If you’re self-conscious about having excess upper arm skin or fat, you’re not alone. Many people struggle with excess fat or loose skin on the upper arm area, and these concerns can be hard to address through diet and exercise alone.
Plastic surgery offers two popular options: arm liposuction and arm lift surgery. The question is, arm lipo vs arm lift—which is better for you?
Both procedures target the arms, but they address different concerns. Understanding the differences between these two options can help you choose the right procedure for your needs.
Arm Lipo vs Arm Lift Surgery: What’s the Difference?
When it comes to arm lift vs lipo, it’s important to understand the purpose of each procedure. Arm lift and arm lipo are similar, but not the same.
First, arm liposuction focuses on removing excess fat from the upper arms. It’s ideal for individuals who have stubborn fat deposits but still have good skin elasticity. That way, fat removal won’t actually be the cause of excess skin down the line.
On the other hand, arm lift surgery is often necessary when excess skin is a concern. This is typically the case for people who have experienced significant weight loss or mature patients who have noticeable signs of aging.
So, ultimately, arm lipo vs arm lift depends on whether you’re mainly dealing with excess fat or loose skin. If you have both concerns, you may need a combination of the two procedures.
Arm Liposuction
Arm liposuction is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure designed to target stubborn fat on the upper arms. This procedure is typically done with smaller incisions, which means it can be performed with minimal scarring. It’s a great option for patients who have good skin elasticity and want to achieve a more defined arm contour.
Arm Liposuction Candidates
Candidates for arm liposuction are typically individuals who feel their arms have excess fat. They may have tried diet and exercise without success.
If you have good skin elasticity, the skin will naturally tighten after the fat is removed with a liposuction surgical procedure. This will ultimately give you a more toned appearance. The procedure is not ideal for those with excess loose skin or sagging skin, as liposuction doesn’t address skin removal or tightening. For these patients, arm lift procedures are best.
Arm Liposuction Procedure
During the arm liposuction procedure, a board certified plastic surgeon will make tiny incisions in discreet areas of the arm. A cannula (thin metal tube) will then be inserted to break up and suction out the excess fat.
Patients can go home the same day as their surgery but will need to wear compression garments to help reduce swelling and support the healing process.
Arm Liposuction Recovery
Arm liposuction recovery is relatively quick compared to other procedures. Most patients experience swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort in the days following the procedure. Fortunately, these side effects should diminish quickly. You can typically return to light activities within a few days, but strenuous exercise should be avoided for several more weeks.
Arm Lift Surgery
Arm lift surgery, also known as brachioplasty or upper arm lift surgery, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and tightens the remaining skin on the upper arms. This is the ideal solution for patients who have significant loose or sagging skin in the upper arm area, often caused by massive weight loss or aging. An arm lift procedure addresses both skin removal and skin tightening, improving the overall appearance of the arms.
Arm Lift Surgery Candidates
Candidates for arm lift surgery have excess skin on the upper arms. This is often due to aging, weight loss, or genetics.
If your skin has lost its elasticity and doesn’t respond well to liposuction, an arm lift can remove the excess skin and provide a more toned, youthful look. This means that some patients who have excess skin and fat may end up undergoing both arm lift and arm lipo surgery. Ideal candidates should be in good overall health and be non-smokers.
Arm Lift Surgery Procedure
The arm lift procedure typically involves making an incision along the inside or back of the arm, depending on the amount of skin to be removed. The surgeon will then remove excess skin and tighten the remaining skin to improve the arm’s contour. Patients can go home the same day as their procedure.
Arm Lift Surgery Recovery
Recovery from arm lift surgery involves some discomfort, swelling, and bruising. Most patients are able to return to light activities within a couple of weeks, but strenuous physical activity should be avoided for longer. Talk to your doctor about optimal timeframes.
Arm lift recovery can take longer than arm lipo, especially if you’ve had significant skin removal. It’s important to follow your plastic surgeon’s instructions closely to ensure a smooth recovery and reduce the appearance of arm lift scars.
FAQs: Arm Lift vs Arm Lipo
Can both procedures be combined?
Can both procedures be combined?Yes, in some cases, if you’re having trouble deciding between arm lift vs arm lipo, the answer may be both. Check out some arm lipo and arm lift before and after photos to see if the combination may be right for you. Performing both procedures at once allows for fat removal and skin tightening in a single surgery.
Which leaves more scars: arm lift surgery or arm liposuction?
Arm lift surgery will leave larger scars than arm liposuction. This is because a lift often requires incisions to be made all along the upper arm—from the armpit to the elbow. Liposuction only necessitates small incisions that are just large enough to accommodate thin tubes called cannulas. These incision sites often heal to the size of a pencil eraser or smaller.
Book a Consultation Today
To learn more about your candidacy for surgery, arm lipo and arm lift cost, recovery, and the procedures themselves, please call today to schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Charles Galanis. We look forward to hearing from you!
