Offered at our convenient location in Houston, TX

Arm liposuction is a surgical cosmetic procedure that removes fatty tissue from the upper arm to contour and accentuate the area. The distribution of subcutaneous fat, located underneath the skin, can shift with age, weight fluctuation, and other factors. Our Houston arm liposuction is a safe and effective method to rid patients of stubborn fat collecting in the under-arm region.

It is also an alternative to brachioplasty (arm lift) procedures as it contours the area without the need for extensive incisions. ⁽¹⁾ The Clinic for Plastic Surgery is a cosmetic surgery center founded by Houston board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Sam Sukkar. With over 18 years of surgical experience, he specializes in advanced body contouring procedures using liposuction and other methods. Dr. Sukkar has extensive training in the latest and most advanced types of liposculpture to achieve optimal results for each patient. If you seek arm sculpting using liposuction, we invite you to schedule a private consultation at our practice today. Call our Houston facility at (281) 940-1535 to take the first step!

About Arm Liposuction

As the body ages, fat deposits start to shift and alter the contour of the body. Some arm liposuction patients experience lipodystrophy, a condition in which adipose tissue is abnormally distributed.

When this condition affects the arm, patients are left with excess fat along the underside of the arm. This area is also referred to as "bat wings." Liposuction removes this fat easily and allows the arm contour to smooth out and the remaining fat to evenly distribute within the new shape. ⁽¹⁾

arm liposuction patient model in a green bikini at the beach

How Does Liposuction Work?

Liposuction requires hollow tubes called cannulas to break up and suction out fatty tissue from many areas of the body.

There are many types of liposuction including tumescent, power-assisted, and ultrasound-assisted methods. The main mechanism of action needed for liposuction procedures is medical-grade suction. Dr. Sukkar uses this powerful tool to remove the fat without disturbing surrounding tissues or important internal structures. The versatility of liposuction allows surgeons to disturb and remove exercise-resistant fat from the upper arms, an area of the body that causes concern for many patients.

Types of Liposuction

Dr. Sukker utilizes many different types of liposuction including:

Tumescent Liposuction: This liposuction method uses tumescent fluid, a mixture of saline, epinephrine, and lidocaine to numb the treatment area. The fluid infiltrates the tissue and makes the fat easier to remove.
VASER Liposuction: VASER lipo utilizes ultrasonic energy and vibration to quickly emulsify fatty tissue and separate it from the structures that store it within the body. Dr. Sukkar specializes in this method to safely remove fat with very little internal damage resulting in a quicker recovery.
VASER Hi-Def Liposuction: Using advanced VASER technology, Dr. Sukker implements this type of lipo to achieve very specific contouring around certain muscles and outlines. VASER Hi-Def lipo accentuates abs, contours thigh muscles, and targets hard-to-reach fat deposits for personalized body sculpting.
PowerX Lipo: During PowerX lipo, the cannula rotates in various directions and speeds to target fat all the way around it. This differs from other types of liposuction that only affect tissue directly above or below the cannula.
SmartLipo: SmartLipo uses a special cannula to perform a technique called laser lipolysis. The laser breaks down the fat more easily and quicker than other types of lipo, resulting in optimal outcomes with little downtime.

arm liposuction patient model in a lacey low-cut black night gown sitting at a table

Benefits of Arm Liposuction

Patients can benefit from arm liposuction in many ways including:

Contoured Upper Arms
Permanent Fat Removal
Enhanced Muscle Definition
Concealable/Small Incision Sites
Simple & Quick Procedure
Short Recovery Time
Combinable Treatment
Increased Body Confidence

Am I a Good Candidate for Arm Liposuction?

The ideal candidate for arm liposuction has excess fatty tissue along the upper arm and good skin elasticity.

They should be at a stable weight that is maintainable to preserve results. Candidates should be in good overall health with reasonable expectations about what arm lipo can achieve. Patients may not qualify if they have large amounts of excess skin surrounding the upper arm. Your surgeon may recommend an arm lift as an alternative to liposuction in this case.

Candidates should be free of serious underlying medical conditions that may hinder the procedure and recovery period. Those who use tobacco and nicotine products should quit at least one month before liposuction treatment to decrease the risk of complications. To find out if you qualify for this procedure, please schedule a consultation at The Clinic for Plastic Surgery by calling (281) 940-1535.

Personal Consultation with Dr. Sukkar

The first step toward slimmer and contoured arms is attending a private consultation at The Clinic for Plastic Surgery. Your surgeon will meet you privately to discuss the procedure at length and determine your candidacy. During your consultation for arm liposuction Houston plastic surgeon, Dr. Sam Sukkar, will go over your medical history and current medications with you. Before creating your customized treatment plan, your surgeon will perform a physical examination of the treatment area. After creating your plan, our staff will assist you in scheduling your arm liposuction surgery.

