What is Arm Liposuction?

Arm liposuction is a cosmetic surgical procedure that removes fat from the arms. Usually, the procedure is focused on the reduction of fat in the upper arm, with attention given to both the back and front areas of the arm. As with other types of liposuction, the surgery is designed to help sculpt the body and aid in weight loss efforts.

As with any type of surgical procedure, there is a need for a candidate to be evaluated before the surgeon agrees to perform arm liposuction. The ideal patient will be in reasonably good health, willing to forego the use of alcohol and tobacco in preparation for the procedure, and also able to avoid both substances during the recovery period. In the event that there are other ongoing health issues present, such as diabetes or heart problems, the surgeon will usually confer with the candidate’s general practitioner before choosing to go forward with the surgery.

For the most part, women tend to request arm liposuction more often than men. Part of the reason for this is bulkier arms are viewed in many cultures as being a masculine trait. In addition, women may retain more bulk in arms after losing a significant amount of weight in the hips and stomach areas. Arm liposuction can bring the appearance of the arms into proportion with the rest of the body.

Many people are surprised to learn that an individual may choose to undergo arm liposuction in order to deal with hanging skin after a considerable loss in weight. While the skin may be loose around the upper arm, a significant amount of fat remains and inhibits the ability of the skin to retract properly. By removing the extra weight from the arms, skin that still retains a significant amount of elasticity will slowly begin to conform at least in part to the new contours of the arm. In some cases, the liposuction can help the patient avoid more surgery to remove excess skin.

In order to help maintain proportion to the arm, it is not unusual to remove a certain amount of back arm fat as well as front arm fat. By decreasing arm fat around the entire arm, it is easier to avoid the creation of upper arms that are too skinny or appear to be lopsided. Since the usual goal of arm liposuction is to create a situation where the patient feels comfortable wearing sleeveless or short-sleeved garments, maintaining a balanced look is extremely important.

Observing proper care of the arms during the healing period is very important. The surgeon will issue instructions regarding medication to use for any pain, how to deal with temporary bruising, and what types of activities are not allowed while the healing is taking place. Fortunately, the recuperative period after arm liposuction is usually no more than a two to three weeks, unless complications of some type arise.