Arm Liposuction incision through the arm?

Many doctors use an axillary (armpit) insertion site as well as the elbow. It improves the result when you can pass the liposuction cannula through different directions to attack the same spot. The axillary insertions site is well hidden.  

In order to get access to the arm for liposuction, we sometimes make incisions in the armpit and at the elbow.  If a good result is obtained with just the armpit incision, then the elbow incision is spared.  However, if extra sculpting is required  then the elbow incision is made.  ... more

As you can see by all the well crafted answers so far, arm liposuction can be done through multiple different incisions.  The scars are not the issue at all, the real question is how well will your skin shrink after.  The skin of the inner arm is exceptionally thin and relatively poorly elastic.

If your surgeon is experienced at liposuction, then it shouldn't make any difference where he makes the incision. I usually make the incision just above the elbow and after the incisions have healed they are almost unnoticeable.

Hi.  The incisions for liposuction of the arms are so tiny that scarring is really not an issue.  The four key points in liposuction of the arms are: 1)  Understand that most of the fat is in the back of the arm. 2)  Achieve a smooth contour.  It is not hard to get an... more

It is best to let your surgeon do the surgery they way they normally do it.  It is amazing to me that people come in a start asking the surgeon to do the surgery a different way than they are used to performing it.  If you trust the surgeon, then it is best to rely on the skills and experience of the... more

Neutral, As plastic surgeons we are always looking for ways to hide scars.  Although we like to leave our mark, we like it to be the result, not the scar.  Your surgeon is likely choosing the least conspicuous location for your scar, through which he/she can provide you with the expected result... more

 The choice of incisions depends on two things: surgeon's preference and patient indications. If you have predominantly fat on the lower part of the upper arm, then an elbow only incision would work very well. If the fat is mainly on the upper portion, then an armpit incision might be best. However, if... more

Liposuction can be performed through multiple different access sites. No one incisions is the best. If your doctor feels that it can be accomplished successfully near your armpit than it should be OK.

Not being involved in your care, we are only able to speculate.  You mentioned you trust your surgeon, so ask him his reasoning.  I welcome such discussion with patients, and my staff encourages it. My most common incisions for arm liposuction are in front and behind the elbow, but axillary incisions... more