What is Liposuction For Arms?


Posted By:Dr. Ritesh Anand On 2023/03/23


Arm Liposuction is a surgical cosmetic procedure to remove the excessive fat from under the upper arm skin, the procedure results in well-shaped, contoured arms.

Even though the procedure is done for cosmetic reasons, it is also done to treat Lymphedema, a condition in which a fluid called lymph accumulates in the arm and causes swelling. Lymphedema of arms usually occurs following the removal of lymph nodes breast cancer. 

After the surgery, the elasticity of the skin allows for skin retraction, however, every case is different and must be assessed individually. liposuction for arms is somewhat similar to the other liposuction procedures. 

The benefits of liposuction for arms are innumerable, it helps a person get the toned and contoured arms. 

Table Of Content:

  1. What are the different types of Arm Liposuction?
  2. How is Arm Liposuction Done?
  3. Who is eligible for Arm Liposuction?
  4. What are the risks of Arm Liposuction?
  5. What are the post- treatment guidelines for Arm Liposuction?

What are the different types of Arm Liposuction? 

There are several types of Liposuction procedures, some of them are: 

  • Suction-assisted liposuction: This procedure is done with the help of traditional suction method or a syringe. 
  • Power-assisted liposuction: In this procedure, an external power source is utilized to drive the cannula.
  • Vibro-assisted liposuction: In this procedure, the complex movements of the tip are brought about with the help of air pressure.
  • Ultrasound-assisted liposuction: In this procedure, ultrasound energy is utilized to liquify the fat cells which are then sucked out by a cannula or a thin medial vacuum.
  • Vaser-assisted liposuction: This type of liposuction procedure also utilizes ultrasound energy but uses less energy, along with solid probes.
  • Laser-assisted liposuction: This type of liposuction utilizes laser energy to emulsify fat for faster and easier removal.

How is Arm Liposuction Done?

liposuction for arms should be considered only when other fat-loss alternatives like diet and exercise proved unsuccessful in reducing the arm fat. Another thing that should be emphasized is the procedure is not a replacement to the actual exercise and diet, if these are ignored, it’s highly likely that the arm fat will reappear.

Patients should have enough elasticity in their arms so that arms don’t end up looking flabby after the procedure, an arm lift could be required after the surgery in case the skin looks droopy.

Before starting the liposuction for arms procedure, the patient will be restricted from using any tobacco product, alcohol, Vitamin E, aspirin and reduced sodium intake at least a week before the surgery. 

After the patient evaluation and the type of liposuction for arms that needs to be performed, the patient is prepared for the surgery. The surgical procedure entails the melting of excess fat through adrenaline saline solution and local anesthesia, the purpose of the latter is to constrict the arm’s blood vessels and provide numbness to minimize patient’s discomfort. Post this, a small incision is made under the skin through which a vacuum suction tube is placed to extract the excessive fat or fat cells from under there.

Who is eligible for Arm Liposuction? 

The patient who is not overweight but has extra body mass is eligible for arms liposuction procedure, additionally, they need to be over the age of 18 and have excellent health condition. 

Obese or overweight people are not eligible for the treatment as the sole purpose of liposuction is to remove a limited amount of body mass. Therefore, in case of obese individuals a large amount of fat liposuction will usually be ineffective.

Pregnant women, people who are allergic to lidocaine, and those with underlying health conditions are also excluded from receiving liposuction for arms.

What are the risks of Arm Liposuction? 

Cosmetic Surgeon in gurgaon says, liposuction for arms is typically a safe procedure, however, sometimes the initial results are good but the appearance gets worse over time. Thus, it is important to set the patient’s expectations before the beginning of the procedure. The patient needs to be cautioned that fat could return if the lifestyle changes such as regular exercise and diet control are not seriously followed.

Apart from this, some of the side-effects that could happen post the procedure are: 

  • Adverse effects such as allergic reaction, numbness, tremors and even seizures and abnormal heart rhythms may happen due to anesthesia. 
  • Fat embolism, the condition in which some of the fat escapes into a blood vessel and blocks it. Fat embolism could lead to a rash, acute breathing problems and mild neurological troubles. 
  • Fall in body temperature, this can be prevented by using heating devices, maintaining room temperature, and warm fluids. 
  • Cosmetic disturbances like dimpling, lax skin, lumpiness and surface irregularities. 
  • Infection, in case the sterile precautions are not seriously followed. 
  • Damage to the arm’s ulnar nerve.

What are the post- treatment guidelines for Arm Liposuction? 

  • An optimum compression garment should be immediately used after the procedure to minimize the chances of post-operative oedema. 
  • Manual lymphatic drainage during early post-operative period is necessary. 
  • After liposuction surgery in gurgaon, patients typically experience a lot of swelling, which leads to weight fluctuation in the beginning. Thus, it is advised to follow a well-balanced diet chart rich in a lot of nutrients, proteins, vegetables, and carbohydrates. Additionally, a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acid and a low sodium diet will help the edema go away. Also remember to drink plenty of fluids and to avoid overeating at all costs.