Arm Liposuction in Novi, Michigan

At Illuum Cosmetic Surgery in Novi, board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Lakin and Dr. Ozolins offer arm liposuction using an advanced power-assisted technique for superior results. This popular procedure reduces stubborn fat in the upper arms to achieve a more toned appearance. It requires tiny incisions with little downtime and provides long-lasting improvements. Illuum Cosmetic Surgery empowers patients with innovative techniques and excellent care, helping them achieve their dream appearance.

What Is Arm Liposuction?

Arm liposuction is a procedure that removes excess fat from the upper arm area. It is done using a cannula, which is a thin tube inserted through tiny incisions to loosen and suction out fat deposits. The procedure usually takes 1–2 hours for both arms. Liposuction aims to reshape the body by reducing localized pockets of fat that do not respond to diet or exercise. Typical candidates have good skin tone and near-ideal body weight.

Arm Liposuction
Before & After

Our Technique: Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL)

PAL is a type of liposuction that uses a specialized cannula with a mechanized system that creates tiny back-and-forth motions while removing fat. This allows the surgeon to take out fat more easily compared to traditional liposuction. During a PAL procedure, the surgeon makes tiny incisions and inserts the cannula attached to a power source. As this device vibrates, the fat is loosened and suctioned out. PAL allows fat removal from fibrous areas, such as the back, flanks, and upper abdomen. It can also be used in softer zones, like the arms, neck, and inner thighs. This technique provides excellent results with less bruising and trauma to the tissues.

Consultation & Preparation for Arm Liposuction

Before undergoing arm liposuction, patients schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Lakin or Dr. Ozolins. This meeting involves the following:

Evaluation of the patient's arms
Discussion of the patient’s goals
Review of the patient’s medical history
Determining if the patient is a good candidate for the procedure
Discussion of the surgery details, including the technique used, type of anesthesia, possible risks and complications, expected recovery, and costs

Next, patients receive detailed preoperative instructions to help them prepare. These may include guidelines regarding eating, drinking, smoking, medication use, and other health-related behaviors in the weeks before the procedure. Our board-certified plastic surgeon may recommend certain vitamin supplements or prescriptions to help facilitate healing. Preparing for childcare, housekeeping, transportation, and time off work is also crucial in pre-surgery planning.

Arm Liposuction Procedure

Markings

The surgeon carefully marks the areas on the arms to be treated with liposuction. These markings help guide the surgeon during the procedure. We mark both the front and back of the arms to precisely indicate the zones with excess fat.

Anesthesia

Arm Liposuction surgery can be performed under general anesthesia, where the patient is fully asleep, or under local anesthesia with sedation, keeping the patient awake but relaxed and comfortable. The choice of anesthesia depends on the patient’s health and personal preferences.

Tumescent Solution

The surgeon injects a large volume of diluted local anesthetic, called tumescent solution, into the fat beneath the skin of the arms. It numbs the area to minimize pain and discomfort during and after the procedure. The solution also causes the fat to swell and become softer, making it easier to remove.

Incisions

After allowing the tumescent solution to take effect (30 minutes), the surgeon makes several small incisions along the underside of the upper arm. These openings provide access to the fat deposits.

Power-Assisted Liposuction

The surgeon inserts a powered cannula attached to a suction device to extract fat. Power-assisted technology removes more tissue with less effort than traditional liposuction. The surgeon moves the cannula back and forth in a controlled motion to break up fat cells.

Closing Incisions

Once the desired improvement is achieved, the doctor closes the small incisions with sutures. Light dressings and compression garments are applied to complete the procedure.

Add-On Procedure: Arm Lift

Arm liposuction can help remove stubborn pockets of fat, but if a patient has baseline excess lax skin as well, we recommend adding an arm lift procedure (brachioplasty). Liposuction alone does not address excess skin, and If skin excision is not performed, sagging skin may remain afterward. An arm lift procedure removes this loose tissue and enhances the results. Therefore, it is often necessary to combine these two surgeries. Arm lift surgery begins with anesthesia and an incision in the inner arm between the armpit and the elbow. Excess skin and tissue are removed. The remaining tissue is then smoothed out, and the incision is closed. Combining arm lifts with liposuction allows fat removal and skin tightening in one procedure. It produces better, more natural-looking results overall.

