Fat freezing arms
Fat freezing on the upper arms to sculpt and tighten
Fat freezing can help reduce localised fat on the upper arms, particularly along the underside where excess fat can create a hanging or swinging appearance, commonly referred to as "bingo wings". This can affect both the size and shape of the arms, as well as how they feel when moving. However, it's important to distinguish between excess fat and loose skin, as fat freezing only targets the fatty tissue beneath the skin.
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Fat freezing works by cooling the fatty tissue to damage some of the fat cells, which are then gradually cleared by the body. This produces a long-term reduction in fat cells within the treated area, although the amount of reduction varies between individuals. The remaining fat cells can still increase in size with weight gain.
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Following fat reduction, skin with good elasticity may naturally adjust to the smaller arm circumference, giving a smoother or firmer appearance. However, fat freezing does not directly remove or significantly tighten loose skin. Where the skin is already stretched, thin or crepey, reducing the underlying fat may leave the looseness unchanged or make it more noticeable.
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For mild skin laxity, radiofrequency skin tightening may offer modest improvements in skin firmness, although results vary and are not guaranteed. Where there is significant excess or hanging skin, surgical removal of the loose skin, such as an arm lift (brachioplasty), may be more appropriate than fat freezing.
How does fat freezing reduce arm fat
The science of fat freezing
Fat freezing, medically known as cryolipolysis, works by using controlled cooling to target the layer of fat beneath the skin. During treatment, an applicator is placed over the fatty area on the upper arms, using suction to draw the tissue into the cooling applicator. The fat is then exposed to specific freezing low temperatures for a set period of time, causing damage to some of the fat cells.
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This damage triggers a natural process called apoptosis, which is a form of programmed cell death. Rather than the fat disappearing immediately, the damaged cells gradually break down and are cleared away by the body's immune system. Specialised white blood cells, called macrophages, help remove the damaged cells and their contents as part of the body's normal response to injury.
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The reason fat freezing works is that fat cells are more sensitive to cold temperatures than many of the surrounding tissues, including the skin. This allows the treatment to target fat cells without surgery or physically removing the fat. However, surrounding tissues are not completely protected from injury, which is why temporary side effects such as redness, bruising, swelling and numbness can occur.​
Because the body needs time to clear away the damaged fat cells, the arms slim down gradually rather than immediately. Some changes may become noticeable in how it looks and how movement feels after a few weeks, but the reduction in arm fat typically becomes more apparent over the following 6 to 12 weeks.
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Once the damaged fat cells have been removed, they do not come back. However, fat freezing only reduces a proportion of the fat cells in the treated area. The remaining cells can still expand if a person gains weight, so maintaining a relatively stable weight is important for preserving the results.
Why fat freezing on the arms works
The size and shape of the upper arms can be influenced by several factors, including genetics, weight gain, ageing and changes in skin elasticity. Some people naturally store more fat in their upper arms, while others notice changes in this area as they get older or following weight fluctuations.
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Excess fat and loose skin on the underside of the upper arms, commonly referred to as "bingo wings", are concerns often associated with women, although men can experience them too. The amount of fat and the degree of skin looseness vary between individuals, which can influence how suitable fat freezing is and the results that can be achieved.
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Effectiveness of arm fat freeze treatment
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The upper arms can be particularly well suited to fat freezing when there is a noticeable amount of soft, pinchable fat beneath the skin. In many cases, this fatty tissue can be drawn into the fat freezing applicator, allowing the cooling to target the area where fat reduction is wanted. However, suitability depends on the amount and distribution of fat, the shape of the arm and whether the applicator can be positioned correctly.
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A successful treatment can produce a noticeable reduction in upper arm fat, helping the arms appear slimmer and more defined. Where excess fat contributes to movement or "jiggling" of the upper arms, reducing the fat may also lessen this movement. The extent of improvement varies, and some people may benefit from more than one treatment session.
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Skin elasticity of the arms
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It's also important to consider the condition of the skin. Where skin elasticity is good, the skin may naturally adjust to the reduced fat volume, creating a firmer appearance. However, where there is significant loose or stretched skin, fat freezing may reduce the fullness of the arms without substantially improving the hanging skin.
Where on the arms applicators can be placed
When treating excess fat on the upper arms, the applicators are positioned over the areas with the greatest amount of excess fatty tissue. This is usually along the underside of the upper arms, although the fat may also extend around the sides. The applicators use suction to draw the soft, pinchable fat into the cooling chamber, allowing the treatment to target these areas.
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There are two main ways the applicators can be positioned when treating the upper arms, depending on the distribution of fat, the applicator being used and which position is most comfortable.
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The first position involves resting the arms above the head, with the applicators placed against the underside of the upper arms.
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The second position involves resting the upper arms on top of the applicators, with the hands positioned together above the stomach. In this position, the weight of the arms helps them rest against the applicators while the suction holds the fatty tissue in place.
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Both positions allow the applicators to target excess fat beneath the upper arms. The most suitable positioning is determined by the amount and location of fat, how securely the applicators attach and the individual's comfort during treatment.
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Alternatively to the placement on the upper arms applicators can also be placed on the side of the body directly below the arms, as this treatment helps to get rid of armpit fat, or the "bra bulge".
The benefits of fat freezing on the arms
Non-Invasive
Unlike traditional surgical procedures such as liposuction, arm fat freezing is entirely non-invasive. This means no incisions, anaesthesia, or downtime. Clients can resume their daily activities immediately after the treatment, making it a convenient option for those with busy lifestyles.
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Precision targeting
Fat freezing allows for precise targeting of specific areas, making it ideal for sculpting the arms. This precision ensures that only the unwanted fat cells are affected, leaving surrounding tissues unharmed. This is particularly beneficial when addressing localised pockets of fat that may be resistant to diet and exercise.
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Minimal discomfort
Clients undergoing fat freezing on their arms generally experience minimal discomfort during the procedure. While there may be a sensation of intense cold and tugging initially, the area typically becomes numb within a few minutes. This contrasts with the pain and discomfort often associated with more invasive fat removal methods. For some fat freezing treatment can hurt for the first few minutes of treatment.
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Natural results
One of the key advantages of fat freezing on the arms is its ability to deliver natural-looking results. The gradual elimination of fat cells allows for a subtle and smooth transformation, avoiding the abrupt changes that can occur with some surgical procedures. This natural progression also minimises the risk of irregularities or asymmetry.
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Versatility and customisation
Fat freezing devices come in various shapes and sizes, allowing for customisation based on the individual's anatomy and specific arm sculpting goals.
This versatility ensures that the treatment can be tailored to address the unique contours and dimensions of each patient's arms, providing a personalised and effective solution.
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Thoroughly researched
Fat freezing is one of the few non-invasive fat reduction treatments that has been thoroughly researched. The science behind fat freezing is well understood and the treatment is offered around the world by plastic surgeons and beauticians. For many professionals fat freezing is the choice when opting for non-surgical fat reduction due to its known safety profile and efficacy.
Book arm fat freezing online
You can book your arm fat freezing treatment online, by phone or email. Our online booking system is easy to use and allows you to view all availability in an instant.
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To book fat freezing for the arms you will select "2 applicators" as we use 1 applicator on each side. A 2 applicator treatment costs £195.
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Each treatment reduces fat in the targeted area on the arms, so it is not necessary to have multiple appointments to get the results you are looking for. However, depending on the original size of the arms and your goals you may want to have follow up treatments 6 to 12 weeks following your original arm fat reduction appointment.