Arm Fat Removal: Liposuction and Arm Lift Options
October 30, 2023
If you’re like many of our patients, you may feel self-conscious about excess fat and loose skin on your arms. This stubborn arm fat can be resistant to diet and exercise, leaving you feeling frustrated. But there’s an effective solution – arm fat removal with Dr. Darren Smith.
Expert Contouring for Shapely Arms
As an expert plastic surgeon with years of experience in the field, Dr. Smith understands the precise techniques that properly contour the arms. He is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is one of Manhattan’s most experienced surgeons for body contouring.
During your personalized consultation, Dr. Smith will evaluate your unique anatomy and talk through your aesthetic goals. He may recommend arm liposuction to remove fatty tissue or a brachioplasty (arm lift) to tighten loose skin. Often a combination of procedures provides the best results.
What Are The Options For Arm Fat Removal?
Options for reducing arm fat include:
- strength training exercises,
- calorie-controlled diets,
- Fat-dissolving injections are not FDA-approved for arm fat. The FDA recommends against deoxycholic acid injections outside the area under the chin because of serious risks, including nerve or muscle injury.
- and surgical procedures such as liposuction and brachioplasty.
A combination of lifestyle changes, non-surgical treatments, and/or surgery provides a comprehensive approach.
How much does it cost to get rid of saggy arms with surgery?
The cost of surgery to reduce saggy arms depends on whether you need an arm lift, liposuction or both, plus anesthesia, facility and garment fees. Dr. Smith quotes each plan individually after consultation.
It's important to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss goals and get a cost estimate for your specific case. All in all, surgical fees, anesthesia, facility charges, garments, and meds make up much of the total cost.
How much fat should be removed from the arms?
The goal is a balanced arm contour, rather than a target number of pounds. The amount removed is planned around your anatomy, skin quality, health and the areas being treated. A general weight limit should not be presented as a recommended amount to remove from the arms.
Arm liposuction addresses localized fat. An arm lift addresses excess skin and may be combined with liposuction when appropriate. During your consultation, Dr. Smith will assess which approach fits the change you want to achieve.
What Does Arm Liposuction Involve?
If you've tried diet and exercise without seeing significant arm fat reduction, liposuction may be an option. Arm liposuction slims the upper arms by permanently removing fat cells. There are two main liposuction techniques:
Traditional Liposuction
This involves inserting a small tube called a cannula through tiny incisions. The doctor moves the cannula through the treatment area, suctioning out fat. Local anesthesia and sedation are used. This is the most common and cost-effective lipo method.
Laser-Assisted Liposuction
This uses laser energy to liquefy fat before it's vacuumed out. The laser's heat also stimulates collagen production. Some laser systems are marketed for reduced bruising, but cost and recovery vary by device and treatment plan. This does not guarantee less swelling or faster recovery for every patient.
Arm liposuction takes 1-3 hours depending on the scope of treatment. Patients can return to non-strenuous daily activities within a few days but should avoid heavy exercise for 2-4 weeks. Your contour becomes clearer as swelling settles, but swelling can persist for months. Your surgeon will assess healing and results at follow-up.
How is an arm lift operation done?
Brachioplasty, or arm lift surgery, removes excess skin and fat to contour the arms for a smoother, more toned appearance. During the procedure, incisions are made on the inside or back of the arm to tighten underlying tissue and skin. Excess fat may also be removed via liposuction. The procedure takes 1-3 hours depending on extent, with incisions closed using stitches or absorbable sutures. Results are visible immediately, with continued improvements as swelling subsides over several weeks.
What to choose: arm lift or arm liposuction?
To summarize, an arm lift (brachioplasty) and arm liposuction are two procedures that improve the appearance of the upper arms. They differ in the specific concerns they target, the invasiveness, potential scarring, and average cost.
| Factor | Arm Lift | Arm Liposuction |
| Concerns Targeted | Excess skin and fat | Localized fat deposits |
| Procedure Type | Surgical | Minimally invasive |
| Scarring | Scar from armpit to elbow | Minimal scarring |
| Ideal Candidate | Sagging, loose skin | Excess fat, firm skin |
| Cost | Quoted individually after consultation | Quoted individually after consultation |
If your main concern is loose, sagging skin on your upper arms, then an arm lift would likely provide you with the best results. The surgery can remove excess skin as well as fat to create a contoured, toned appearance.
If you have minimal loose skin but isolated pockets of fat in your upper arms, then arm liposuction is probably better suited to your needs. It will eliminate fatty bulges while leaving your skin intact. Some patients may benefit from combining the two procedures if they have a significant amount of excess skin and fat.
How Does Arm Fat Develop?
Arm fat accumulates due to genetic predisposition, weight gain, aging, hormonal changes, and lack of exercise.
- Genetics affect where body fat is deposited. Some people easily store fat in the upper arms. This makes arm fat hard to lose through diet and exercise alone.
- Gaining weight increases fat cell size and number. Arms store subcutaneous fat between skin and muscle. More body fat means more arm fat.
- Aging slows metabolism while fat cells enlarge. Skin loses elasticity over time. These age-related changes commonly lead to excess arm fat.
- Hormone fluctuations during pregnancy, menopause, and andropause can expand arm fat. The hormonal milieu impacts fat storage.
- Without strength training and regular exercise, muscle mass declines with age. Less muscle equals slower metabolism and increased arm flab.
Is there a non-surgical method for arm fat removal?
Non-surgical approaches to arm fat and mild skin laxity include cryolipolysis (marketed as CoolSculpting), which chills and reduces fat cells; radiofrequency microneedling for minor skin sagging; and laser treatments for skin firming. These are nonsurgical options, but radiofrequency microneedling uses needles that enter the skin and is not non-invasive. Benefits, risks and suitability depend on the specific device and treatment area. Dr. Smith does not offer CoolSculpting. Which non-surgical options are appropriate is decided at consultation.
Take the First Step: Schedule a Consultation
Don’t let arm fat keep you from feeling your best. With proven surgical skills and a discerning eye for beauty, Dr. Darren M. Smith is your trusted partner. Let him reveal the toned, sculpted arms you’ve been longing for.