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Arm Fat Removal: Get the Sleek, Toned Arms You’ve Always Wanted

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A woman flexing her sleek and toned arms.

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. His skilled surgical eye and mastery of body contouring helps many patients finally achieve well-defined, shapely arms.

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, 
  • minimally invasive injections, 
  • 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 ranges from $4,000-$7,000 on average. An arm lift (brachioplasty) averages $4,000-$5,000 while arm liposuction averages $4,000. Costs vary based on the surgeon, technique used, geographic location, and additional fees. 

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 can be removed from arms with liposuction and brachioplasty?

A group of surgeons  holding a syringe with fat in an operating room.

Liposuction and brachioplasty are two procedures that can help slim the arms by removing excess fat and skin. Liposuction removes fat while brachioplasty removes sagging skin and fat for a firmer, more toned appearance. 

ProcedureMaximum Fat RemovalRecommended Fat Removal
Liposuction11 lbs6-8 lbs
BrachioplastyNot specifiedFocuses on skin tightening

Liposuction can remove up to 11 pounds of fat from the arms, however the recommended safe limit is 6-8 pounds. The exact amount that can be removed depends on the individual’s condition and goals. Brachioplasty does not have a specified limit for fat removal, as the procedure mainly targets loose sagging skin rather than fat reduction.

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. It’s pricier but involves less swelling and bruising.

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. Results are visible within a month after swelling fully subsides.

Most patients require just one arm lipo treatment, but some choose to have touch-up treatments after several months if desiring more fat removal

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.

FactorArm LiftArm Liposuction
Concerns TargetedExcess skin and fatLocalized fat deposits
Procedure TypeSurgicalMinimally invasive
ScarringScar from armpit to elbowMinimal scarring
Ideal CandidateSagging, loose skinExcess fat, firm skin
Average Cost$4,861$4,000

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?

Arm fat can be non-surgically removed through methods like CoolSculpting, which freezes and reduces fat cells; Radiofrequency Microneedling for minor skin sagging; Laser Treatments for skin firming, customized for individual needs; and Non-Surgical Fat Reduction to enhance arm aesthetics. These procedures are quick, non-invasive, and provide immediate results.

Take the First Step: Schedule a Consultation

A woman's arms before and after arm liposuction, revealing a transformed silhouette.

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.