Upper Arm Liposuction: Everything You Need to Know
If you’re looking to get toned and shapely arms but have excess fat on your upper arms that are stubbornly resistant to diet and exercise, upper arm liposuction is an excellent option to consider. We’ll review everything you need about upper arm liposuction, including the procedure, recovery and aftercare, risks and complications, and expected results.
Upper arm liposuction, or brachioplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to remove excess fat from the upper arms. This procedure is typically performed on people who have lost considerable weight or have excess skin due to ageing. It’s ideal for those looking to get toned and shapely arms, as it can help create a more contoured and proportional appearance.
, we’ll take a closer look at the upper arm liposuction procedure, recovery and aftercare, risks and complications, expected results, and how to choose the right surgeon.
The Procedure
Upper arm liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure that can be done under local anaesthesia, sedation, or general anaesthesia, depending on the patient’s preference and the surgeon’s recommendation. , we’ll take a closer look at how the procedure works and the cost of arm liposuction.
How arm liposuction works
The procedure involves making small incisions in the upper arms and inserting a thin cannula to suction out excess fat. There are four types of liposuction commonly used for arm liposuction:
- Traditional liposuction involves using a cannula to break up and suction out fat manually.
- Tumescent liposuction: This involves injecting a solution of saline, lidocaine, and epinephrine into the treatment area to help numb the area and reduce bleeding.
- Ultrasound-assisted liposuction involves using ultrasound waves to break up and liquefy fat before suctioning it out.
- Laser-assisted liposuction involves using laser energy to break up and liquefy fat before suctioning it out.
The type of liposuction used will depend on the patient’s specific needs and the surgeon’s preference. On average, about 200-300 ml of fat is removed from each arm during the procedure, although this can vary depending on the patient’s case.
The cost of arm liposuction
The cost of arm liposuction can vary widely depending on the surgeon’s experience, the practice’s location, and the procedure’s extent. The cost of arm liposuction in the US ranges from $3,000 to £5,000 per arm. This typically does not include additional costs such as anaesthesia, facility fees, or post-operative garments.
Factors that can affect the cost of the procedure include:
- The surgeon’s experience and reputation
- The location of the practice
- The extent of the procedure
- Anesthesia fees
- Facility fees
- Post-operative garments
It’s important to note that arm liposuction is typically considered a cosmetic procedure not covered by insurance. However, some surgeons may offer financing options or payment plans to help make the procedure more affordable.
Recovery and Aftercare
We’ll look closer at what to expect during the recovery period after arm liposuction and the aftercare process.
Recovery period
The recovery period after arm liposuction typically lasts four weeks, although this can vary depending on the extent of the procedure and the patient’s case. Patients may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the treatment area during the first few days after the procedure. This can be managed with pain medication prescribed by the surgeon.
Patients are typically advised to wear a compression garment for several weeks after the procedure to help minimize swelling and promote healing. They should also avoid any strenuous activity, heavy lifting, or exercise for at least two to four weeks after the procedure to avoid any complications.
Aftercare process
The aftercare process after arm liposuction is crucial to ensuring a smooth recovery and optimal results. Patients should follow their surgeon’s instructions carefully, which may include:
- Take prescribed pain medication as directed
- Wear a compression garment as directed
- Keep the incisions clean and dry
- Avoid exposing the incisions to direct sunlight
- Avoid strenuous activity, exercise, and heavy lifting for at least two to four weeks after the procedure
- Attend all follow-up appointments with the surgeon
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle after the procedure is important to ensure that the results last. This includes following a healthy diet and exercise regimen and avoiding smoking or excessive alcohol consumption.
Risks and complications
As with any surgical procedure, some risks and complications are associated with arm liposuction. These can include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Numbness or tingling in the arms
- Uneven or lumpy appearance of the arms
- Scarring
- Skin discoloration
- Skin or nerve damage
However, these risks are typically rare and can be minimized by choosing an experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon for the procedure.
Results
We’ll take a closer look at arm liposuction results and what patients can expect regarding their appearance after the procedure.
What to expect
Arm liposuction results are typically visible immediately after the procedure, although the full results may not be apparent until several weeks or months after the procedure. Patients can expect a noticeable reduction in the size and circumference of their upper arms, as well as a more toned and contoured appearance.
The exact results of the procedure will depend on the patient’s case, including the extent of the procedure, the amount of fat removed, and the patient’s skin elasticity. Some patients may experience skin laxity after the procedure, which can be addressed with an arm lift.
