This information has been medically reviewed by Melbourne-based cosmetic doctor Dr. Gordon Ku. LinkedIn Profile here
To learn more about cosmetic surgery, what’s best for you, what to expect before and after, potential side effects and liposuction cost Melbourne, make contact. Our clinics in Australia have expert cosmetic surgery practitioners or surgeons, who hold general registration or specialist registration, and also offer non-surgical procedures.
What is Arm Liposuction?
Definition and process
Upper arm liposuction surgery is a type of liposuction that can remove excess fat from the upper arms for a more contoured and slimmer appearance. Arm lipo removes the stubborn fat deposits, typically from the posterior flap, that causes arms to ‘flap’ or ‘jiggle’, sculpting them into balanced proportion with long-term results that are often permanent. This is unwanted fat (arm fat) that has refused to budge despite regular exercise and a weight loss diet.
Fat removal is done via cannulas that are inserted into the treatment area to shake up the fat cells and extract them without disrupting surrounding tissues.
Benefits of arm liposuction
Arm liposuction benefits include:
- Slimmer and more toned arm shape
- Even appearance of the upper arms
- Long-lasting results that can be maintained through exercise and diet
- Can be combined with arm lift surgery (brachioplasty)
- Balanced body proportion
*results will vary patient to patient.
Surgical Warning: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Read more on the Risks of Surgery
Factors Influencing the Cost of Arm Liposuction
Practitioner’s expertise
Practitioner’s fees are influenced by how experienced the doctor is and their qualifications and accreditations. It is best to engage a practitioner who has expertise in your specific liposuction procedure to ensure best results. As this is surgery, always choose a practitioner who is fully qualified and has the experience needed to perform the procedure.
Clinic location
Clinic location can influence the cost of liposuction for arms, as can the time that you schedule your surgery. When selecting a clinic, ensure that it is fully accredited and has appropriately trained medical staff to oversee the procedure. Most high-quality clinics will publish this information publicly. Both hospital and theatre fees will be included in the cost provided to you.
Procedure complexity
The complexity of your cosmetic procedure has an impact on the total cost. For example, inner and outer thighs liposuction is generally a more major surgery than double chin liposuction and will cost more. It also depends on the liposuction technique used during the operation, from traditional tumescent liposuction to Vaser liposuction and power-assisted liposuction. Your doctor will inform you about which technique will produce the best results and let you know how much this will cost to perform.
Breakdown of Arm Liposuction Costs
Surgeon’s fees
Your surgeon fees are included in the total cost. This fee depends on factors such as:
- Time required in theatre
- Whether you are having other areas treated in the same procedure
- The amount of fat to be removed
- The qualifications and experience of the surgeon
- The complexity of surgery and the level of aftercare required
Anaesthesia costs
Your liposuction procedure can be performed, under a local anaesthetic or a general anaesthetic. Most liposuction surgeries for arms can be performed with a local anesthesia. If an anaesthetist is required, make sure that they are a member of the Australian Society of Anaesthetists and is properly qualified for surgery. Anaesthetists can charge up to $800 an hour but the cost will ultimately depend on how much anaesthesia is needed and how long you are in theatre. These fees are included in the initial price quote.
Hospital fees
Hospital fees vary by location and largely depend on factors such as how long your surgery procedure takes to complete. Most hospitals charge at an hourly rate. Arm liposuction is considered a same-day surgery so you will not have to spend the night. When being advised of hospitals, ensure the facility is fully accredited, has high standards and employs appropriately trained medical staff for liposuction.
Post-surgery care
Immediately after surgery, you will be fitted into compression garments that will help in shaping and contouring your arms as well as reduce swelling. These garments will need to be worn for around 4 weeks in most cases as you heal and are included in the cost of surgery. Aftercare fees are also included in the overall procedure cost.
