A lot of people struggle with excess fat in their upper arms. No matter how much they diet or exercise, they still can’t seem to get rid of it. If that sounds like you, you might want to consider arm liposuction.
Liposuction on arms is a cosmetic procedure designed to remove stubborn fat, reshape the upper arms, and boost self-confidence. But there are different types of liposuction, and the right approach depends on your specific needs and body.
This article will give you a complete overview of lipo on arms, including the different techniques, who’s a good candidate, what recovery looks like, and what kind of results you can expect.
Understanding arm liposuction: Causes and solutions
If you’re concerned about the appearance of your upper arms, you’re not alone. Here’s a look at what causes arm flab and how liposuction can help.
Causes of arm flab
- Genetics. Some people are simply more prone to storing fat in their arms.
- Aging. As we age, our skin loses elasticity and we lose muscle mass. This can lead to sagging skin and fat accumulation in the upper arms.
- Weight fluctuations. Repeated weight gain and loss can stretch the skin, resulting in the dreaded “bat wings” or “bye-bye arms.”
Liposuction as a solution
Arm liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure that removes excess fat deposits from the upper arms, creating a more toned and sculpted appearance. A surgeon uses a small tube called a cannula to suction out fat cells.
If you have a lot of excess skin, liposuction can be combined with an arm lift (brachioplasty) for even better results.
Types of Arm Liposuction Techniques
If you decide to have liposuction performed on your arms, your surgeon will likely use one of the following techniques:
- Traditional liposuction. In this method, the surgeon uses a handheld cannula to manually break up and suction out fat.
- Suction-assisted liposuction (SAL). This is similar to traditional lipo, but the suction power is enhanced.
- Power-assisted liposuction (PAL). With PAL, the cannula vibrates, which helps break up the fat more easily. This can sometimes lead to a quicker recovery.
- Ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL). Sometimes called Vaser Hi-Def, this technique uses ultrasonic energy to emulsify the fat, making it easier to remove. It often involves the use of tumescent fluid.
- Laser-assisted liposuction (LAL). SmartLipo is a type of LAL that uses lasers to target fat and stimulate collagen production, which may tighten the skin. LAL may cause less bruising and swelling than traditional lipo.
- 360° arm liposuction. Also known as Celebrity Arms™, this technique was developed to comprehensively treat the entire upper arm to remove fat and create a more sculpted shape. Proponents of this method claim it removes a higher percentage of fat than traditional methods (80% to 90%, compared to 30%). It’s often performed while the patient is awake, using local anesthesia and the “Interactive Lipo” method.
Am I a good candidate for arm liposuction?
The best candidates for arm lipo are people in generally good health who are bothered by arm fat that won’t go away with diet and exercise.
You’ll also need good skin elasticity, since your skin has to shrink back after the fat is removed.
If you have loose, saggy skin, you might be a better candidate for an arm lift or a combination of lipo and an arm lift.
It’s also important to have realistic expectations for the results.
The Consultation and Preparation Process
Before you get lipo, you’ll need to meet with a qualified plastic surgeon to talk about whether the procedure is right for you. This is also a chance to decide on the best way to do it.
During this meeting, the surgeon will look at your arms, discuss your goals, and explain the different kinds of liposuction.
You may need to get medical tests and change your medications before the surgery. You should also plan to take time off work and arrange for someone to drive you home and help you recover.
It’s also important to understand what to expect during recovery and learn about possible risks.
What to expect during arm liposuction
Arm liposuction generally lasts two to three hours. The exact duration depends on the technique used and how much fat your surgeon removes.
You’ll likely be under local anesthesia with sedation, or general anesthesia. Your surgeon will make small cuts in your arms, using these to insert a cannula.
The surgeon uses the cannula to remove extra fat. They’ll sculpt your arms to get the look you want.
Recovery and Post-Operative Care
If you and your doctor have decided arm liposuction is right for you, here’s what you can expect during recovery:
Immediate Post-Operative Care
Swelling, bruising, and discomfort are common after arm liposuction. Your doctor will likely prescribe pain medication to help you manage any pain. You’ll probably need to wear compression garments to minimize swelling and support your arms as they heal.
The First Week of Recovery
Rest and hydration are key during the first week. You’ll need to limit your activities to avoid complications. Your doctor will schedule follow-up appointments to check on your progress.
Weeks 2-4: Gradual Improvement
Over the next few weeks, the swelling and bruising should gradually subside. You can probably start doing light activities again around week two. Any scars from the procedure will fade over time.
How to maintain the results of arm liposuction
It can take several months to see your final results, as swelling can obscure the outcome until it completely subsides. Also, your skin needs time to retract.
While liposuction permanently removes fat cells, you can still gain weight. If you do, the remaining fat cells in your arms will get bigger.
The best way to maintain your results is to embrace a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise and a balanced diet are key. You can also enhance the appearance of your arms by keeping your skin moisturized and protected from the sun.
What are the risks?
Like any surgery, arm liposuction has some risks. These include infection, seroma (fluid buildup), numbness, and uneven skin.
To minimize these risks, choose a board-certified plastic surgeon who’s done this procedure a lot. Talk to them about any health conditions you have.
Also, keep in mind that liposuction only removes fat. If you have loose skin, you might need an arm lift in addition to liposuction.
Arm Lift vs. Liposuction: Which is right for you?
Liposuction works best for removing excess fat, whereas an arm lift, or brachioplasty, addresses loose skin. During an arm lift, surgeons remove extra skin and tighten the tissues below. This results in a scar along the inner arm.
The right surgery depends on your specific issues and how much extra fat and skin you have. Sometimes, the best option is to combine both procedures to get rid of fat and tighten loose skin.
Closing Thoughts
If you’re looking to reshape your upper arms, liposuction can be a powerful tool.
To make the right choice for you, it’s important to understand the different liposuction techniques available, whether or not you’re a good candidate for the procedure, and what the recovery process entails.
The best thing you can do is schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. They can assess your individual needs and goals and help you decide on the best approach for achieving the results you desire. Also, remember that maintaining a healthy lifestyle after the procedure is essential for enjoying the long-term benefits of arm liposuction.