If you want more tone and contour in your upper arms, you may be considering an arm lift or CoolSculpting. Both have their benefits, and at the Plastic Surgery Center of Nashville With HKB[1] , we offer both surgical and non-surgical solutions to help you feel more confident in the appearance of your upper arms.
Your goals (like addressing excess skin vs. fat) can help you decide if an arm lift or CoolSculpting will give you the best arm contour. Each option targets different concerns and offers unique benefits depending on your desires, timeline, and tolerance for downtime. Below, we’ll explore the key differences between these treatments to help you determine which one may be the right fit for your needs.
What Is an Arm Lift?
An arm lift, also known as brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin, fat, and tissue from the upper arm to achieve a tighter, more proportionate, and toned arm contour. During this procedure, done under anesthesia, the surgeon makes an incision to the inner arm from elbow to armpit. Some also combine an arm lift with liposuction for additional fat removal and enhanced contouring.
How Does CoolSculpting Work?
CoolSculpting uses a technique called cryolipolysis, which freezes unwanted fat cells, eliminating them without surgery or downtime. After a CoolSculpting treatment, your body breaks down and flushes out dead fat cells over the next few weeks. Each treatment can decrease overall fat volume by up to 30%. This procedure offers a convenient, non-invasive, pain-free way to reduce fat deposits that don’t respond well to diet and exercise.
Who Is a Good Candidate for an Arm Lift?
Good candidates for an arm lift can be anyone who wants smoother, tighter upper arms. Most often, people who want an arm lift have experienced massive weight loss, either after bariatric surgery, lifestyle changes, or both.
The best brachioplasty candidates have significant excess skin drooping in the upper arms, a stable weight, don’t smoke, have good general health, and have realistic expectations for surgery.
Who Should Consider CoolSculpting Instead?
CoolSculpting may work better than an arm lift if you have more localized fat deposits with minimal loose skin. This option is suitable for those who are close to their ideal body weight but still notice stubborn fat deposits in the upper arms.
Good candidates for CoolSculpting want an enhanced arm contour with minimal downtime, and this non-invasive, FDA-cleared option is safe and effective, yielding fantastic results.
Arm Lift vs. CoolSculpting: How Are They Different?
Both arm lifts and CoolSculpting remove fat and provide a sleeker upper arm shape. The key differences between brachioplasty and CoolSculpting involve their results, recovery, and process.
Process
An arm lift is performed under anesthesia, and involves surgical incisions and physical removal of skin and fat. By contrast, CoolSculpting can be done during your lunch break, requires no numbing or sedation, and does not break the skin.
Results
Both procedures beautifully shape your upper arm, but an arm lift may have a more dramatic effect on your appearance. After an arm lift, you’ll see your results right away, and they will continue to improve as swelling and bruising fade. CoolSculpting results may take several weeks to appear as your body gradually removes the fat cells.
Recovery and Downtime
After an arm lift, many patients can return to work within a week; however, your specific recovery timeline depends on the extent of your surgery and other factors, such as your health and lifestyle. Brachioplasty recovery limitations include avoiding strenuous activity and lifting. CoolSculpting requires no downtime, and although some patients experience temporary, mild aching or stinging for up to 10 days after their treatment, others report no discomfort at all.
Cost
Arm lifts cost more than CoolSculpting due to the additional time, equipment, and staff required. For either procedure, your final cost will depend on the scope of your needs, but your medical team will provide a detailed cost breakdown after your consultation.
Risks
As a non-invasive procedure, CoolSculpting carries less risk than brachioplasty. After CoolSculpting, some experience temporary swelling, bruising or redness. An arm lift comes with the risk of scarring, plus rare issues like infection and anesthesia complications. No matter which you choose, your medical team will use their experience and expertise to minimize any risk.
How to Choose the Right Procedure for Your Goals
You may already have a good idea of whether an arm lift or CoolSculpting will work better for you, but even if you don’t, our team at the Plastic Surgery Center of Nashville With HKB would love to help you decide. Our expert surgeons have extensive experience with both procedures and will work with you to determine which option will help you achieve your goals.
Schedule Your Arm Contouring Consultation in Nashville Today
If you’re ready to explore your arm contouring options, contact the Plastic Surgery Center of Nashville With HKB to schedule your consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon or CoolSculpting provider. We’re here to answer your questions, address any concerns, and help you make a confident decision that will leave you excited about the future.