Financing Options for Arm Liposuction
Health insurance coverage
Typically, Medicare and private health insurance funds won’t cover liposuction costs as it is considered cosmetic rather than a necessary surgical procedure. However, it is important that you get in contact with your insurance company to discuss the details of your health insurance and what, if any, costs it may cover so that you are financially prepared.
Preparing for Arm Liposuction
Consultation process
Your Me Clinic experience will begin with an initial consultation where you will meet with an experienced cosmetic surgery practitioner. This is where you will discuss your areas of concern, set realistic expectations for your procedure and discover the total cost of surgery. Your doctor will also give you a brief medical examination, explain the procedure from start to finish and discuss potential risks involved with arm liposuction.
Pre-surgery checklist
Before you go in for surgery, ensure that you have:
- Stopped smoking for 2 weeks prior to surgery
- Avoided blood-thinning medications for 2 weeks prior to surgery
- Arranged a pick-up to take you home post procedure
- Filled any prescriptions that you may need during recovery
- Have comfortable clothing to wear during recovery time
What to Expect During the Arm Liposuction Procedure
Step-by-step process
After you have been administered an anaesthetic, small incisions will be made in the treatment area that enable a cannula to be inserted. The unwanted fat will then be suctioned out using medical suctioning machines without disrupting blood vessels, nerves and surrounding tissues. If using Vaser liposuction, ultrasound waves will be used to liquify the solid fat beforehand so that it is easier to suction out. Vaser has the additional benefit of stimulating collagen fibres to enhance skin elasticity and firm excess skin after liposuction.
Arm liposuction can be accompanied with brachioplasty for further shaping and contouring of the arms. You can also combine arm liposuction with other areas of the body, including double chin liposuction, chin and neck liposuction, stomach liposuction and back liposuction.
Anaesthesia and pain management
Arm liposuction is performed under sedation, using either local anaesthesia or general anesthesia. The purpose of the anaesthesia is to numb the treatment area so that you can remain comfortable during the procedure. Painkiller medication may be prescribed to you to manage the pain while recovering at home.
The cost of the anesthetic and the anaesthetist will be included in the total cost.
Recovery and Post-Procedure Care
Immediate post-surgery care
Immediately after surgery, you will be fitted into compression garments to reduce swelling and assist in sculpting and contouring the arms. Mild bruising, discomfort and fluid leakage from the treated area are common for 3-5 days following surgery. Most patients can resume normal activities after one week but you should avoid any strenuous activities.
Your total recovery time will depend on the amount of fat removed as well as your general health and wellbeing.
Long-term care and maintenance
Arm liposuction surgery requires minimal downtime. You will need to attend follow-up appointments to ensure that the treatment area is healing correctly. For long-term results, you will be instructed to follow a healthy lifestyle including a healthy diet and regular exercise to prevent future weight gain elsewhere in the body.
Before and After Images
We think that it’s important to provide before and after photos of past patients so that future patients can see real results on real people. You can find photos and detailed case studies of patients who have visited our clinic in Melbourne and our clinics across Australia. These experiences show you what is possible with liposuction only and are not a guarantee of what will be achievable for you as every body is different.
Surgical Warning: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Risks associated with liposuction may include but are not limited to infection, scarring, adverse reaction to anesthesia, changes in skin sensation, damage to underlying structures, unsatisfactory results, and the need for additional procedures. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Disclaimer: The information on the website is for general guidance only and cannot be used as a basis to make a surgical decision. An initial consultation with our surgeon is required to assess if you’re a suitable candidate and to help you make an informed decision before proceeding with any surgical procedure.
Is arm liposuction covered by insurance?
Generally, arm liposuction is not covered by insurance as it is not considered a necessary medical procedure. However, every case is different so contact your insurer to discuss whether you can claim a rebate on any part of the surgery.
Are there any hidden costs in arm liposuction?
At Me Clinic, we value transparency every step of the way on your liposuction journey. During your initial consultation with us, we will discuss in detail the total cost of your procedure and everything that the price covers. If there are any out-of-pocket expenses, we will let you know in advance.