Recovery After Arm Liposuction

First 24 Hours

Immediately after liposuction, the arms may be swollen, bruised, and tender. Patients typically wear a compression garment to minimize these symptoms. Pain medication and rest are important during the first day of recovery.

Week 1

Inflammation and bruising continue to subside in the first week after surgery. Patients are advised to keep their arms elevated as much as possible to reduce swelling. Some numbness and tenderness around the incision sites are expected. Patients should avoid strenuous activity for the first 7 days, only doing gentle movements to prevent arm stiffness.

Weeks 2–4

In the second to fourth weeks after surgery, swelling dissipates further, and patients feel more comfortable moving their arms. Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided, but light daily activities can be resumed. Some numbness around incision sites might persist. Scars may be red or pink during this time but will continue fading.

4 Weeks and Beyond

Four weeks after arm liposuction, Most patients have healed and feel little to no pain, swelling, or numbness. Scars continue to mature, and arm contours look smooth. At this point, patients can resume their regular exercise routines and activities. Some numbness around scars may remain for several more months before fully resolving.

Candidates for Arm Liposuction

Good Skin Elasticity

Patients with good skin elasticity are good candidates for arm liposuction. Their tissue can better conform to the new body contours after fat removal. People with lower elasticity may have excessive loose skin. However, we can address this problem with an additional arm lift.

Localized Fat Deposits

Arm liposuction is designed for patients with localized fat deposits in the upper arms, particularly in the triceps area. It works best when addressing fat in a specific area rather than widespread fat.

Realistic Expectations

Good candidates have realistic expectations about the procedure and results. They aim for subtle improvements rather than dramatic fat removal. Candidates should know that liposuction has limits and cannot fix skin dimpling or cellulite. Realistic expectations lead to greater satisfaction.

Good Health

Those in overall good health make better candidates. They are less likely to experience complications during and after surgery. For the fewest complications, patients should be nonsmokers with no significant medical issues, such as blood clotting disorders or severe heart disease.

Near-Ideal Body Weight

Candidates must be at or near their ideal body weight. This plastic surgery procedure aims to slim stubborn fat pockets, not provide significant weight loss.

Benefits of Arm Liposuction

Reduces Excess Fat in the Arms: Arm liposuction is an effective procedure for removing localized pockets of fat in the upper arms. During this cosmetic surgery, Dr. Lakin and Dr. Ozolins make small incisions and insert a cannula attached to a vacuum device to suction out excess fat. This results in a slimmer, more contoured appearance of the arms.

Improves Body Contours and Proportions: Liposuction can help improve overall body contours. For those who feel that their arms are disproportionately large compared to other areas, this surgical procedure offers a solution for better balance and aesthetics. It improves contours between the arms, shoulders, and upper back.

Minimally Invasive With Quick Recovery: Liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure that requires only tiny incisions. It is typically performed under local anesthesia as an outpatient surgery. Most patients experience only mild discomfort and swelling in the first 7 days. While compression garments may be worn for a few weeks, most patients can return to non-strenuous daily activities within a few days.

Provides Long-Lasting Results: The fat cells removed via liposuction are permanently eliminated from the body. If patients maintain a stable body weight and a healthy lifestyle, the improvements will remain for years. Compared to non-surgical fat reduction treatments, the results are generally longer lasting.

Cost of Arm Liposuction in Novi, Michigan

The cost of arm liposuction in Novi ranges from $3,500 to $8,000. The price varies depending on the extent of the procedure, the type of anesthesia, and additional fees. Patients typically pay between $3,500 and $5,500 for basic arm liposuction. More complex procedures requiring extensive contouring may cost around $8,000. Patients can receive accurate price quotes during the initial consultation with Dr. Lakin or Dr. Ozolins. Illuum Cosmetic Surgery also offers flexible financing options to make payments more convenient.

What Makes Our Arm Liposuction Different From Others?

Illuum Cosmetic Surgery is a top destination for liposuction procedures due to our commitment to innovation, accessibility, body positivity, integrity, and safety. Our board-certified plastic surgeons combine skill, artistry, and the highest ethical standards to offer excellent improvements. We continuously implement innovative techniques and treat each patient as a unique individual. From consultation to procedure and recovery, our team provides a holistic experience where people feel comfortable, understood, and inspired to illuminate their best selves.

Arm Liposuction in Novi, Michigan

What Is Arm Liposuction?

Our Technique: Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL)

Consultation & Preparation for Arm Liposuction