Pros and cons of liposuction with arm lift?

Combining liposuction with an arm lift (also known as brachioplasty) can offer comprehensive improvement for individuals looking to address both excess fat and loose skin in the upper arms. The main advantage of doing both procedures together is that it allows for more complete contouring liposuction removes unwanted fat deposits, while the arm lift tightens and removes sagging skin, resulting in a smoother and more toned appearance. For many patients, this combination leads to more satisfying and long-lasting results than either procedure alone. Another benefit is convenience: undergoing both at once means a single recovery period and anesthesia exposure rather than two separate surgeries.

On the downside, combining procedures can slightly increase surgical time, recovery demands, and the risk of complications such as swelling, bruising, or fluid buildup. One of the biggest considerations with an arm lift is scarring; the procedure typically leaves a visible scar along the inner part of the upper arm, although this usually fades over time. Some patients may also experience temporary numbness or changes in skin sensation. Additionally, good skin quality and realistic expectations are important, if the skin is significantly loose or has poor elasticity, liposuction alone may not give the desired results without also removing excess skin.

Overall, while combining liposuction with an arm lift can be highly effective for the right candidate, it's important for anyone considering it to weigh the potential benefits and risks and consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to determine the best approach for their goals.

If you’re a good candidate, it’s a great option, especially if you combine it with J plasma, it removes fatty deposit and it also tightens the skin however, if you’re not a candidate for Liposuction and what you need is skin removal and you do liposuction it’ll create the opposite result that you’re looking for it would only further losen the skin and probably cause irregularities. But otherwise if you’re a good candidate, there should not be any cons.

The main benefits of arm liposuction performed during an arm lift (brachioplasty) include maximum debulking of arm fat. With arm liposuction, a plastic surgeon can remove arm fat from areas that are not accessible with the open technique. Other benefits of arm liposuction during an arm lift include a smaller arm, better results, and less tension on the incision line. Additionally, skilled plastic surgeons can sculpt the biceps and triceps muscles to allow for visible muscle contouring. The cons or disadvantages of having arm liposuction performed at the same time as an arm lift include a riskier healing process. With arm liposuction, some of the vascularity or blood supply to the incision line can be jeopardized. Decreased blood supply to the incision line can lead to wound breakdown and infection. However, decreased vascularity associated with arm liposuction is not always the case. In most instances, arm liposuction is performed in conjunction with an arm lift without decreasing the blood supply to the incision line. To maximize results, plastic surgeons are very careful when performing arm liposuction in conjunction with an arm lift. In general, the benefits of arm liposuction outweigh the risks of jeopardizing the blood supply to the incision line. Since a brachioplasty, or arm lift surgery, is a complex procedure, please seek an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon with significant experience performing these types of arm lifts. Do your research. Make sure your chosen plastic surgeon has performed at least 100 arm lifts. Make sure they have the before-and-after pictures to prove it. Carefully examine their before-and-after pictures and check their reviews on RealSelf. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen, MD, MBA. (Plastic Surgeon, President of the American Society of Bariatric Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, International College of Surgery, and American Board of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, RealSelf Hall of Fame, and RealSelf Doctor Advisory Board for Medical Review and Consumer Panel.)

This is an excellent question. The benefit of lipo with arm lift AKA brachioplasty is improved contour and shape of your upper arms. This is not a weight loss procedure, rather, it is the make your arms looks more natural and youthful. The drawbacks include having a scar that is along the arm, or, if it is a mini arm lift (short scar brachioplasty), the incision is hidden in the armpit. There is expected swelling and bruising after surgery, and most surgeons will use a drain and a compression garment/sleeve to help with the swelling. Hope this helps!

Thank you for your query. Liposuction will, of course, reduce the bulk of your upper arm and the arm lift will tighten it. Unless you do not have excessive fat there are no real contradictions to liposuction. More tightening of skin may be needed if you get liposuction along with an arm lift. If there is just loose skin, however, but no excessive fat, an arm lift alone is required. Please find an experienced board certified Plastic surgeon who can examine you and help you with your concerns. All the best!

Most patients who require arm lift would benefit from additional liposuction of posterior and inner arm. Without in person consultation or a set of good photos it is impossible to tell what would be a good option for you. Good luck.

I frequently do liposuction at the time of an arm lift. The reason I do this is because the liposuction dissection will remove fat and this allows me to feather the edges to make it a more smooth contour.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Depends on each patients presentation and goal-

Larger arms all around will benefit for reduction with liposuction, in my experience, Vaser ultrasound liposuction will remove stubborn fat and tighten skin.

In extreme lax skin cases, removal of skin by brachiaplasty can be added. (If mainly loose skin and minimal fat, for instance after massive weight loss, then brachiaplasty alone may be indicated).

Vaser alone will minimize scars of an arm lift, which can widen over time, and easier recovery,

An exam and consultation with a plastic surgeon is recommended to further discuss your best options and expectations.

Liposuction with an arm lift is common and considered safe. In the correct hands this addition can maximize your results from the lift and give you the best contour. If done incorrectly or too aggressively it can negatively impact the final result. I encourage you to meet with a few board certified plastic surgeons to discuss your concerns and learn more about the procedure.

Undergoing liposuction with an arm lift (also known as brachioplasty) can be a powerful combination for those looking to improve the appearance of the upper arms. Here's a breakdown of the pros and cons of combining these two procedures:
Pros of Liposuction with Arm Lift
1. Comprehensive Results
o Liposuction removes stubborn fat.
o Arm lift tightens and removes excess sagging skin.
o Together, they provide more sculpted, toned arms than either procedure alone.
2. One Surgery, One Recovery
o Combines both procedures in one surgical session.
o Reduces total downtime compared to doing them separately.
o Minimizes anesthesia risks and surgical costs.
3. Enhanced Skin Retraction
o Liposuction alone can leave loose skin behind.
o Adding an arm lift addresses this by removing the excess skin.
4. Improved Confidence
o Patients often feel more comfortable in sleeveless clothing and with overall body proportions.
5. Long-Lasting Results
o With a healthy lifestyle, results can be maintained for many years.
Cons of Liposuction with Arm Lift
1. Scarring
o Arm lift incisions typically run from the armpit to the elbow.
o Scars are permanent, though they fade and can be hidden in many cases.
2. Longer Recovery
o Dual procedure more tissue trauma longer healing time.
o Swelling, bruising, and limited arm mobility may last several weeks.
3. Higher Risk of Complications
o Combining procedures increases risk for issues like:
 Infection
 Seroma (fluid buildup)
 Poor wound healing or skin necrosis
4. Numbness or Sensory Changes
o Temporary or sometimes permanent changes in arm sensation can occur.
5. Cost
o More extensive than liposuction or arm lift alone.
Ideal Candidate for Combo Procedure:
• Significant upper arm fat and loose or sagging skin (often post-weight loss or aging).
• Non-smoker in good health with realistic expectations.
If you're considering this combo, it’s essential to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can assess your skin quality, fat distribution, and surgical goals.