If you don’t like the way your upper arms look, you may assume stubborn fat is the problem. But sometimes, loose skin is just as much a part of it.
That difference matters when you’re considering arm lipo in Barrington, IL. Liposuction can remove unwanted fat and create a slimmer contour, but it can’t remove loose, hanging skin.
For some people, an arm lift may be a better choice. Others may benefit from combining the two.
What Can Arm Liposuction Change?
Arm liposuction targets stubborn pockets of fat in the upper arms. It may be a good option if you’re at a stable weight but your arms still look fuller than you’d like.
Arm lipo can:
- Reduce stubborn upper arm fat
- Create a slimmer shape
- Improve definition
- Smooth areas of unwanted fullness
Liposuction removes fat, but it doesn’t remove extra skin. If your skin has good elasticity, it may adjust well to the new shape of your arm after fat is removed.
If you have significant loose or hanging skin, liposuction alone may not give you the result you want.
When Is an Arm Lift Better Than Arm Lipo?
An arm lift, also called brachioplasty, removes excess skin and reshapes the upper arm. It may be a better option if loose skin is your main concern.
Aging, genetics and significant weight loss can all leave skin hanging beneath the upper arms. Liposuction can remove fat from the area, but it won’t tighten that skin.
An arm lift may be a better fit if you have:
- Significant loose or hanging skin
- Skin that has lost elasticity
- Loose skin after major weight loss
- Both loose skin and stubborn fat
An arm lift does require a larger incision than liposuction and leaves a more noticeable scar. Dr. Madry can explain what you can expect based on how much skin needs to be removed.
Can You Combine Arm Lipo With an Arm Lift?
Yes. Some people have both stubborn fat and loose skin.
In that case, liposuction may be used during an arm lift. The liposuction removes excess fat while the arm lift removes extra skin and reshapes the upper arm.
Combining the procedures can address both concerns at the same time.
How Do You Know Which Procedure You Need?
Think about what bothers you most.
If your skin is fairly firm but you have stubborn fullness, arm liposuction may be enough to give you a slimmer contour.
If skin hangs beneath your upper arms, an arm lift may be a better fit. Removing fat alone won’t tighten loose skin.
You don’t have to figure out the answer yourself. Dr. Madry can examine your arms and talk with you about which approach makes sense for your body and goals.
What Is Recovery Like?
Recovery depends on which procedure you have.
After arm liposuction, some swelling and bruising are normal. You may need to wear a compression garment while you heal. Your results will become more noticeable as the swelling goes down.
An arm lift has a longer recovery because excess skin is removed through an incision. Most patients can return to work and many regular activities in about two weeks. Full activity usually takes about six weeks.
If you have both procedures, Dr. Madry will give you recovery instructions based on your surgery.
Learn More About Arm Lipo in Barrington, IL
The right procedure depends on whether excess fat, loose skin or both are affecting the shape of your arms.
Stephen Madry, MD, is a board-certified plastic surgeon with more than three decades of experience. He can talk with you about arm liposuction, an arm lift or combining the two.
If you’re considering arm lipo in Barrington, IL, schedule a free consultation with Dr. Madry. His Barrington office serves patients throughout the greater Chicago area, including Lake Barrington, Palatine, Schaumburg, Arlington Heights, and Lake Zurich.