Preparation

Before your arm liposuction procedure, please prepare the following:

Recovery Space: We recommend that you create a comfortable place in your home where you will spend your downtime. This will make your recovery more pleasant.
Prescriptions: Make sure to pick up any new prescriptions before your procedure date.
Transportation: Ask a trusted adult to drive you to our surgery center and back home on the day of your liposuction procedure.
Time Off: Schedule the necessary days off of work for a smooth, stress-free recovery period.
Meals: Preparing easy-to-assemble meals beforehand avoids any unnecessary work and stress during your recovery.

blonde arm liposuction patient model in a beige bikini at the beach touching her hair

Arm Liposuction Procedure

Your surgeon starts the procedure by administering the appropriate anesthesia to keep you comfortable. This may be general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation depending on your circumstances and preferences. Next, he uses a cannula to infiltrate the upper arm area with tumescent fluid, both to numb the tissue and break up the fat. He then inserts the liposuction cannula through the same small incisions to agitate the fatty tissue. Then, the surgeon uses suction to remove this fat and slim the upper arm. Liposuction incisions typically do not require sutures, so he completes the surgery by placing small bandages and compression garments around the area. The procedure takes anywhere from 1 to 2 hours to complete.

Recovery

Arm liposuction recovery lengths vary between patients. You will experience some swelling and bruising in the area for the next few weeks.

Be sure to wear your compression garment until your surgeon says it is safe to heal without it. We recommend resting at home for 4 to 5 days, or until you are feeling well enough to continue simple daily tasks. It may take 4 to 6 weeks for you to completely heal from arm liposuction. Refrain from heavy lifting until your recovery is over.

blonde arm liposuction patient model in a dark cut off shirt and panties stretching against a wall

Results

The results of this procedure are typically immediately visible to patients.

As the swelling subsides, the upper arms are more shapely and slimmer. It may take time for them to reach their final contour. Patients should adopt a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise and a nutritious diet to maintain their results long term.

Corresponding
& Complementary Procedures

Arm Lift

Patients with large amounts of excess skin may qualify for an arm lift, or brachioplasty, to remove tissue from the upper arm. During this procedure, he makes an incision from the armpit to the elbow along the underarm. He carefully removes skin and sutures the remaining tissue to tighten and improve the shape of the upper arm. Dr. Sukkar can combine this surgery with liposuction of the arm to further improve a patient's contour.

CoolSculpting

For those seeking a non-surgical alternative to liposuction, CoolSculpting is a treatment that is designed to target isolated fat pockets. It utilizes cold temperatures to freeze and destroy fat cells in hard-to-reach areas of the body. It is non-invasive, using no incisions or surgical techniques to break up fatty tissue. The body then naturally absorbs the dead cells, effectively removing them from the treated area forever.

CoolSculpting uses cryolipolysis, also called fat freezing, to target only fat cells and leave the surrounding tissue and structures unaffected. It can be a great alternative to liposuction for patients who want to rid themselves of fat without surgical intervention. This treatment is also believed to improve skin elasticity and firm the surrounding dermal tissue. ⁽²⁾

How Much Does Arm Liposuction Cost in Houston?

We provide a personalized treatment plan during your initial consultation at The Clinic for Plastic Surgery.

We also offer several financing options to allow our patients access to safe cosmetic care. To inquire about arm liposuction and get a price quote, please schedule your private consultation with us by calling (281) 940-1535 or contacting us online. We look forward to hearing from you! If you are curious about other cosmetic surgeries and treatments offered at our Houston practice, read our blog for more information.

Arm Liposuction FAQs

Will the fat in my upper arm fat return eventually after arm liposuction?

No! Targeted fat cells do not return or "grow back" after liposuction procedures. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle will stop the fat cells still present from expanding, prolonging your results.

How long should I wear compression garments after arm liposuction?

The duration in which to wear your compression garment varies depending on the doctor's recommendation. Typically, you are to wear it at all times for up to 4 weeks.

Will there be visible scars after arm liposuction?

Surgeons utilize advanced techniques to minimize scarring. Incisions for arm liposuction are strategically placed in inconspicuous areas, such as within natural skin creases, to keep scarring as discreet as possible.

Can arm liposuction be combined with other procedures?

Yes, arm liposuction can be combined with other procedures for individuals seeking overall body contouring or additional improvements. Common combinations include arm liposuction with breast augmentation, tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), or thigh lift procedures. Combining procedures may reduce overall recovery time and provide more comprehensive results.

References

Mohammed Hassan El-Fahar, Ahmed Hassan El-Gharbawi. Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction (UAL) Arm Contouring in Non-Post-Bariatric Patients: No Rush for Brachioplasty. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. 2022;47(1):260-268. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-022-03070-8
Bernstein EF, Bloom JD. Safety and Efficacy of Bilateral Submental Cryolipolysis With Quantified 3-Dimensional Imaging of Fat Reduction and Skin Tightening. JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery. 2017;19(5):350. doi:https://doi.org/10.1001/jamafacial.2017.0102

See the Difference for Yourself.

From the first time you walk into The Clinic for Plastic Surgery, you’ll know that you are in a place that cares about results. Under the leadership of Dr. Sukkar, The Clinic for Plastic Surgery has become Houston’s plastic surgery center of choice. Experience the difference for yourself by scheduling a consultation today.

14018 Aesthetic Circle, Houston, TX 77062

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Arm Liposuction in Houston, TX