Arm Liposuction

The fats of females are prone to get deposited at the posterior and medial sides of the arm and are generally difficult to reduce by exercise or weight loss. Besides, due to frequent daily activities, accumulated fat loads are highly likely to cause laxity of the arm skin, thus resulting in “butterfly sleeves,” which become a common disturbance in senile or postpartum women. Moreover, arm fat deposits associated with obesity are the most common cause of surgery. If patients are willing to get rid of arm cellulites in a distinct and quick manner, arm liposuction is the most efficient method. Such a surgery is mainly confined to the posterior two-third circle of the arm and is conducted by making a 5-mm incision along the skin fold at the border of the arm and upper back through which hemostatics and painkillers are injected into the affected site. Then, Dr. Chuang uses the Ultra-Z ultrasonic lipolysis and liposuction machine to remove emulsified fats. If the patient has a combined hypertrophic upper back or accessory breasts, liposuction is simultaneously performed to obtain a complete reduction in fat volume. Liposuction is forbidden at the anterolateral one-third portion of the arm due to the adhesion of the biceps; otherwise, it commonly causes skin depression due to the exertion of muscles.

Surgical conditions

Duration

0hr
  • Type of anesthesia: IV sedation + Local/regional anesthesia or general anesthesia
  • Type of incision: A 5-mm incision at the border of the arm and upper back
  • Recovery: Within 3–5 days
  • Removal of stitches: 7 days

General instructions

No food and water on the day of surgery

0hr

Preoperative:

  • Suspend the use of anti-coagulants for 1 week.

Postoperative:

  • Avoid excess lifting activities or work for 1 week postoperatively.
  • Frequently massage the arm for 1 month postoperatively to prevent skin unevenness.
  • Wear an arm corset for 2 months postoperatively to stave off skin looseness.

Ideal candidates

  • Patients with arm skin thicker than 1.5 cm
  • Those with a fat arm and skin laxity or sagging
  • Those with a fat arm and upper back hypertrophy

Possible complications

  • Loose and unsmooth skin
  • Temporary numbness
  • Results short of expectation

Surgical advantages

  1. It effectively corrects the problem of prolonged refractory arm fat deposits.

  2. Because there are no vital nerves or blood vessels, liposuction is highly safe.

  3. Ultrasonic wave liposuction tightens the regional skin.

  4. Postoperative pain is mild, and the recovery is fast.

Surgical drawbacks

  1. Simple liposuction is not applicable to patients with severe skin laxity.

  2. Excess liposuction may lead to arm skin laxity or depression.

  3. Surgical results may be insignificant in patients with a big skeleton or abundant muscle.

  4. Arm fats may return in the future due to a massive weight increase.

Possible procedures in conjunction

Before & After

These photographs represent typical results, but not everyone who undergoes plastic surgery will achieve the same.

Arm Liposuction