Getting rid of unwanted body fat can be difficult, especially around the arms. You can diet and exercise all you want, and you can work with free weights while doing alternating days of cardio, yet even this may not be enough fix flabby arms. To get the chiseled, well-defined shoulders and triceps you want, liposuction of the arms may be the best option.
Dr. Brian J. Kobienia and the team at his Minneapolis, MN plastic surgery practice would like to discuss the basics of arm liposuction. This should help determine if the procedure is right for you.
How Arm Liposuction Works
During liposuction of the arms, unwanted pockets of fat around the upper arms are removed in order to sculpt a better-toned contour. The targeted fat removal typically centers on the shoulders and triceps, where extra fat often accumulates during weight gain or advanced age.
Ideal Candidates for Arm Liposuction
Good candidates for arm liposuction are people who have unwanted pockets of fat located around the shoulders and triceps. They should be in good overall health and not suffer from any health issues that would make liposuction dangerous to general wellness.
We often ask that arm liposuction patients lose as much weight as they can through natural means before turning to liposuction. Only a certain amount of weight can be removed during liposuction, and better results are possible if a patient achieves a more ideal weight before they undergo surgery. We can fully assess your candidacy for liposuction during a consolation at our Minneapolis practice.
The Arm Liposuction Procedure
During arm liposuction surgery, small incisions are made in which the cannula can be inserted. The cannula is a thin metal tube that allows a cosmetic surgeon to suction out unwanted pockets of fat. These incisions are just a few millimeters in size, and all efforts are made to keep the incision sites as small and hidden as possible.
The fat is removed, with a focus on giving the arms a more toned and trim appearance, which is especially important for the shoulders, the armpit area, and the underside of the arms.
Recovery from Arm Liposuction
When recovering from arm liposuction, patients will want to take about a week off from work so they can focus on healing. Avoid strenuous physical activity, especially if it involves lifting heavy objects or putting stress on the arms. Patients will be able to gradually return to normal physical activities and exercise routines over the course of a month.
The Results of Arm Liposuction
Thanks to arm liposuction, you can have the toned and athletic arms that you have always wanted. All efforts are made to achieve natural results when sculpting away the unwanted fat.
Since the incisions from arm liposuction are small, there is very little visible post-op scarring after arm liposuction. The minimal scarring that is there will fade gradually in the months and years ahead and should be difficult to notice.
Other Options for Sculpting the Arms
If you have loose or sagging skin along the triceps and your underarm area, arm liposuction alone may not be the best treatment option for your needs. In these cases, an arm lift (brachioplasty) may be more ideal since it will remove the unwanted hanging skin as well as the fat. We can discuss your suitability for various body contouring procedures in greater detail during your visit to our practice serving the greater Minneapolis area.
Learn More About Liposuction
For more information about improving your body contour and how to look your very best, be sure to contact a skilled cosmetic surgeon. The team at Kobienia Plastic Surgery can be reached by phone at (612) 930-1111.