ARM LIPOSUCTION: NO MORE BINGO WINGS OR FLABBY ARMS
Arm liposuction is usually considered cosmetic surgery. However, it can be a real-life savior for many patients. It can help boost their confidence and self-esteem for deeper reasons well beyond pure vanity.
On the other hand, maybe you are pretty happy with your body, but your arms look a little chubby for your frame, or you are battling against the aging process. We understand. It is not easy to feel self-conscious when using tank tops or raising your hand to wave goodbye. If this situation sounds all too familiar, liposuction for the arms could be the right fit for you! This treatment will allow you to flaunt slimmer, perfectly shaped underarms.
There are many treatment options. However, Vaser lipo treatment has recently become popular for getting better results compared to traditional liposuction. So, keep reading to know everything there is to know about this procedure.
WHAT IS ARM LIPOSUCTION?
Arm liposuction is a surgical procedure specially designed to remove fat deposits in the upper arm area. It is ideal for reshaping and debulking the arms to get a slimmer contour. The result is harmonious and natural.
After the surgery, the elasticity of the skin allows for skin retraction. However, every case must be assessed individually to meet the patient’s goals and expectations. After all, there are different options, ones more invasive than others, with different outcomes.
Medically reviewed by Dr Osama Bahsas Zaky
Written by Joaquín Pineda
Updated on July 20, 2021
VASER VS. TRADITIONAL ARM LIPOSUCTION
Traditional arm liposuction has some limitations. The skin covering the upper arm area is very thing and fragile, which is why irregularities can easily occur and be noticeable to the naked eye. Also, traditional technique usually implies using aggressive aspiration methods for fat removal. This can lead to a greater amount of scarring, bruising, and pain.
On the other hand, Vaser arm liposuction is a new minimally invasive procedure with small incisions in well-hidden areas. Patients will not have the big, ugly scars commonly associated with traditional liposuction or arm lifts.
Additionally, Vaser lipo is well known to stimulate new collagen production, giving a skin-tightening effect. So, you get two problems solved at the same time! Patients who used to be ruled out for traditional liposuction on the arms can now be treated using this technique.
But beware. When skin sagging is severe, an arm lift (also called brachioplasty) is typically performed six months after liposuction to remove the excess skin. However, you could have the arm lift at the same time as liposuction, so the surgeon may request a one-day hospital stay.
WHAT ARE VASER ARM LIPO ADVANTAGES?
The main advantages are:
- Minimally invasive procedure.
- No ugly scars. The surgery leaves a few slight scars hidden in the armpit crease and above the elbow.
- The procedure is relatively quick (1,5-3hrs) with the possibility to treat other areas of the body at the same time.
- Little downtime. You will have to take 2-3 days off work.
- A skin-tightening effect.
- No pain, no general anesthesia, no hospital stay!
AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR ARM LIPOSUCTION?
Arm liposuction is for patients with localized and resistant areas of fat located around the triceps muscle. It is ideal for patients who, despite a slimming diet or continuous exercise, can’t get rid of these stubborn fat areas. Trying to lose upper arm fat is especially hard and sometimes pointless even to try.
This procedure is also great to address saggy bingo wings. That annoying arm jiggle owns its name to the characteristic raising hand movement a winner uses to announce they have won the game. Not flattering at all when using sleeveless tops!
This arm fat could also be a part of the aging process. As we get old, there are hormonal variations with a decline in testosterone and growth hormone after the ’40s. This can affect the ability four our bodies to gain muscle and metabolize fat.
Many patients do not hesitate to resort to this surgery to get rid of the fat cells permanently. However, you must remember that liposuction is not a solution for cellulite or stretch marks. Also, it can’t be seen as a weight-loss alternative.
Also, flaps of loose skin are not the same as fat deposits! For some patients, an arm lift (brachioplasty), will be the best solution for saggy underarms. For that reason, you must book a consultation with a specialist and get a treatment plan specially tailored for you.
HOW IS ARM VASER LIPOSUCTION PERFORMED?
Arm Vaser liposuction is performed on an outpatient basis, without hospitalization.
It is performed in the operating room under local anaesthetic and sedation if the patient feels anxious. This avoids the risks associated with a general anaesthetic.
After the anaesthetic has numbed the arm, a tumescent fluid is injected into the targeted area to help separate the fat from the surrounding tissues. Then, a VASER probe will be inserted under the skin to emit ultrasound pulses, melting (liquefying) the fat. VASER is an acronym for vibration amplification of sound energy at resonance.
After this, the surgeon will remove the arm fat through a gentle suction process using a small cannula. The technique minimizes the risk of disrupting the nerves and surrounding tissue. Also, it keeps bruising and swelling to a minimum.
Infections are extremely rare and are avoided by preventive antibiotic treatment. Also, an anticoagulant may be prescribed as a preventive measure for ten days if there are associated clotting risk factors.
THE RESULTS OF ARM LIPOSUCTION
The final results could take up to 3 to 6 months to be completely visible. This is the normal time needed for the swelling to disappear completely.
However, you will already feel comfortable in short-sleeved clothing as early as the third postoperative week. After that, the results are long-lasting, provided that you maintain a healthy lifestyle with no important weight fluctuations.
The patient has to wear a compression garment, like an arm cuff, for four to six weeks. If used day and night will help reduce the risk of edema. Also, you may notice numbness in the arms after the procedure. This is perfectly normal and will gradually disappear after a few weeks or months.
In rare cases, you could present with localized imperfections. These may be undercorrections, residual asymmetries, dimples, or irregularities. These imperfections can sometimes be treated during an outpatient touch-up procedure from the sixth month following the operation.
After the liposuction, a drainage therapy is especially useful to promote a faster and more comfortable recovery. It is essential if you want to reduce bruising.
HOW MUCH ARM LIPOSUCTION COSTS?
Arm liposuction surgery cost depends on the amount of fat removed. Every procedure is personal to you and your needs, and so is the cost.
Since we know that cost is important, we welcome you to visit our facilities for a free, no-obligation visit. You’ll have time to consult with the plastic surgeon, ask questions, and talk about any concerns.
We’ll identify the best solution and the best price for your liposuction.
WHY CHOOSE DOCTOR BENITO FOR YOUR LIPOSUCTION IN SPAIN?
With more than 20 years of experience, Antiaging Group Barcelona is a leading clinic in Spain in liposuction and liposculpture.
Doctor Jesús Benito is a recognized authority in Spain in plastic, reconstructive and cosmetic surgery.
Doctor Jesús Benito
Specialist in plastic and cosmetic surgery.
- Secretary of the ISAPS (International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery).
- Former president of the Spanish Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (AECEP).
- 2013 Gold Medal (Forum Europa)
Bibliography & Publications:
- Montañana Vizcaino, J., Baena Montilla, P., BENITO RUIZ, J. Complications of autografting fat obtained by liposuction. Plast. Reconstr. Surg., 1990, 85(4): 638 – 639.
- Sanchez A, Benito-Ruiz J, Fontdevila J, Raigosa M. New system of collecting fat with a bottle of Redon drainage. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2010 Jan;125(1):34e-35e
Do you want more information about liposuction for the arms?
The first visit is free and without obligation.
You can contact us on WhatsApp or Viber at +34 657 460 421.
If you wish, you can send us some photos to have an estimate quote. Photos will not be stored and will be treated with the utmost confidentiality. Please explain the results you wish to obtain.
Antiaging Group Barcelona
Ronda del General Mitre, 84, 08021 (Barcelona, Spain)
Nearest Metro Stations: Les Tres Torres / La Bonanova
