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Many people struggle with stubborn fat deposits in the upper arms that are resistant to diet and exercise. Arm liposuction at Cosmetic Surgery Associates provides a targeted approach to sculpting the arms, resulting in a leaner and more confident appearance.
Recovery:
3-7 Days
Cost:
Starts at $7K+
Results:
3 Months
What is Arm Liposuction?
Arm liposuction is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that removes unwanted fat from the upper arms to create a more slender and proportionate silhouette. By using advanced techniques, Dr. Richards, Dr. Jabs, and Dr. Magge can precisely target stubborn fat cells while preserving the natural contours of the arm. This procedure is an excellent solution for individuals who wish to address fullness or lack of definition in their upper arms without extensive surgery.
Good Candidates for Arm Liposuction
Ideal candidates for arm liposuction are healthy adults who are at or near their ideal weight but have localized fat deposits in the upper arms that do not improve with lifestyle changes. Candidates should have good skin elasticity to achieve the best results, as the skin needs to contract smoothly after fat removal. If patients do have excess skin on their upper arms, skin tightening procedures like an arm lift can be considered. It is important to have realistic expectations about what this procedure can and cannot achieve. Your surgeon will discuss this in detail at your consultation.
Arm Liposuction Technique
The arm liposuction only requires a few tiny incisions, typically placed in the armpit or near the elbow. Scars can be easily concealed in these areas, allowing for seamless, natural-looking results. Through these incisions, a thin cannula is inserted to gently break up and suction out the unwanted fat. Traditional liposuction uses a vacuum-like device to suck out the excess fat cells. Our board-certified plastic surgeons also offer advanced laser-assisted liposuction technology like SmartLipo and J-Plasma Renuvion®, which use various forms of energy to assist in easy fat removal. These methods help minimize trauma to surrounding tissues, resulting in less bruising and a shorter recovery period.
Consultation
Before arm liposuction, patients will receive a comprehensive consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon at Cosmetic Surgery Associates in Bethesda, MD. Your surgeon will review your medical history, discuss your concerns and goals, and assess the condition of your upper arms to create a personalized treatment plan. This visit is the perfect time to ask questions, explore before and after photos, and learn about the anticipated results and recovery process. Our team is committed to creating a welcoming environment and providing all the details you need to make an informed decision.
Preparation
To prepare for an arm liposuction procedure, patients may be asked to stop taking certain medications or supplements, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and arrange for assistance on the day of surgery. Preparing your home for a comfortable recovery and keeping open communication with your surgeon can further optimize your surgical experience and outcome.
Arm Liposuction Procedure
Arm liposuction can be performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on your comfort level and the extent of the procedure. After marking the targeted areas, the surgeon makes a few tiny incisions to access the fat deposits and removes them using the liposuction techniques determined at your initial consultation. Our expert plastic surgeons precisely remove the unwanted fat cells to preserve the surrounding tissues while creating a smooth, natural-looking contour between the treated and untreated areas. The procedure usually takes one to two hours, unless combined with other treatments, and patients can return home the same day.
Arm Liposuction Recovery
Mild swelling, bruising, and tenderness around the treated areas are common during the first 1-2 weeks of liposuction recovery. Your surgeon may prescribe pain medication, but some patients can manage their discomfort with over-the-counter medication alone. A compression garment will be provided and should be worn at all times for several weeks to minimize swelling and encourage healthy blood flow for proper healing. Most people can return to light activities within a few days, but more strenuous activities should be avoided for about four weeks or until advised by their surgeon. Follow-up appointments ensure your healing progresses as expected and that your final results develop beautifully.
Results from Arm Liposuction
The results of arm liposuction gradually develop as swelling subsides. Within two weeks, you will see slimmer, more sculpted arms with improved definition and proportion. Results are long-lasting if patients maintain a stable weight with a diet and exercise regimen following surgery. Many patients report increased confidence, especially when wearing short sleeves, fitted clothing, or swimwear.
Schedule an Arm Liposuction Consultation
If you have stubborn arm fat that is resistant to diet and exercise, consider an arm liposuction procedure with our expert team at Cosmetic Surgery Associates. Schedule a consultation today by calling our office or filling out an online contact form. Our Bethesda, MD office is located only 2 miles from North Bethesda and 5 miles away from Potomac & Rockville.
Keshav Magge, MD, FACS
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Honored as a Top Doctor by Bethesda Magazine and Washingtonian in both 2024 and 2025, Dr. Magge is recognized for his exceptional surgical skill, artistic precision, and patient-centered approach. A leading plastic surgeon in Bethesda, Maryland, he completed a fellowship in Craniofacial and Pediatric Plastic Surgery at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C., where he gained advanced expertise in facial rejuvenation and aesthetic surgery innovations.
