Weight loss is a challenging but rewarding journey. We know how difficult it can be to manage your weight through healthy lifestyle changes. Often, a common side effect of significant weight loss is loose skin underneath the arms. Loose arm skin can also occur because of aging. Patients can complete their transformation with treatments that help contour their bodies. If you have attained your ideal weight, but you still have stubborn pockets of fat on your arms, liposuction and other body contouring treatments could help you reach your cosmetic goals. After reading the blog, Dr. Jaime Schwartz's bio, and procedure options, we encourage you to call our Beverly Hills, CA office and schedule an appointment.
LASER VS. TRADITIONAL LIPOSUCTION IN BEVERLY HILLS, CA
If you experience “bat wings” or flabbiness underneath the arms, we can eliminate some of the issues with innovative procedures, like VASERlipo® technology and traditional liposuction. These treatments smooth the area and reduce pockets of fat. Both liposuction and VASERlipo require a cannula, incisions, and a fat removal device. However, depending on your preference, VASERlipo is a less invasive treatment option because it uses a smaller cannula, incisions, and laser technology. The laser also stimulates collagen production and improves the skin after your procedure. We may combine VASERlipo or traditional liposuction with an arm lift for more severe cases of saggy skin. An arm lift and liposuction can help you attain a more toned appearance.
During your consultation, Dr. Schwartz will determine what treatments will work best for you and develop a personalized treatment plan based on your needs. We will also discuss the techniques used during traditional liposuction, such as the suction-assisted or tumescent “super-wet” methods.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM ARM LIPOSUCTION
Arm liposuction is designed to remove fat and refine the upper arms. It does not remove skin. When fat is taken away, the skin must contract to fit the new contours. If you already have loose skin or poor skin elasticity, you may notice remaining skin after the liposuction procedure. Patients with good skin tone and healthy skin elasticity usually experience visible skin retraction and tissue retraction over time.
How many fat cells are removed, and do they come back?
Arm liposuction removes fat and reduces fat cells in the treated area permanently. Remaining fat cells can still enlarge with weight gain. Maintain a healthy diet and stay hydrated to support your results.
Does arm lipo leave loose skin?
Short answer: sometimes. The risk depends on skin laxity, age, weight loss history, and the amount of fat removed. Younger patients with good skin elasticity typically see tighter skin. Patients with sagging skin or significant weight loss may have extra skin that requires an arm lift for the best result.
How long does skin tightening take after arm liposuction?
Skin tightening and skin contraction are gradual. Most patients see improvement by 6 to 8 weeks as swelling subsides. Final results can take 3 to 6 months as collagen remodels. A compression garment helps reduce swelling and supports skin retraction during the recovery process.
Will I have loose skin if I lose arm fat without surgery?
It depends on your skin elasticity. With healthy skin elasticity and a stable weight, the skin adapts well. After massive weight loss or aging, loose skin can remain. Light exercise can improve muscle tone but cannot remove excess skin.
Will liposuction get rid of flabby arms?
Liposuction removes fat and can sculpt toned arms when the skin is elastic. If flabbiness comes from excess skin or sagging skin, an arm lift may be recommended. Combining liposuction with an arm lift can address both excess fat and excess skin for a more toned appearance.
WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR ARM LIPO?
- Stable weight and a healthy lifestyle.
- Good skin elasticity with minimal skin laxity.
- Localized fat pockets in the upper arms.
- Realistic expectations and a desire for new contours with minimal scarring.
WHEN TO CONSIDER AN ARM LIFT
Arm lift surgery removes excess skin and reshapes the arm skin and underlying tissue. It is ideal after massive weight loss or when there is persistent saggy skin that will not tighten. A board certified plastic surgeon will assess your arm skin, fat distribution, and goals to determine whether arm liposuction, an arm lift, or combining liposuction is most appropriate.
RECOVERY TIPS TO SUPPORT TIGHTER SKIN
- Wear your compression garment as directed to reduce swelling and support skin tightening.
- Begin light exercise when cleared to enhance circulation and avoid complications.
- Follow all postoperative instructions to avoid complications and support the healing process.
- Keep a stable weight to protect results.
COMBINING LIPOSUCTION WITH OTHER ARM TREATMENTS
Patients may require a combination of treatments to attain their desired results. At our Beverly Hills, CA office, we offer several procedures that help tighten loose skin. Dr. Schwartz proudly offers nonsurgical and surgical treatments, such as:
- Renuvion body tightening
- A surgical arm lift or brachioplasty
- Venus Legacy
Depending on the severity of your skin sagginess, we will select the best skin tightening and liposuction procedure. In some cases, you may require a surgical arm lift to reduce excess skin. Arm lift surgery excises excess skin and tightens the remaining tissue. No matter the treatment type, you will receive detailed information, and Dr. Schwartz will take the time to answer all of your questions.
REDUCE EXCESS ARM SKIN AND SCHEDULE A VIRTUAL CONSULTATION
Complete your body transformation with Dr. Schwartz in Beverly Hills, CA. Using a tailored and compassionate approach, we will develop a surgical plan that meets and surpasses your needs. Our team will also discuss the costs of your surgery, and we proudly offer several payment choices. Instead of focusing on cost, we want to ensure you select a skilled plastic surgeon, like board-certified Dr. Jaime Schwartz, who has years of experience. If you want to reduce the pockets of fat underneath your arm, our group recommends scheduling a consultation to learn more about liposuction or VASERlipo. We can also discuss combining liposuction with other nonsurgical treatments or arm lift surgery. Throughout your final transformation, we will be with you every step of the way.