If you’re bothered by the appearance of your upper arms, the right treatment depends on what’s creating the fullness or lack of definition. Excess fat and loose skin can look similar from a distance, but they require different approaches. Liposuction primarily targets localized fat, while an arm lift addresses excess, sagging skin and may incorporate fat removal when appropriate.
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Rudy Coscia offers both options at his practices and develops an individualized surgical plan based on your anatomy, skin quality, and goals.
When Liposuction May Be Enough
Liposuction may be appropriate when stubborn fat is your primary concern and your skin still has good elasticity. During the procedure, the surgeon removes unwanted fat through small incisions to improve the shape and definition of the upper arms.
For liposuction alone to produce the desired result, your skin needs to contract around the newly refined contour. If your skin is already significantly loose, removing fat without addressing the skin may not provide the improvement you’re looking for.
When an Arm Lift May Be More Appropriate
An arm lift, or brachioplasty, removes excess skin and reshapes the upper arm. Consider it if you have loose, hanging skin due to aging, genetics, or significant weight loss.
Unlike liposuction, an arm lift requires a longer incision to remove excess skin. The incision’s location and length depend on how much correction is needed. For many people considering an arm lift, the tradeoff of a surgical scar is worth the improved arm contour.
Can You Combine an Arm Lift With Liposuction?
You don’t necessarily have to choose one or the other. If you have both excess fat and loose skin, Dr. Coscia may recommend combining liposuction with an arm lift.
Liposuction can reduce localized pockets of fat, while the arm lift removes redundant skin and reshapes the remaining tissues. Combining techniques allows the procedure to address multiple contributors to upper-arm shape rather than treating only one concern.
Find the Right Approach for Your Arms
Choosing between liposuction and an arm lift starts with understanding what is causing the concern you see. As a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Rudy Coscia uses his surgical experience and understanding of body proportions to develop a personalized approach, rather than applying the same technique to everyone.
If you’re considering upper-arm contouring, contact Dr. Coscia to discuss your options. Call the Sacramento area office at (916) 318-5826 or the Coeur d’Alene office at (208) 665-7546 to schedule your consultation.
