Some people, no matter how much they diet or workout, simply cannot get rid of their flabby arms on their own. This is an area that can be a problem due to genetics as well. Some patients tend to store excess fat in the upper arm area. As a person ages, the amount of fat stored in the upper arms can increase. Liposuction of the upper arms can be an excellent way to define and contour the upper arm region, which often times is highly resistant to reduction through diet and exercise.
Arm Liposuction vs Arm Lift
Arm liposuction removes excess fat caused by weight gain or aging. Unlike a traditional arm lift, this procedure leaves virtually no visible scars. Many patients opt for liposuction to avoid the scars associated with an arm lift. Liposuction is a good option for patients whose skin in still fairly tight. However, patients who have excess loose skin or have lost a considerable amount of weight, may not be candidates for liposuction of the arm. A traditional arm lift will give these patients the best result.
What Can be Accomplished with Arm Liposuction
In recent years, we have heard patients request “high definition” or “Vaser” liposuction. While this a great marketing ploy by the manufactures of specific liposuction machines, it is the skill, training and expertise of your surgeon that determines the quality of the final result, not the machine used.
It is important that patients seek out a board-certified plastic surgeon who is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). Most plastic surgeons use a ”lipo sculpture” approach when performing liposuction of the arm. This allows the surgeon to help define the various muscles of the arm, creating beautiful contours and provide patients with amazing results.
Women and men both seek out help with this area as they age. Men typically desire defined and muscular looking arms. The techniques used during liposuction help in emphasizing the appearance of the biceps, triceps, along with prominent deltoids. In contrast, women are looking for a more slender, toned arm, which is achieved by eliminating underarm fat and in some cases loose skin.
Due to the fact that arm liposuction is performed through a number of small incisions that are usually hidden in the armpit area, visible scarring from this procedure is minimal. Following a liposuction procedure, patients can expect to experience some bruising and swelling for the first one to two weeks. You will also be instructed to wear a compression garment following your liposuction. These garments help keep swelling down as well as provide a tightening effect on the skin following the procedure.
If you are not pleased with the appearance of your arms and you want to explore your options, schedule a consultation with one of our award-winning, board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Peter Butler, Dr. Jocelyn Leveque, or Dr. Nathan Patterson at Gulf Coast Plastic Surgery.
