What is arm liposuction?

VASER HD technology is used by Dr. Alexis Delobaux, the leading arm liposuction surgeon in Bordeaux.The ultrasound generated by this technology has a major effect on re-tensioning your skin, reducing the distended effect of weight variations or age-related sagging, responsible for a "flabby" appearance of your arm silhouette.
What areas of the arms can be treated with liposuction?
3 areas of the arms can be treated with liposuction:Â Â
- The back of the arm
- The outside of the arm
- Inner arm.
- The outer arm and the posterior are the areas for which liposuction offers the best results.
For the inner arm, Dr. Alexis Delobaux always performs careful, moderate liposuction, using the finest cannula possible (3 to 4 mm); the skin in this fragile area is not very elastic, so there's no risk of unsightly bumps.
Procedure for liposuction of the arms
On the day of the operation, the surgeon makes precise drawings of the areas to be treated, giving you the opportunity to ask any final questions about the procedure. Â
The medical (anesthetist) and paramedical team will then take charge of you and install you in the operating room.Â
Surgical technique
Liposuction of the upper arms is a cosmetic surgery technique that removes fatty deposits from the upper arms to give them a more harmonious shape.
Arm liposuction is performed on the outer and inner parts of the arms. Thanks to this procedure," explains Dr. Alexis Delobaux, "you'll obtain visible and definitive results, such as the disappearance of stubborn fat. The surgery has been developed to camouflage scars, leaving only minor ones.
Gentle liposuction on the inner arms helps to avoid waves and bumps on the skin, as well as unsightly skin irregularities.
For Dr. Alexis Delobaux, the principle is to avoid excessive liposuction, as the risk of skin slackening could lead to an unsightly result, unless the patient decides to combine liposuction of the arms with skin removal (arm lift, for example).
In the case of female patients, excessive liposuction would result in excessive muscle visibility, giving the patient a masculine appearance.
What is the anaesthetic?
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and lasts an average of 45 min to 1h30.
The main technical features:
After anesthesia, small incisions of a few millimeters are made to start the infiltration of a saline solution with adrenaline and a local anesthetic to reduce bleeding and increase your comfort on waking.Â
Surgeon Alexis Delobaux then passes an ultrasound probe under the skin into the deep and superficial fat to liquefy it and facilitate its removal.Â
The fat is then aspirated using a conventional cannula, in a gentle, non-traumatizing way since it has been liquefied beforehand.
This procedure significantly reduces oedema, bruising and bleeding compared to conventional liposuction.
How are the scars?
The scars measure 3 mm, and are distributed over the arm, 3 per arm. They are very discreet, almost invisible on average.
Arm liposuction results
The final result of liposuction of the arms is not immediate, as the initial swelling associated with the procedure camouflages it. On average, it takes 1 month to see the difference, with an indurated area persisting under the skin for up to 3 to 6 months, depending on the patient. In most cases, the final result is obtained after 6 months.
Massaging the treated area has a positive effect and can shorten this period. On the other hand, patients with the beginnings of skin sagging will need to be patient for up to 6 months to allow the skin time to concentrate on its new, smaller volume.
Several follow-up consultations are scheduled, approximately 1 month, 3 months, 6 months or even 1 year after the procedure.
What happens after the operation?
Sports activities can be resumed after 4 weeks. Avoiding smoking and sun exposure helps the healing process.
You will see your surgeon several times for follow-up consultations.
A compression garment should be worn for 6 to 8 weeks after the operation.
Pain may persist for an average of 15 to 21 days, but you'll have all the prescriptions you need for your comfort.
Any variation in weight will lead to a variation in results, so it's up to you to take care of your lifestyle to avoid major weight variations.
Early and regular manual lymph drainage (48 hours after surgery) is highly recommended.
Aches and pains
Pain may persist for a few days after the operation, but you will have all the prescriptions you need for your comfort.
Wearing a compression garment (compression cuffs)Â
Cuffs are worn day and night for 6 to 8 weeks, depending on the patient. This compressive garment provides excellent support for the treated areas, helping to absorb edema, limit bruising and promote skin retraction.
The arm support garment is worn after liposuction for 6 to 8 weeks, depending on the patient.
The first shower is authorized the day after the operation and is an integral part of the treatment to avoid maceration.
Transient edema
Edema (swelling) and ecchymosis (bruising) are common and frequent. The swelling may persist for a few weeks, disappearing completely within 3 to 6 months.
Insensitivity and numbness of the skin may occur, and are normal. These inconveniences disappear completely after a few weeks.
Rest recommended
When you return home, Dr. Alexis Delobaux recommends a few days' complete rest (particularly as regards arm mobility), and the avoidance of sports or violent activities for several weeks. You should also take 3 to 5 days off work.
What happens if there are imperfections?
If any imperfections remain, they can be treated on an outpatient basis. A simple surgical procedure under local anaesthetic is all that's needed. However, this return to the OR can only be scheduled after the sixth month following the operation, to allow time for scars to mature and skin retraction to become appreciable.
Post-operative consultations
Regular follow-up consultations are scheduled, so that the plastic surgeon can ensure a happy post-operative follow-up. Final photos will be taken one year after the operation.
What are the risks of surgery?
Whatever the type of surgery, cosmetic or otherwise, risks and complications can occur, but are fortunately rare.
Bruising is systematic, but resolves within a few weeks.
Infection is rare, given the absence of detachment when only fat is suctioned.
Sensory disturbances may be felt, but will subside after a few weeks.
An imperfect result, asymmetry of the arms, a non-smooth, "wave-like" appearance, may be due to the surgical technique used (irregular trabeculae, too superficial, with a cannula that is not fine enough) or to a poor indication. Dr. Delobaux is available to offer remote solutions for correction (complement, lipofilling, dermolipectomy, etc.).
Price of VASER HD Liposuction
The results offered by this type of technique are far superior to those of conventional liposuction.
This is due to the ultrasound technology, which enables greater removal of fat from all layers.
The technologies used are costly and require special maintenance due to their fragility.
To find out more about pricing conditions, please contact our assistant on 07 59 59 86 82.
Is it possible to take charge?
In the majority of cases, liposuction of the arms is purely cosmetic and is therefore not covered by social security.