Is arm liposuction worth it?

Is Arm Liposuction Worth It?

Is arm liposuction worth it? Flabby, sagging upper arms can be a frustrating and self-conscious area, especially as we age. While exercise helps strengthen muscles, it cannot eliminate excess fat deposits. If you’re considering arm liposuction, weighing the pros and cons can help determine if it may be worth it for you.

What Exactly is Arm Liposuction and How Does the Procedure Work?

Arm liposuction is a surgical procedure performed by a plastic surgeon to remove localized pockets of fat in the upper arm area (ASPS, 2022). During the surgery, the surgeon will insert a small, sterile cannula through tiny incisions in the arm and suction out the unwanted subcutaneous fat. Sometimes ultrasound or laser energy is used to help liquefy and loosen the fat prior to removal. Compression garments are worn after surgery to facilitate optimal skin retraction.

The best candidates for arm liposuction are patients who are near their ideal weight overall, yet still have excessive, localized fat deposits in the upper arms that are resistant to diet and exercise. Patients should also have relatively good skin elasticity so that the skin retracts well after the fat is removed. Those with very loose, inelastic arm skin may be better candidates for procedures like a full arm lift instead, in order to get optimal contouring results.

What Are the Benefits of Arm Liposuction When Performed Well?

Some benefits that can be obtained from well-performed arm liposuction by an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon include:

• Permanently removing resistant localized fat deposits in the arms to create slimmer, more toned-looking arms (Momeni, 2022)
• Higher patient satisfaction, especially when combined with adjunct skin tightening procedures (Rosenberg, 2021)
• The smoother, more contoured transition from the upper arms into the armpit areas
• Overall improved athletic, toned appearance of the arms
• Better fit into clothing, especially sleeveless tops and dresses
• Boosted confidence to show off the arms after treatment

For optimal results, maintaining a stable body weight through proper diet and exercise helps keep fat from returning.

What Are Some Potential Risks and Downsides Associated with Arm Liposuction?

While arm liposuction can have benefits when done well, some potential downsides and risks include:

• Temporary pain, swelling, bruising and recovery from the surgical procedure (ASPS, 2022)
• Risk of infection or noticeable scarring at the small incision sites
• Possible changes in skin sensation or numbness after surgery
• Visible contour irregularities if the fat removal was uneven
• No improvement in loose excess skin or cellulite with just liposuction alone
• The potential need for revision surgery if inadequate fat removal initially
• Results may be negatively impacted by significant weight fluctuations

Thoroughly consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in arm liposuction can help minimize risks and optimize results. Having realistic expectations about the procedure is also important.

What Are the Typical Costs Associated with Arm Liposuction? Is It Covered by Insurance?

According to 2022 statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average surgeon’s fee for arm liposuction is $2,525. However, this cost does not include anesthesia, operating room facilities, or other related expenses. So is arm liposuction worth it?

Since arm liposuction is an elective, cosmetic procedure, the costs are typically not covered by health insurance plans. However, many plastic surgeons offer patient financing plans to make this body contouring treatment more affordable with monthly payments.

Analyzing The Pros and Cons: Is Arm Liposuction Worth It For You?

The decision about whether to undergo arm liposuction is a very personal one. This focused fat reduction surgery may make sense for some patients who have tried diet and exercise without success at reducing unwanted upper arm fat. Being in overall good health and having realistic expectations about the procedure are keys to satisfaction. Consulting with an experienced, skilled plastic surgeon is crucial to determine if the benefits of arm liposuction sufficiently outweigh the risks and costs for your particular needs and cosmetic goals. Hope this article clarifies your question, “Is arm liposuction is worth it?”