Meet Dr. Magge
A. Dean Jabs, MD, PhD, FACS
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Jabs is an award-winning, board-certified plastic surgeon recognized nationally for his expertise in creating natural-looking results and his warm, compassionate approach to patient care. Trained in NY at Columbia University, he served in the US Army and has special expertise in facial rejuvenation. He has over 35 years of experience and has consistently been voted a top plastic surgeon by Washingtonian and Bethesda magazine.
Meet Dr. Jabs
Franklin D. Richards, MD, FACS
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Richards has been recognized as a Top Doctor by several prestigious organizations, including Castle Connolly, Consumers’ Research Council of America, and Washingtonian magazine. A leading plastic surgeon in Bethesda, Maryland, Dr. Richards is the past Chief of Plastic Surgery at Johns Hopkins Suburban Hospital. His expertise is in achieving natural results in facelift and eyelid surgery, with additional interests in cosmetic surgery of the breast and abdomen.
Meet Dr. Richards
Complementary Procedures
Arm Lift
Liposuction is often included with arm lift surgery to simultaneously address excess fat and sagging skin on the upper arms. An arm lift with liposuction is a great option for individuals who have undergone significant weight loss and desire a firmer and more youthful arm shape. Arm lift techniques can also be used to prevent loose skin after liposuction treatment.
Abdomen and Waist Liposuction
The abdomen and waist are other areas where stubborn fat commonly develops. Liposuction can simultaneously address excess fat in multiple areas of the body during one plastic surgery procedure. This allows for a more comprehensive result and one recovery period.
Fat Grafting
Fat grafting is a two-step procedure that uses liposuction to remove unwanted fat cells from one area of the body, like the arms. These fat cells are then purified and injected into areas like the face, buttocks, or breasts to enhance their contours.
The staff was amazing and made me feel comfortable every step of the way.
Get it DONE! The staff was amazing and made me feel comfortable every step of the way. My results are amazing, and I conquered the biggest hurdle in this journey - picking the correct Doctor and team. No regrets. Thank you, CSA.
– verified patient
I have been going to CSA for over a year, and it’s always such a nice visit.
I have been going to CSA for over a year, and it's always such a nice visit. Super professional, and I always feel taken care of.
– verified patient
I AM SO HAPPY I FOUND COSMETIC SURGERY ASSOCIATES.
I had such an amazing overall experience at Cosmetic Surgery Associates. The staff is very pleasant. I had my first invasive cosmetic procedure done back in September, and the final results are amazing. I LOVE IT. I'm so much happier with my body now. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. Prior to my surgery, I had been thinking about this for a while, and I'm so happy I made the decision to go through with it. I AM SO HAPPY I FOUND COSMETIC SURGERY ASSOCIATES. HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!
– verified patient
Their equipment, skill level, and expertise are superb.
This practice is truly outstanding! Their equipment, skill level, and expertise are superb. The staff is extremely friendly, kind, and professional; they make you feel comfortable as soon as you walk in the door.
– verified patient
Every single person in their office makes you feel so welcomed and comfortable the moment you step into the office.
Every single person in their office makes you feel so welcomed and comfortable the moment you step into the office. The day of my surgery, the staff took amazing care of me and went above and beyond to calm my nerves, talk me through it, and made it such a great experience. I highly recommend this office. I can't thank them enough for all that they did for me!
– verified patient
My experience there was beyond 5 stars.
My experience there was beyond 5 stars. From taking the appointment to post surgery. Even now after 10 months, the follow ups are outstanding. The whole staff took great care of me and the results are what I expected. Thank you for everything. Don't think twice and use this clinic if you want best in class service and the best result.
– verified patient
All of the staff were highly knowledgeable, and I received consistent direction and guidance from all of the staff.
Literally every staff member I interacted with from the front desk down to the surgical team gave stellar customer service and truly made me feel comfortable. My sister even felt the warm energy from the staff after meeting them the morning of surgery. All of the staff were highly knowledgeable, and I received consistent direction and guidance from all of the staff. I would highly recommend Cosmetic Surgery Associates to anyone seeking a cosmetic procedure!
– verified patient
I can’t stress enough how great this whole experience has been.
I can't stress enough how great this whole experience has been. Not only did he make me feel comfortable in my body, but 10x more confident. His work is truly beautiful. 100% recommend!!
– verified patient
I feel very comfortable and look better in my clothes.
The staff are professional, caring, and pay attention to detail. Almost 10 months post op. The results exceeded my expectations. I feel very comfortable and look better in my clothes. I'm so grateful. I highly recommend this practice.
– verified patient
The staff was wonderful, respectful, accommodating, and very knowledgeable!
The staff was wonderful, respectful, accommodating, and very knowledgeable! The facility was very clean and one of the staff members helped me work the coffee machine for a fresh cup of coffee!
– verified patient
Patient Photos
View our gallery to see photographs of real patient results at Cosmetic Surgery Associates.
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