The upper arm is one of common areas with aesthetic issues, often referred to as “bat wings”, which are caused by aging, weight fluctuations, or significant weight loss. These concerns include skin laxity, sagging, and the presence of excess skin and fat. While exercise can help tone the underlying muscles, it may not resolve excess skin and fat. Laser-assisted arm liposuction in NYC provides the solution. This cosmetic surgical procedure suctions the fat cells out and improves skin laxity, resulting in slimmer, well-shaped arms. However, in certain cases, surgeons recommend combining arm liposuction and arm lift or brachioplasty for tighter, attractive arms.
Let’s explore what these procedures involve, when they are combined, and the traits of ideal candidates for the combo treatment.
What Arm Liposuction Does
Unlike traditional surgical arm liposuction, laser liposuction for arms is a minimally invasive procedure performed using the FDA approved SmartLipo Triplex workstation. The device combines three different laser wavelengths – 1064nm, 1320nm and 1440 nm – that liquefy and remove localized fat pockets from the upper arms, coagulate the tissues, and tighten the skin. This treatment is ideal for patients with good skin elasticity and mild skin laxity. As it is minimally invasive with small incisions, it comes with a short recovery time.
What an Arm Lift Does
An arm lift, or brachioplasty, addresses sagging underarms by removing excess skin and fat, effectively eliminating skin laxity-something liposuction alone cannot fix. This procedure also tightens and smooths the underlying tissue structure, creating more defined and toned upper arms. By reshaping the upper arm, it enhances proportion and balance.
When Combining Brachioplasty with Liposuction is Recommended
Liposuction effectively removes stubborn fat pockets, but it won’t tighten loose skin. Laser liposuction can effectively resolve mild to moderate skin laxity but may not work for severe skin laxity. If your skin lacks elasticity, it may remain saggy after fat removal. An arm lift, on the other hand, tightens loose, sagging skin and addresses the crepey appearance, but doesn’t specifically target fat deposits.
Plastic surgeons recommend combining both procedures when you have excess fat and loose skin in your upper arms. This approach is especially beneficial if you’ve experienced significant weight loss or age-related skin laxity. By contouring and tightening your arms, the combination procedure delivers a more youthful, toned appearance with longer-lasting, more comprehensive results.
Good candidates the arm lift with fat removal combo are those who:
- Have both excess fat and loose skin on the upper arms
- Are close to their ideal weight but struggle with arm definition
- Are non-smokers in good general health
Skilled surgeons provide scarless arm lifts using the minimally invasive BodyTite device. It tightens skin and reduces fat in your upper arms with less noticeable scarring than a traditional arm lift. The procedure uses radiofrequency-assisted liposuction (RFAL) and tiny incisions to deliver radiofrequency energy to heat the tissues, melt fat, and encourage skin tightening. It’s typically performed under local anesthesia, and recovery is quicker compared to a conventional brachioplasty.
What to Expect: Recovery and Results
Since the combined procedure involves both fat removal and skin tightening, healing may take slightly longer compared to lipo alone. Following your surgeon’s post-op instructions is crucial for smooth healing and optimal outcomes.
Recovery Time: While fat removal typically has a quicker recovery, adding skin excision means your body requires additional time to heal. Most patients can resume light activities within a week, but full recovery, including resolution of swelling and discomfort, may take several weeks.
Compression Garments: After surgery, wearing a compression garment is crucial for healing. The garment helps reduce swelling, improves circulation, and supports the newly contoured shape. It also minimizes discomfort and supports skin retraction, providing smoother, more defined arms. Surgeons typically recommend wearing compression garments for several weeks post-op, depending on individual healing progress.
Visible Results: While some improvements may be noticeable early on, final results become more visible as swelling subsides. Initial swelling and bruising gradually subside over a few weeks. Most patients see a significant change within one to three months, with outcomes continuing to improve as the tissues settle over time.
A successful arm liposuction and lift procedure results in more sculpted, youthful looking arms, enhancing your self-confidence in sleeveless or fitted clothes. Maintaining the results of your combo treatment requires a commitment to a healthy lifestyle. While the surgery reshapes and contours the arms, long-term success depends on maintaining a stable weight and good overall health. Regular exercise, particularly strength training, helps tone and support the newly sculpted arms, while a balanced diet prevents excess fat accumulation. Hydration and proper skincare can also improve skin elasticity, preserving a firm, youthful appearance. Though aging naturally affects skin tightness over time, healthy habits significantly help you enjoy the benefits procedure long-term.
Do You Need Arm Liposuction and Arm Lift Surgery? Consult an Expert
Whether you need a combined arm lift and liposuction depends on your skin tone and fat volume. A personalized assessment by a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon is crucial to determine the right approach for achieving the best results.
