Lipoaspiration or liposuction of the arms

The fat that appears on the arms over the years always has a polyfactorial origin. Some factors are constitutive, such as genetics, hormones or gender: there's nothing we can do about it.

Other factors are taken for granted, such as lifestyle (sports hygiene) or diet: however, acting on these variables does not always guarantee arm loss.

Stuffy arms will then weigh down the upper part of the figure, causing aesthetic, functional (for dressing) and sometimes psychological problems, in social life (going swimming, walking bare-armed) or personal life.

Arm liposuction removes this excess fat permanently, as fat cells are unable to multiply.

However, as Dr Santini points out, you must also maintain a healthy lifestyle if you don't want the remaining adipocytes to start storing new fat again.

Social security does not cover aesthetic liposuction of the arms, so no sick leave can be prescribed.

That's why it's important to allow at least 2 to 3 days of downtime after the operation.

You will need to undergo a pre-operative check-up, during which Dr. Santini will verify that there is no excess skin, which could require an arm lift.

Its analysis is both medical and aesthetic, to understand the cause of those big arms, eliminate other factors such as water retention and offer you the best solutions according to your expectations and needs.

Her aesthetic eye will determine whether other gestures are needed to harmoniously reshape a slimmer, more dynamic upper figure.

Medical photos are taken for follow-up.

A consultation with the anaesthetist is compulsory, and should take place no later than 48 hours before the operation, to enable the anaesthetist to carry out any additional tests that may be necessary.

Dr. Santini will also prescribe compression sleeves to be worn as a bandage after liposuction, for 6 weeks.

All medications containing aspirin should be avoided for 10 days prior to surgery.

Oral contraception should be discontinued 1 month prior to liposuction of the arms in order to reduce the risk of thromboembolism.

We strongly advise you to stop smoking at least 1 month before and 1 month after surgery, to facilitate healing and avoid post-operative infection.

You will also be asked to wash your body and hair with Betadine the day before and the morning of the operation.
You must not eat, drink or smoke for 6 hours before the operation.

Arm liposuction is usually performed on an outpatient basis (same-day discharge with surgeon's approval). It is performed in the surgical unit, under perfectly safe and aseptic conditions.

After drawing the contours with a surgical marker, Dr. Christelle Santini sucks out the localized fat from the arms using foam liposuction cannulas, making micro-incisions of 3 to 4 mm beforehand.

The micro-incisions are concealed in the natural folds of the arms, so they are virtually invisible after healing.

It sweeps over the area to be vacuumed, without creating strong depressions that could pull the skin inwards (wave effect).
The gesture is regular, to obtain a beautiful symmetry, with slimmer, more sensual arms.

All faces can be worked in this way, especially the inside.

Allow an average of 1 to 2 hours operating time for liposuction of the arms.

Brachial liposuction is completed by applying absorbable stitches to the micro-incisions, followed by a pressure dressing.

In certain cases, Dr Christelle Santini may prescribe a subcutaneous anticoagulant to minimize the risk of phlebitis.
When you are discharged, it is strongly recommended that someone accompany you home.

Following brachial liposuction, oedema (swelling) often appears, which will disappear completely after 15-20 days, and ecchymosis (bruising) for about ten days.

Pain, albeit moderate, is systematically relieved by simple analgesics, to ensure maximum comfort.

Depending on the amount of fat removed, you may also feel very tired.

It is essential to wear a compression bolero 24 hours a day, to flatten the skin and prevent tissue detachment.

The sutures are absorbable, but several post-operative consultations with Dr Christelle Santini at her practice are still required.

Exposure of the operated area to the sun is prohibited for at least three months.

You can resume sporting activities 4 to 6 weeks after the operation.

Before 3 weeks, no changes can be judged, as this is the time needed for the edema to completely resolve.

The final result of liposuction will be obtained after 6 months, by which time the elastic skin will have returned to harmoniously shaping the slimmer volumes.

• Same-day return home
• 3 to 7 days of professional downtime
• Final result at 6 months

What to do before brachial liposuction?

• 1 to 2 consultations with your plastic surgeon, including the taking of medical photographs
• Delivery and signature of the estimate, respecting the 15-day legal deadline between the first consultation and the liposuction of the arms
• Anesthesia consultation, blood test.

What is the procedure for liposuction of the arms?

• Usually short general anesthesia.
• 1 h to 2 h, depending on the amount of fat removed and the number of areas treated.
• Concealed micro-incisions.
• Return home after arm liposuction the same day, more rarely the following morning.

What is the post-operative course of liposuction of the arms?

• Wear a compression girdle over the arms for 4 to 6 weeks.
• Anticoagulants for 7 to 10 days.
• Follow-up visit with your plastic surgeon 7 to 10 days after the procedure.
• The threads used in liposuction are absorbable.
• Stopping sport after arm liposuction for four to six weeks.
• Allow 3 to 7 days off work after brachial liposuction.
• Final result obtained after 6 months for a harmonious look.