your upper arm fat, and talk about your expectations. If you’re a candidate for the CoolSculpting treatment, your provider will instruct you to stop taking certain blood-thinning medications before the procedure.

The treatment doesn’t require anesthesia because it isn’t painful. Your provider will apply a gel pad and a CoolSculpting applicator to each arm. The applicator for arms is specially designed to follow the curve of the arm. When the applicator is attached to the skin, you will feel a sucking sensation that may be uncomfortable but not painful. The discomfort typically lasts for five minutes, until your skin becomes numb.

CoolSculpting usually lasts 35 minutes per arm. After the treatment, the provider massages the arms for a few minutes to rewarm the area and help the body absorb the frozen cells. Some patients claim that the massage is the most uncomfortable part of the treatment.

After the procedure, you may resume all your daily activities, including exercise.

The Results of CoolSculpting Arms

One CoolSculpting treatment reduces 20-25% of fat in the treated area. Depending on the amount of arm fat you have, you may require two or three treatments. The treatments are usually spaced one month apart.

CoolSculpting arms before and after

Note: Learn more about CoolSculpting weight loss – how much will you loose and how many treatments will you need.


Expect to see the first results within four weeks after the treatment. If you have more than one treatment, a noticeable change in arm contour will appear three to four months after the final treatment. The body continues the flush out dead fat cells for up to six months after the final treatment.

The removed fat cells are permanently destroyed and don’t come back. However, you may develop new fat on your arms with an unhealthy diet and no physical activity. 


Note: For more details on the longevity of the results check out our article and find out how long does CoolSculpting last.


Risks and Side Effects of CoolSculpting Arms

CoolSculpting is an FDA-approved technology. It’s considered safe when provided by CoolSculpting-certified medical providers. However, some side effects are common during and after the procedure.

Potential Side Effects During CoolSculpting Arms:

Patients report the following sensations during the treatment:

  • Pulling
  • Tugging
  • Pinching
  • Intense cold
  • Tingling
  • Stinging
  • Cramping
  • Aching

Post-treatment side effects are typically mild and may include:

  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Bruising
  • Tenderness
  • Skin sensitivity
  • Tingling
  • Stinging
  • Cramping
  • Aching
  • Itching

Rare Side Effects After CoolSculpting Arms:

Very rarely, patients may experience enlarged tissue at the treatment site called paradoxical hyperplasia. It appears within five months of the treatment. It can be resolved with surgery.

If you experience any side effect that doesn’t resolve within two weeks of the procedure, contact your medical provider.


Note: Wondering if CoolSculpting is painful? Read our article and find out.


CoolSculpting Arms Aftercare

Minimize the chance of post-treatment side effects by following these tips:

  • Avoid sugar and coffee for several days.
  • Avoid alcohol and nicotine for several days.
  • Gently massage the treated area if you feel pain or discomfort.
  • Take a painkiller, per your doctor’s recommendation.

Note: Check out more CoolSculpting aftercare tips to ensure the best results.


CoolSculpting Arms Cost

CoolSculpting prices vary depending on your chosen med spa location and how much fat you wish to eliminate.

The cost of CoolSculpting for arms typically ranges from several hundred to a few thousand dollars.


Note: For more details about the prices read our article how much does CoolSculpting cost.


Conclusion

People with fat on their arms often feel self-conscious and wear long-sleeved clothes even in the summer. CoolSculpting can solve this problem. After one (or a few) typically painless treatments, your well-defined, leaner arms will finally enjoy the freedom of sleeveless shirts.

If you want to learn more about other CoolSculpting areas, make sure to read our article and find out what are the 7 most popular areas for this procedure.

If you are looking for CoolSculpting in Phoenix, contact our professionals at Vibrant Skin Bar and book a treatment today!

About the Author:

Kristina Cadwell

Kristina Cadwell

PA Kristina Cadwell graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. She then completed the Physician Assistant program at A.T. Still University graduating with a Masters of Medical Science degree. Kristina has been working in the Aesthetic Medical field for over 15 years. She is certified in neurotoxin cosmetic injection, dermal fillers, laser therapy, chemical peels, and ultrasound. She is known for producing natural results and has extensive knowledge in nutrition, hormone balancing, microbiome health, diet and exercise. Her latest endeavor is the Vibrant Skincare Line, a microbiome-friendly line of skincare that works with your body. Her passion and the reason she does everything she does? Helping you achieve vibrant skin from the inside out.

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