Maintaining results
While arm liposuction results are permanent, it’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle after the procedure to ensure that the results last. This includes following a healthy diet and exercise regimen and avoiding smoking or excessive alcohol consumption.
Patients should also follow their surgeon’s aftercare instructions carefully, which may include wearing a compression garment, avoiding strenuous activity, and attending follow-up appointments.
Patient Satisfaction
Many patients report high levels of satisfaction with their arm liposuction procedure results. According to NYC Lipo, arm liposuction has a 95% satisfaction rate among patients.
Patients considering arm liposuction should discuss their expectations and goals with their surgeon to ensure that the procedure is right for them. An experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon can help patients achieve their desired results while minimizing the risks and complications associated with the procedure.
Who is a good candidate for arm liposuction?
We’ll look closer at who is a good candidate for arm liposuction, including the ideal candidate profile and the factors that can affect candidacy.
Ideal candidate profile
The ideal candidate for arm liposuction is someone who:
- Is in good overall health
- Has good skin elasticity
- Has excess fat in the upper arms that has not responded to diet and exercise
- Has realistic expectations for the results of the procedure
- Is a non-smoker
- Is at a stable weight
Factors that can affect candidacy
Several factors can affect a patient’s candidacy for arm liposuction. These include:
- Skin laxity: Patients with significant skin laxity may not be good candidates for arm liposuction alone and may require an arm lift procedure to address excess skin.
- Weight: Patients who are significantly overweight may not be good candidates for arm liposuction and may need to lose weight before undergoing the procedure.
- Medical history: Patients with certain conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, may not be good candidates for arm liposuction.
- Smoking: Smoking can increase the risk of complications during and after the procedure and may affect candidacy.
- Expectations: Patients who have unrealistic expectations for the procedure’s results may not be good candidates for arm liposuction.
It’s important to discuss candidacy for arm liposuction with an experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon to determine whether the procedure is right for you. The surgeon can evaluate your case and help you decide whether arm liposuction is the best option for achieving your goals.
Costs and Financing
We’ll take a closer look at the costs associated with arm liposuction, including the factors that can affect the cost and the financing options available.
Cost factors
The cost of arm liposuction can vary depending on several factors, including:
- The extent of the procedure
- The surgeon’s experience and qualifications
- The geographic location of the procedure
- The type of facility where the procedure is performed
According to ShineMD Medspa, the cost of arm liposuction typically ranges from £3,000 to £5,000, although this can vary depending on the factors listed above.
Financing options
Many patients finance their arm liposuction procedure to make it more affordable. Some financing options that may be available include:
- Credit cards
- Personal loans
- Medical loans
- Financing through the plastic surgeon’s office
Patients should shop around and compare financing options to find the best one for their needs. It’s also important to ensure that the financing terms are favourable and that the patient can afford the monthly payments.
Insurance coverage
Arm liposuction is typically considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by insurance. However, in some cases, the procedure may be considered medically necessary if the excess arm fat is causing health problems such as chafing, irritation, or rashes. Patients should discuss their insurance coverage with their provider to determine whether the procedure may be covered.
Get the Arms You Want with Arm Liposuction
Arm liposuction can be an effective way to achieve slimmer, more toned arms and boost self-confidence. By removing excess fat from the upper arms, patients can achieve a more proportional appearance and feel more confident.
We’ve explored the benefits of arm liposuction, the procedure itself, the recovery process, and more. If you’re considering arm liposuction, discussing your goals and expectations with an experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon is important to determine whether the procedure is right for you.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who is a good candidate for upper arm liposuction?
Someone with good health, skin elasticity, realistic expectations, and excess arm fat.
What are the risks of upper arm liposuction?
Risks include scarring, pigmentation, and nerve and skin damage.
How long does it take to recover from arm liposuction?
Recovery typically takes 4-6 weeks, and involves wearing a compression sleeve and avoiding strenuous activity.
Who should avoid arm liposuction?
Patients with significant skin laxity, certain medical conditions, or unrealistic expectations.
What is the cost of arm liposuction?
The cost ranges from £3,000 to £5,000, depending on factors such as the extent of the procedure and the surgeon’s experience.
How can I finance my arm liposuction procedure?
Financing options may include credit cards, personal loans, medical loans, or financing through the surgeon’s office.
What if my arm liposuction procedure is not covered by insurance?
Patients can discuss financing options with their surgeon and compare options to find the best one for their needs.