Liposuction vs CoolSculpting for the Arms: How to Decide Between the Two Fat Treatments

CoolSculpting is a non-surgical procedure that attracts patients looking to reduce stubborn fat while also avoiding treatments that can cause scarring, like liposuction. This process works by using a tool called an applicator, which freezes one’s fat cells, causing them to die and eventually get eliminated. Applicators draw the skin of a treated body part, such as one’s arm, into its two panels before applying targeted bursts of fat-killing cold temperatures. The body will naturally process the broken-down cells through the lymphatic system.

This process can take a few weeks, and results slowly show more and more and become finalized after a few months. This non-invasive fat procedure involves no surgery or any degree of invasiveness, which means there is no cutting, anesthesia, or associated scarring. 

CoolSculpting procedures are also known to some as “cryolipolysis,” which is the technical term for the process of killing fat cells by freezing them. It has additional uses such as toning specific parts of the body, with most popular areas being the buttocks and abdomen. Either way, it is commonly used to remove fat pockets anywhere in areas such as the arms, jawline, thighs, etc. 

CoolSculpting for the Arms

When it comes to reducing fat in the arm area via CoolSculpting, the practitioner first places a gel pad on the targeted limb, and then a device similar to a small vacuum is used to freeze the area’s skin.

Treatment of the arms with CoolSculpting entail little to no pain. The patient will only experience minor feelings of pulling and pinching and gets a massage after the procedure specific to the area that has been treated. This massage has the goal of breaking down the frozen tissue and helping the body discard the now-dead fat cells. 

Recovery from CoolSculpting on the arms is typically quicker than recovery from liposuction in the same area. Following a CoolSculpting session, most patients can resume normal activities almost immediately, with only some temporary redness on the treated area.

Liposuction of the Arms 

Traditional liposuction is a conventional surgery that many patients seek to remove stubborn areas of fat that they haven’t been able to reduce with diet and exercise alone. This procedure’s goal is to help specific body parts, but know that issues associated with obesity or being very overweight aren’t directly addressed with liposuction. 

Arm liposuction is considered an invasive procedure, meaning anesthesia of some kind will be used, and incisions on the arm(s) are involved. While the patient is under a local or general anesthetic, a small tool called a cannula is used similarly to a vacuum to suction the fat out of the treated area. The process and can last between one and three hours per arm and requires a few weeks to recover. It is common to take antibiotics to prevent infections, as well as using compression bandages to help reduce swelling and bruising.

Using liposuction to remove arm fat tends to leave patients quite satisfied, as CoolSculpting often cannot work on hard-to-reach parts of the arm or arms that have atypical shapes. This fat treatment helps the patient immediately look thinner and gives the confidence to start wearing short sleeve shirts. Once recovered, you will see a complete transformation, whereas CoolSculpting requires some patience before results appear.  

There are certain limitations regarding loose skin. The surgeon will determine the elasticity of the skin and will possibly recommend an arm lift to remove the excess skin. 

Comparing Prices for Liposuction and CoolSculpting of the Arms

CoolSculpting procedures usually take about 35 minutes to complete per arm, and procedures prices can vary depending on the number of treatments needed. Generally speaking, each limb’s treatment will cost in the range of $650 per arm. The price for arm liposuction, meanwhile, vary considerably according to factors such as the patient’s location, the amount of fat removed, and additional surgeon’s fees. On average, liposuction of the arms can cost from $2,000 to $5,000.