Liposuction Surgery For The Upper Arms

Many people have excess fatty deposits along the back of their arm. These fat pockets are difficult to eliminate with diet and exercise alone. An experienced surgeon can tone the inner and outer arm areas along with the biceps and shoulders. 

There are various reasons for patients seeking liposuction plastic surgery, including:

Achieving sleeker arms that tone easily Correcting the appearance of flabby arms, especially the back of the arms Look more attractive in pictures Treat the fat the hangs down from the back area of the arms

The Virginia Institute of Plastic Surgery, led by board certified plastic surgeons Dr. Burton M. Sundin and Dr. Reps B. Sundin, provides liposuction body sculpting to patients in Richmond, Fredericksburg, Tysons Corner, Northern Virginia, Washington DC, and surrounding locations.

Anesthesia and Treatment Experience  

This procedure will be performed using some form of anesthesia, namely general, local, or twilight sleep anesthesia. This surgery is typically undertaken with the patient under local anesthesia. The patient will experience a stinging sensation when the local anesthetic is administered. 

After the anesthesia, the arms will be numb or frozen. The patient will usually experience little discomfort during the surgery when the arms are numbed. However, the patient may experience some spots sensitivity. Patients often report that liposuction with local anesthesia is “not delightful, but tolerable.”

Twilight sleep anesthesia or general anesthesia are appropriate options for patients who do not wish to feel or recall anything. However, these options may lead to a groggy feeling from being asleep as well as cost more. 

Techniques for Arm Liposuction 

Liposuction plastic surgery only eliminates excess fat. It does not tighten or eliminate loose or hanging skin. Some patients may have adequate skin elasticity to enable the skin to tighten itself, while others may require an additional procedure, such as a tuck, to treat hanging skin. 

Many patients are now evaluating laser liposuction as an alternative to traditional liposuction. Laser liposuction is not considered to be a “better” or “safer” option compared to other liposuction techniques. Similar to traditional liposuction, laser liposuction will also not tighten loose skin. 

Arm liposuction plastic surgery is an effective solution to create slim, toned arms. However, patients must understand that the qualifications and experience of the operating surgeon is the foremost factor in determining the results of the procedure, irrespective of the liposuction approach used.

An experienced cosmetic surgeon will use a technique that is appropriate for the patient’s needs, rather than vice-versa. This is vital to achieve excellent outcomes. 

Recovery 

The patient will be sent home with aftercare guidelines, prescriptions, and a follow-up appointment scheduled after the liposuction surgery. Temporary inflammation, bruising, and a change in sensation, including tingling and numbness are some of the after-effects of the procedure.  

Each patient will experience a distinct recovery. But a majority of people will be able to resume work in a few days. The bruising will typically resolve in two to four weeks. However, the swelling will take one to two months to resolve. 

Plastic surgeons at VIPS receive patients from Richmond, Fredericksburg, Tysons Corner, Northern Virginia, Washington DC, and nearby areas for liposuction body contouring.

For more information on the surgical and non-surgical procedures and treatments by Board Certified Cosmetic Plastic Surgeons Dr. Reps Sundin and Dr. Burton Sundin please visit

Serving Richmond, VA, Fredricksburg, Williamsburg, Northern Virginia, Washington DC, Vienna, McLean, Fairfax, Loudoun County, Ashburn, Tysons Corner, Reston, Arlington and surrounding communities.