Type of Surgery
Arm Liposuction
Last updated: 12/29/2009
At first thought, arm liposuction may just seem like a natural extension of liposuction in any other part of the body. If fat can be sucked out of the tummy, why can’t it be sucked out of the arm? Well, it can, but it is not always that easy. Removing fat from the arm is not a simple as showing up to a plastic surgeon and asking for arm liposuction. Fat removal from the upper arm can be performed either by arm liposuction, brachioplasty, or a combination of both procedures. The type of procedure that is chosen is based on the patient’s unique fat and skin distribution.
Excess fat and skin in the arms can be particularly difficult to get rid of through diet and exercise, particularly as we age. The fat cells in this region, especially for some people, are quite resistant to giving up the fat inside of them. Therefore many patients opt for a fat removal procedure. Given the rapid recovery, relative subtlety of surgical scars, and excellent results, patients have been clamoring to have their arms treated by liposuction.
Anyone considering arm liposuction, including and especially upper arm liposuction, should be evaluated by a plastic surgeon that has experience in arm lipoplasty procedures. At this appointment, the cosmetic surgeon will determine whether traditional liposuction will remove the necessary fat or if skin must be removed as well. In general, if arm fat is minimal to moderate and the skin is rather tight, arm liposuction is appropriate. However, if the skin is loose or the fat contained in the arm is extensive, a brachioplasty will likely be performed.
A brachioplasty was the original arm contouring surgery, before arm liposuction became available. It is still used in patients that meet certain criteria. Brachioplasty is similar to abdominoplasty or a “tummy tuck” of the arm; excess skin is cut away along with the fat. A brachioplasty is more involved than arm liposuction, but may be necessary to achieve the desired cosmetic result.
Arm liposuction is performed using local anesthesia and the tumescent technique. Intravenous sedation is administered as well to ease the process for the patient. Arm liposuction is same day surgery and takes an hour or so.
In upper arm liposuction, a small incision is made near the elbow. The incision is just wide enough to accommodate a liposuction probe. If the lower arms are going to be treated as well, another small incision is required on the other side of the elbow. The liposuction probes or wands that are used for arm liposuction are usually smaller than those used for larger body areas.
Arm liposuction recovery is relatively rapid. A compression sleeve may be required on each treated arm for a few weeks after the procedure. The incision is not closed with a suture to permit fluid to drain during arm liposuction recovery. Postsurgical pain is relatively mild and is treated with oral pain medications. Several follow up appointments are recommended.
Arm liposuction cost will vary depending on your particular region of the country. In general, arm liposuction costs less than abdominal liposuction and other, larger procedures. Expect an arm liposuction cost of around $2,500. This cost will be higher if a brachioplasty is needed.
Last Updated: 12/29/2009
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