Toned, contoured arms are a desirable trait. Despite healthy diet and exercise, many individuals have difficulty eliminating excess fat in the upper arm area. Liposuction can eliminate these stubborn fat pockets and give the arms a beautifully sculpted appearance.
Dr. Tracy McCall performs liposuction for the arms at Lake Country Plastic and Hand Surgery in Waukesha, WI. In this blog post, we explore this procedure in more detail so you can be knowledgeable about your treatment options.
Arm Liposuction Overview
In most cases, liposuction for the arms is performed under local anesthesia. Once the patient is comfortable, small incisions are made in strategic locations to minimize scarring. Next, a small, thin tube, called a cannula, is inserted through the incisions and into the deep fat layer. The cannula is moved back and forth to break up the fat deposits. The fat is then removed from the body via suction.
Liposuction is an art form. Dr. McCall has a comprehensive understanding of how the body stores fat. When performed correctly, liposuction sculpts the body, resulting in a beautifully toned appearance.
Once the desired effect has been achieved, the incisions are closed with sutures. In some cases, your surgeon may opt to leave the incisions open to reduce swelling and bruising.
Benefits of Arm Liposuction
Arm liposuction offers several benefits. Those who undergo the procedure can enjoy:
- Slimmer arms that are easier to tone through exercise
- A more even appearance of the upper arms
- A boost in confidence
- Long-lasting results
- Better body proportion
Am I a Candidate for Arm Liposuction?
Liposuction for the arms is not a weight loss procedure and is intended for patients who are at or near their goal weight. Candidates should also:
- Have sufficient skin elasticity
- Have a desire to eliminate stubborn fat from their upper arms
- Be in good physical, mental, and emotional health
- Have realistic expectations of treatment results
If you do not qualify for arm liposuction due to excess, sagging skin, you may be better suited for an arm lift, or brachioplasty. An arm lift requires an incision down the inside of the arm, but the appearance of scarring can be minimized with proper aftercare. This procedure is also commonly combined with arm liposuction for comprehensive results.
Arm Liposuction Recovery
While arm liposuction is minimally invasive, it still requires some downtime following the procedure. Most patients notice temporary side effects, such as bruising, swelling, tingling, or numbness. Bruising generally diminishes in two to four weeks but swelling and inflammation could take a couple of months to fully disappear.
Most patients are comfortable enough to return to work and normal activities within a few days. Recovery can vary from patient to patient, so it is important to talk to our Waukesha surgeon about what to expect during the healing period. Following the provided post-operative guidelines will help ensure a speedy and successful recovery.
