Arm liposuction is a surgical procedure used to remove excess fat from the upper region of the arm and the area behind the armpit, resulting in the slender appearance required to achieve a proportionate appearance of the arms.
Arm liposuction procedures
Arm liposuction is performed in various techniques, but both processes result in a surgeon helping you tone both your upper arm’s inner and outer parts and the shoulders and bicep.
The surgeon modifies fat volume by sucking out fat. Once excess fat is out, liposuction stimulates the skin to tighten, good elasticity results in a smooth contour.
To begin with, SmartLipo, whether it is done alone or combined with other forms of liposuction, is a procedure that uses laser light to liquefy fat and tighten the surrounding skin. A specialist melts the fat using a laser after the melting, that’s when the fat suction happens.
On the other hand, a specialist can choose to use a 360° approach procedure, a situation where the excess fat in the arms’ removal is not limited to the arms but both the arms, back, wings, and forearm.
Suppose you have more excess fats in your arm, its advisable to go for liposuction and Brachioplasty. Arm liposuction will remove the extra fats while Brachioplasty removes excess skin and fat, tightening your arms.
But after Brachioplasty, you will have to keep up with the resulting scar. And arm liposuction sculpts the arm to improve the overall appearance and shape of the arm.
Upper arm liposuction
The procedure is done on patients who have good elasticity of their skin, most likely young patients. The surgeon has to determine whether the degree of retraction would be a proper one.
For older patients who need upper arm liposuction, and the surgeon thinks that their skin elasticity is not right, he/she will have to recommend an arm lift, which is a removal of excess skin.
Arm liposuction cost
How much is arm liposuction? The expected arm liposuction price ranges between $1,500 and $5,000 for both arms. The price varies depending on a number of factors. Some of the things that affect the total costs of arm liposuction include;
- How much fat needs to be removed
- The chosen surgeon’s level of skill and his/her reputation
- The extent and type of the work you need to be done on your arm
- The type of anesthesia and operational facilities available and suitable for you
Dr. Jeffrey Melton from Chicago charges an average cost of about $2,000 per patient for arm liposuction. Arm liposuction is a cosmetic plastic surgery that is considered elective surgery (a type of surgery) that is not always covered by many insurance plans.
However, various plastic surgeons offer flexible payment plans. So, it’s upon you to choose the plan that suits you.
What is covered in the arm liposuction cost
However, various plastic surgeons offer various flexible payment plans. Ask your surgeon about the payment plans available for you to choose from.
Risks and complications of arm liposuction
There are several risks and complications associated with arm Liposuction. However, with the right provider, the chances are minimized. If you want to see a detailed guide, you can read our article on choosing the right plastic surgeon for your surgery.
Below are some of the risks and complications you may encounter during or after surgery.
Contour irregularities: Your skin might results in a wavy or withered appearance due to lack of uniformity during fat removal.
Heart and kidney problems: As fluids are being injected and suctioned out, there is a shift in fluid levels; thus, a potentially life-threatening kidney and heart problems situation are inevitable.
Fluid accumulation: After the procedure, there might be temporary pockets of fluid formed under the skin, which has to be drained with a needle, leading to extra unplanned costs.
Skin infection: Although they are rare but possible if there is no health care. Severe skin infection might be life-threatening.
Numbness: After the surgery, you might be temporarily numb on the affected area or have a temporary nerve irritation.
Fat embolism: During suction, loosened fat pieces might be trapped in a blood vessel and gather in the lungs or travel to the brain leading to a medical emergency.
Does arm liposuction leave noticeable scars?
Most patients are often worried about the visibility of scars they are likely to get after undergoing surgery. When done correctly by an experienced physician, arm liposuction does not leave noticeable scars on your arms.
Unlike arm lift surgery, Arm liposuction is performed using a small incision that is about two 5mm. Arm liposuction scars formed with these incisions are tiny, well-hidden, and heal quickly than those of arm lift surgery.
To get the best arm liposuction results, choose a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who has experience in arm liposuction procedure when you are ready for surgery.
Recovery tips of arm liposuction
Recovery starts once you wake up from the anesthesia. Your first two weeks after the surgery might be crucial. However, the result of the procedure solidly depends on how well you take care of yourself during recovery.
- Expect blood to appear from the anesthesia’s incisions, from when you wake up to two days after the surgery.
- Fatty acids will accompany blood and some anesthesia; thus, cotton will be placed on the incisions to help absorb drips and should be regularly changed.
- Remember, checkups are necessary more, especially 3 to 7 days after the wound dressing.
- Make sure you wear a binder on your arms because they help shape them, and don’t forget to take the prescribed antibiotics to prevent infections and pain relievers given by your surgeon.
- Two weeks after the surgery, there will be ultrasound performed on your arms to monitor the blood circulation and reduce the swelling caused by trauma. You will still be required to wear the binder for 12 hours a day.
- After your procedure, if you see loose skin, don’t worry because (80% to 90% patients) the skin cannot contract on its own.
- Exercising the area immediately after the surgery can cause pain and derail healing. So, to reduce the swelling, it’s advisable to either do cardio to encourage circulation in the body or walk.
- Wearing a compression garment for arms after liposuction will help the body recover quickly
Reasons for arm liposuction procedure:
- It would be best if you looked nice with sleeveless shirts in photos.
- You get rid of the flabby arms appearance more, especially at the back of your arms.
- For skin arms, that tone quickly.
- You have to reduce the excess fat which hangs out of your armpits to have a confident, presentable look.
Before taking any risks, you should remember that any given liposuction technique doesn’t matter. What matters is your surgeon; an experienced surgeon will match a given liposuction technique to your needs.
Do not choose a given surgeon solely on the bases of lower-cost; always remember cheap is expensive.
Ensure you check on certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and membership in ASAPS to avoid any regrets.
