Published by Dr. Brandon Richland, MD
“My swimmer’s arms have always been the greatest insecurity of mine. Dr. Richland was extremely knowledgeable, patient, and comforting during the whole arm liposuction treatment. I have recommended him to friends and family. I’m also grateful for his entire Team, including Summer and Jessica. They gave me the confidence I deserve!”
Read the full Google Review here.
Arm liposuction is a cosmetic procedure targeting fat reduction in the upper arms, aiming to enhance their contour and appearance.
Arm liposuction involves the removal of fat from the upper arms, typically between the shoulder and elbow. During the procedure, a surgeon uses a cannula to extract localized fat deposits. This process can be performed under either local anesthesia, where only the arm is numbed, or general anesthesia, where the patient is put to sleep. The choice of anesthesia depends on various factors, including the extent of the surgery and patient preference.
The primary benefit of arm liposuction is aesthetic, leading to more defined and contoured upper arms. This procedure can especially benefit individuals who haven’t seen desired results through diet and exercise alone. By targeting and removing stubborn fat, arm liposuction can result in a more toned appearance, enhancing self-confidence and broadening clothing options.
When considering arm liposuction, selecting a qualified plastic surgeon is crucial. It’s important to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in arm liposuction. Research their background, read patient reviews, and look at before-and-after photos of their previous arm liposuction surgeries. Patients should feel comfortable asking questions during consultations and discussing desired outcomes with their surgeon.
Before proceeding with arm liposuction, patients are guided through preparation steps to ensure safety and the best results, and they are informed about the surgical process to set realistic expectations.
Diet and Exercise: Individuals looking into arm liposuction should have a stable weight, supported by a healthy diet and regular exercise regime. She needs to maintain this weight consistently to ensure the best outcome since significant weight fluctuations can affect the skin’s elasticity and the procedure’s longevity.
Medical Clearance: A comprehensive medical evaluation is necessary to determine if a person is a good candidate for the procedure. Patients may be required to adjust their medications as some can increase the risk of bleeding.
Lifestyle Changes: It’s imperative for a patient to stop smoking well in advance of the surgery, as smoking can hinder the healing process and negatively impact the results.
Anesthesia: The patient will typically receive either local or general anesthesia, which will be decided by the surgeon based on the extent of liposuction and the patient’s comfort level.
The Incision and Suction: The surgeon makes small incisions in the targeted areas of the arm, strategically placed to minimize visible scarring. Through these incisions, a thin tube called a cannula is inserted to dislodge and suction out the excess fat. The suction is carefully controlled to prevent damage to surrounding tissues.
Surgical Technique: Depending on the patient’s needs, the surgeon may choose between traditional lipo and advanced techniques that include skin tightening. The latter is especially beneficial for patients who may have reduced skin elasticity and require additional skin tightening for optimal results.
Markings and Reference: Before surgery, the surgeon will make precise markings on the patient’s arms to serve as references during the procedure. These markings help guide the removal of fat deposits to sculpt the arm’s contour accurately.
Arm Lift Considerations: While liposuction focuses on removing fat, some patients may also require an arm lift to address excess skin. If there is a need for skin removal due to poor elasticity or collagen structure, the surgeon will discuss this option with the patient.
Recovery and Post-Op: After the procedure, the patient will need to wear compression garments to reduce swelling and provide support to the arms as they heal. Instructions for post-op care, including activity levels and follow-up visits, will be discussed with the surgeon.
After undergoing arm liposuction, patients can expect a recovery process that involves carefully following post-procedure care instructions and managing expectations for the duration and outcome of recovery.
Patients should closely adhere to the post-op instructions provided by their surgeon to ensure optimal healing. Concerning recovery time, most individuals can return to work within a few days, but full recovery may take several weeks. In the immediate aftermath, it’s common to experience swelling, bruising, and some pain. To manage these symptoms, patients are often advised to:
Post-op instructions usually include:
Patients should have realistic expectations about their recovery and the results of arm liposuction. Here’s what to typically expect:
Patients are encouraged to communicate concerns and ask questions to their healthcare provider during the recovery phase to ensure a clear understanding and adherence to recommendations for a safe and satisfactory outcome.
Contact Dr. Richland today by visiting RichlandMD.com, scheduling a cosmetic consultation, or by calling 714-844-0398 or 949-997-2958 directly.