Brachioplasty Or Arm Liposuction?
This question is probably one of the most confusing to my patients who come in striving for information on what I call “the very dangerous Internet”. Over the past few years, liposuction has been hyped and hyped and hyped to the extent that it is being performed in many cases where it should not.
So, here are some basic concepts that I hope will help you choose between brachioplasty and liposuction:
- Liposuction removes fat but not skin. Most patients come in grabbing a roll they want to remove, thinking only about the fat. However, rolls are a combination of fat and skin.
- Removal of volume, i.e. fat, makes us looser, not tighter.
- Liposuction of any sort (even laser or ultrasound) does a poor job of tightening the skin.
The best candidates for liposuction are the ones with good skin elasticity. Paradoxically our younger patients, the ones who should need liposuction the least, do the best.
So, hold your arms out at your side. Wiggle them front to back. If there is a hanging bunch of skin and fat that swings in the breeze, you will likely need to remove the fat and tighten the fabric or skin of your arm. That makes you a candidate for brachioplasty. However, if the fat stays firm with you, you may be a candidate for arm liposuction.
When in doubt, rest assured I will always be happy to guide you.
November 24, 2022 4:32 am
Categories: Blog