Arm liposuction (or arm lipoplasty) allows for slimming as well as a harmonious redefinition of the curve of the arms.
\nThis cosmetic surgery procedure is indicated for women and men who present localized fat excess in the arm. By reshaping the arms in a natural way, it reduces their \"heavy\" appearance and significantly improves any associated skin slackening, as the skin retracts during healing in the liposuctioned area.
\nLiposuction is a cosmetic surgery technique that allows for the radical and permanent removal of localized fat excess. This technique reshapes the arms of patients presenting localized fat excess in this area.
\nLiposuction involves inserting, through short incisions (3 to 5 mm), rounded-tip cannulas perforated with several openings at their end. The cannulas are connected to a closed circuit in which negative pressure is created, allowing for the suction of fat cells (both deep and superficial).
\nFat removal is performed evenly, while preserving a layer of fat beneath the skin to avoid any potential irregularities.
\nThe amount of fat removed must be adapted to the quality of the overlying skin in the treated area. The skin is thus a determining factor in the quality of the result.
\nDue to the use of very fine cannulas, the appearance of the skin is very likely to improve through the skin retraction that follows during healing. A new synthesis of elastic fibers (collagen, elastin…) and connective tissue occurs in the liposuctioned area to replace the fat that was removed.
\nArm liposuction must respect the harmony of the arm muscles (biceps and triceps) and of the forearm. The surgeon performing an arm liposuction must therefore carry out a true \"sculpture\" of the arm (sometimes referred to as \"liposculpture\").
\nIf the sagging of the arm contour is particularly significant, an arm lift may be considered to achieve the desired result and better tighten the relaxed skin.
\nNon-surgical fat-removal treatments such as Keybody-Lipo and CoolSculpting cryolipolysis can also achieve very good results on excess fat in the arms.
\nThis cosmetic surgery procedure generally lasts between 1 hour and 1 hour 30 minutes.
\nArm liposuction can be performed under general anesthesia or assisted local anesthesia (neuroleptanalgesia), depending on the extent of the procedure.
\nDiscomfort and pain are generally moderate; patients tend to describe it more as \"discomfort\" than pain. A feeling of fatigue may be felt in the days following the procedure. Pain is usually relieved with simple painkillers.
\nBruising as well as swelling usually appear in the treated areas.
\nAny changes in skin sensitivity resolve within a few weeks.
\nThe result of the procedure takes longer to appear than for other areas treated by liposuction. The swelling inherent to any liposuction takes longer to subside than for other types of procedures. The final result is not seen before 3 to 6 months, due to the progressive nature of skin retraction and the time needed for the swelling to fully disappear. However, you will already feel comfortable in short-sleeved clothing, with visible results from the third postoperative week.
\nThe result of arm liposuction is permanent, as the fat cells targeted by the treatment are not replaced by the body.
\nIn some cases, localized imperfections may be observed: insufficient correction, residual asymmetry, surface irregularity. These imperfections can sometimes be treated during an outpatient \"touch-up\" procedure from the sixth month onward. They are not so much due to the surgeon's work as to the unpredictability of healing and any weight variations following the procedure.
\nDrainage physiotherapy started in the days following the procedure is very useful for limiting these risks and promoting a faster, more comfortable recovery. It is even essential to best limit the risk of skin marks following bruising.
\nWhile complications following liposuction are rare, it should be considered a surgical procedure that carries the risks inherent to anesthesia and the medical act itself (see Risks in surgery).
\nInfections are extremely rare and are prevented with prophylactic antibiotic treatment.
\nIn case of pain in an arm, phlebitis should be considered a possibility, requiring contact with the anesthesiologist or surgeon. A preventive anticoagulant is then prescribed for a period of 10 days in case of associated risk factors.
\nSmoking increases the risk of surgical complications in any type of surgery. Stopping smoking 6-8 weeks before the procedure eliminates this additional risk. If you smoke, talk to your doctor, surgeon and anesthesiologist, or call a smoking cessation helpline to help reduce risks and give yourself the best chances.
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