Arm Liposuction: A Guide to the Entire Process, Recovery, and Results
Have you ever felt a little self-conscious about the shape or size of your upper arms? You’re definitely not the only one!
Our arms are notorious for holding on to stubborn fat, and even after losing weight, they’re often one of the last areas to slim down. Arm liposuction can directly target this tricky spot to reshape it for a more toned and balanced look.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how the procedure works to what recovery is really like and the kind of results you can expect. If you’ve been considering arm liposuction or simply want to understand the process better, you’ll find all the key details here!
What Is Arm Liposuction?
Arm liposuction is one of the cosmetic procedures performed on the upper arms in order to remove stubborn fat deposits. This procedure is a popular choice for those who want to make their arms more defined.
Arm liposuction might be considered after you realise that going to the gym often isn’t always the key to helping targeted fat on the upper arms go away. Sometimes genetic disposition, age, and lifestyle can affect the shape of your arms.
Who Makes a Good Candidate for Arm Liposuction?
The best candidates are in overall good health, maintain a healthy weight, and have some skin elasticity. Although the results can be dramatic, arm liposuction is not an option for major weight loss and won’t help with loose and sagging skin.
In the event that you have loose skin, your surgeon may recommend combining liposuction with skin-tightening procedures, such as an arm lift to help you get the best results possible. The only way to determine the best plan for you is through a consultation with your surgeon.
How the Arm Liposuction Procedure Works
Consultation and Evaluation
The first visit you will have with your plastic surgeon is a consultation. At this stage, you will be talking to your surgeon about your expectations for the operation.
They will also be examining your arm to determine the options you have for the removal of the excess fat. Your surgeon will also have to calculate your BMI and become familiar with your general health in order to determine what level of anaesthesia you will require for the operation.
Sometimes you will be measured and have photographs taken at this stage in order for your surgeon to plan the operation in more detail. Post-procedure care and expected recovery times will also be discussed at this stage.
Preparation and Marking
On the day of the operation, you will be prepared for the liposuction procedure. This includes the administration of your anaesthesia and the cleaning of your skin with an antiseptic solution. This is to clear the skin of bacteria and reduce the risk of infection.
It is likely that your surgeon will use a surgical pen to mark your arms to indicate where fat needs to be removed. The surgical markings are a guide for your surgeon to use during the operation so they can make sure the results are even.
Anaesthesia
In the majority of cases of liposuction on the arms, local anaesthesia is used with sedation. This means that you will be kept relaxed and comfortable during the operation, but not put under a general anaesthetic.
However, for extensive fat removal procedures or when liposuction is being carried out as part of another procedure, a general anaesthetic may be used instead. Your surgeon will decide the type of anaesthesia to be used based on the extent of the procedure and your personal preferences.
Making the Incisions
When the patient is anaesthetised, the surgeon will make either one or two small incisions in strategic locations such as within the elbow crease or beneath the arm where scars are less visible. A special fluid called a tumescent solution is then injected into the treatment area. This numbs the tissue, constricts the blood vessels, and helps to reduce bleeding during the operation.
It also helps to make the fat tissue easier to remove while minimising bruising and swelling after the operation.
Removing the Fat
Your surgeon will then insert a small tube called a cannula through the incision and into the fat deposits. They will then insert the cannula into the fat and with gentle movements, loosen the fat tissue before suctioning it out. This part of the operation requires a high degree of skill and experience.
Your surgeon is not trying to remove all of the fat deposits on your arms, but rather to shape them so that the arms are in proportion with the rest of the body. Many people want to have a natural look rather than to have every last bit of fat removed.
Some surgeons will use power-assisted or laser-assisted liposuction to make this part of the procedure easier. They will also stimulate your skin to retract and give a tighter result.
Closing the Incisions and Dressing
Once your surgeon is happy with the results of the shaping, the incisions will be closed with very fine stitches. These stitches may dissolve on their own or the incisions may be left open to drain.
Your arms will then be bandaged in a compression garment that you will be required to wear for a period of time after the operation. This garment will help to reduce swelling and support the tissues as they heal.
Recovery
After the operation, you will spend some time in the recovery room while the anaesthetic wears off. The majority of patients who have liposuction on their arms are able to go home the same day. However, you will need to make sure that you have someone to drive you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours.
Recovery After Arm Liposuction
Although downtime is typically less than more extensive procedures, recovery is an important part of the process. Following instructions and taking recovery seriously can make all the difference to your results.
The First Couple of Days
Swelling, bruising, and mild to moderate discomfort are all normal at this stage. Compression garments are important as they help control swelling and pull the skin into its new shape. You will be instructed on when to wear them and how long to wear them.
Fluid trickling from the incision sites, especially if left open, is also normal and should stop within a day or two. Rest is important, but it’s also good to do some short walks around the house to help keep the circulation moving.
First Week
Most patients feel much better by the end of the first week. Swelling and bruising will still be present, but should start to reduce gradually.
You will be able to return to non-strenuous activities in around three to five days, but should avoid heavy lifting and anything that puts strain on your arms. A check-up appointment with your surgeon is usually scheduled to assess your progress.
Weeks Two to Four
Swelling will continue to subside and you will start to see the early signs of your new arm shape. You will most likely need to wear your compression garments for most of the day, but may be allowed to remove them for short periods.
Light exercise, such as walkin,g is usually okay, but you should avoid any activities that heavily involve the arms until you get the go-ahead from your surgeon.
One to Three Months
By the end of the first month, most people are back to their usual routines. The majority of swelling will be gone by six to eight weeks, although small refinements in shape may continue for a few months.
Your final results will be visible around the three-month mark. At this stage, some people choose to add light arm exercises in order to improve their muscle tone and highlight their slimmer shape.
The Results You Can Expect From Arm Liposuction
Arm liposuction performed by an experienced surgeon can produce a smoother result that is well proportioned with the rest of your body. Many are more comfortable in sleeveless garments or fitted tops after a full recovery.
Surgical results can last for many years, but they are not permanent and patients should continue to maintain a healthy weight. Removed fat cells will not return, but the fat cells that are left on your body can still increase in size with weight gain.
Combining Arm Liposuction with Other Procedures
Some people go a step further for more dramatic changes and combine arm liposuction with other procedures. Popular choices include:
- Arm lift (brachioplasty) surgery to remove excess skin.
- Liposuction of other areas, such as the abdomen or thighs.
- Non-surgical skin tightening to improve firmness following fat removal.
The appropriate combination will depend on your preferences and the advice of your surgeon.
Arm Liposuction: FAQs
1. How long does arm liposuction take?
The procedure can take one or two hours or longer, depending on the amount of fat removed and the number of areas treated at the same time.
2. Is the recovery painful?
Pain varies between patients. Most of our patients have reported that they experienced soreness, but have been able to control it with over-the-counter painkillers.
3. Are there any scars?
The incisions are made through a small, less than 1/2″ entry point in small locations, so any resulting scars are minimal and will fade over time.
4. When will I see the final results?
You will see some change in your body immediately, but it may take two to three months for the final result to be visible when the swelling has completely subsided.
5. Can the fat return?
The fat that is removed during a liposuction procedure is gone forever. The remaining fat cells can increase in size with weight gain, making maintaining a healthy lifestyle important.
