How Is Arm Liposuction Performed?
The back and inner side of the upper arm is one of the areas where fat accumulates. Ageing and weight gain and loss can lead to fat build-up and sagging skin in this area. Arm liposuction is an aesthetic surgical procedure in which localised fat in the upper arm is removed by suction through thin cannulas. Results vary from person to person.
Who Is Arm Liposuction Suitable For?
Arm liposuction can be considered for people aged 18 and over who have arm fat that has not reduced despite diet and exercise, are close to their ideal weight, have good skin elasticity and are in suitable general health.
Arm exercises increase muscle tone but do not reduce fat specifically in the arm area. Weight loss reduces fat tissue in general; localised fat may persist despite this.
The Difference Between Arm Liposuction and an Arm Lift
Arm liposuction reduces fat tissue but does not remove sagging skin. In people with good skin elasticity, the skin may adapt to the new shape after fat removal. However, if there is significant sagging skin, liposuction alone is not enough, and an arm lift, in which the excess skin is removed, is considered. Where needed, the two procedures can be planned together. The doctor decides at the examination which is suitable.
Before Surgery
- At the examination, the degree of fat build-up and skin sagging is assessed and expectations are discussed.
- If you smoke, you need to stop a few weeks before surgery.
- Medicines such as aspirin that can increase bleeding and some herbal supplements are stopped on the doctor's advice. Regularly used medicines should be reported to the doctor, and none should be stopped without consulting the doctor.
How Is Arm Liposuction Performed?
For small areas such as the arms, the procedure can often be performed under local anaesthesia; if the extent is greater or it is combined with other procedures, sedation or general anaesthesia is preferred.
Through small incisions a few millimetres long, a fluid that prepares the fat tissue is first introduced into the area, and the fat tissue is then removed by suction with thin cannulas. In the Vaser method, the fat tissue is broken down with ultrasound energy before suction. The doctor decides which method will be used.
The procedure is generally short; its duration depends on the amount of fat to be removed and whether it is combined with other procedures. After procedures under local anaesthesia, most people go home the same day.
After Arm Liposuction
- Swelling, bruising and tenderness in the arm are expected; these decrease over the weeks.
- An arm compression garment is worn for the period set by the doctor.
- Most people can return to daily tasks within a few days; exercises that strain the arms and heavy lifting are avoided until the doctor allows them.
- The incision sites need to be kept clean and the medicines recommended by the doctor taken regularly.
- Protecting the scars from the sun for a while helps their colour fade better.
It may take a few months for the swelling to go completely and the result to become clear. For detailed information on recovery, you can read our article Recovery After Liposuction Surgery.
The Risks of Arm Liposuction
Like any surgical procedure, arm liposuction has risks: these include bruising and swelling, bleeding or a collection of blood (haematoma), infection, skin rippling and contour irregularities, asymmetry between the two arms, changes in sensation, sagging skin and risks related to anaesthesia. Following the precautions before surgery and the advice afterwards is important for reducing the risks.
For detailed information, you can visit our liposuction page.
Author: Op. Dr. Yücel Sarıaltın