If you’re bothered by excess, sagging skin or fat in your upper arms, consider an arm lift or arm liposuction. But how do you decide which is the better option for you? Let’s compare these two procedures.
What Causes Excess Arm Skin and Fat?
As you age, your skin loses elasticity, and fat accumulates in places like the upper arms. Significant weight loss can also leave loose arm skin that diet and exercise alone can’t fix. An arm lift removes excess skin, while liposuction targets stubborn fat. Determining the degree to which each is affecting your arms will help determine the best treatment.
What to Expect with an Arm Lift
An arm lift, or brachioplasty surgery, removes loose skin and tissue from your upper arms. During surgery, your doctor will make an incision starting at your armpit that extends down to your elbow. The excess skin is removed, and the remaining skin is pulled taut before being stitched closed. Results are visible right away, though you’ll need to wear a compression garment as you heal. Arm lifts leave noticeable scars that will fade over one to two years.
What to Expect with Arm Liposuction
Liposuction uses a small tube called a cannula inserted under your skin to break up and suction out fat. Tiny incisions allow the tube access, but they heal without visible scarring. It takes a few months for your full results to become apparent as the swelling goes down. Arm liposuction sculpts for a slimmer shape but doesn’t address excess skin. If your issues are mainly fat-related, then arm liposuction may satisfy you. But if you have lots of sagging skin, you’ll likely still need a lift after.
Which Is Better for You?
Now that you know what each procedure entails, let’s consider what may work best for your needs and goals. Arm lifts and liposuction can both dramatically improve arm contours. The option offering the most improvement depends on your skin elasticity and whether fat or skin is contributing most to the appearance you want to change. Call Renaissance Plastic Surgery at 636-896-0600 to find out which plastic surgery option is ideal for you by scheduling a consultation.
