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Arm Lift or Liposuction?
COSMETIC SURGERY
A recent survey found that 56% women would trade in every single pair of designer shoes they own to have perfect arms. But, while a staggering 3/4 of us apparently dislike the area, there’s no need to stick those heels on eBay quite yet…
Arm lift before and after photo
Looking at the end results above, can you tell whether the patient had an arm lift or a form of liposuction?
Probably not. The key to any successful procedure is the results being subtle enough to be undetectable, but dramatic enough to make a big difference from the original. However the treatments themselves (and the candidates that best suit them) are entirely different.
We explain why:
Types of Brachioplasty Liposuction
Put simply – liposuction is the best treatment for those looking to shift stubborn fat in the upper arms. It can help sculpt and shape areas we don’t like, and get rid of bulging pockets that simply won’t disappear in the gym. Once a complex procedure reserved for Hollywood’s elite, today the majority of its forms are far less invasive – requiring no hospital stay and minimal downtime – though different people will have different requirements. At The Private Clinic we provide three different forms of the treatment, depending on a patient’s needs: Surgical Liposuction, VASER Liposuction, and MicroLipo.
Click here to read Lynne’s experience of having Micro Liposuction to her arms.
VASER is one of the most popular forms of modern liposuction, achieving contouring and definition without excessive invasion. It works by loosening OnabotulinumtoxinAAbobotulinumtoxinAIncobotulinumtoxinAPrabotulinumtoxinALetibotulinumtoxinARimabotulinumtoxinBHyaluronic Acid FillersCalcium Hydroxylapatite FillersPoly-L-lactic Acid FillersPolymethylmethacrylate FillersAutologous Fat GraftingForehead Lines TreatmentGlabellar Frown Lines TreatmentCrow's Feet TreatmentBunny Lines TreatmentChemical Brow LiftLip FlipGummy Smile CorrectionMasseter ReductionJaw SlimmingDimpled Chin SmoothingCobblestone Chin SmoothingNefertiti Neck LiftMicro-BotoxMesotoxHyperhidrosis TreatmentChronic Migraine ReliefBruxism TreatmentTMJ TreatmentCervical Dystonia TreatmentNeck Spasm TreatmentBlepharospasm TreatmentLip AugmentationLip ContouringCheekbone EnhancementTear Trough FillersNasolabial Fold SofteningMarionette Line FillersLiquid RhinoplastyNon-Surgical Nose JobJawline ContouringJawline DefinitionChin AugmentationTemple VolumisingHand RejuvenationAcne Scar Subcision Filling cells from other tissues prior to removing them, meaning less risk of bruising or damage. This also means extreme precision, allowing suitable patients to achieve muscle toning and definition through its various forms including VASER Hi-Def and VASER 4D.
Like VASER, MicroLipo is minimally-invasive and performed under local anaesthetic. It gets its name through the extremely small cannulas (ranging between 0.9-3mm in size) used to extract fat which, in turn, makes it minimally-invasive with very little risk of noticeable scarring. Prior to removing any fat, a doctor will inject a special type of anaesthetic (tumescent) into the area which causes it to swell and become firm. Like VASER this means the fat cells are separated from other tissues, meaning far less damage and an easier recovery.
Before and 2 days after MicroLipo Arm Lift treatment.
This is why the treatment is particularly well suited to the arms, which require complex precision without excessive bruising. Likewise, MicroLipo is frequently used for sufferers of Lipoedema – a condition which causes areas of the body (often the legs) to store a disproportionate amount of fat.
The oldest and most traditional form of the three, Surgical Liposuction is commonly performed alongside an Arm Lift, or used on those who have a large amount of fat to remove. However, it is important to remember that liposuction is never an alternative to a healthy diet and should not be used as a method for weight loss. Fat cells that are removed are gone permanently, but this doesn’t stop other fat cells being able to store more.
Find out more about MicroLipo, VASER Liposuction or Surgical Liposuction.
Surgical Arm Lift
While liposuction can remove up to around 3 litres of fat, it can’t do anything about excess or untaught skin. This is where an surgical Arm Lift comes into play. The surgical treatment can be used on its own or in combination with surgical liposuction, to remove areas of sagging skin or lax muscle.
Arm lift before and after – This arm lift patient had little fat and good muscle tone, but found skin made her arms look bigger than they were.
As it is a serious surgery, an Arm Lift will normally be performed under general anaesthetic meaning you might require a stay in hospital overnight afterwards. Most clinics will work with you to ensure your specific wants are targeted, but the treatment normally begins with your surgeon making an incision on the inside of the arm near the armpit, from which loose skin is removed and lax muscles are tightened. It takes around two hours in total and you’ll normally need to wear garments for around 7-10 days after treatment to ensure the best results.
The treatment is all about reshaping the arm, and is therefore particularly well suited to those who have lost a large amount of weight or those who are experiencing problems with their arms due to ageing. However this doesn’t discredit others – if you are experiencing lax muscles or too much skin, a surgeon will explain to you your choices and what they recommend.
Find out more about Arm Lift treatment.
CoolSculpting non surgical fat removal treatment is an ideal alternative to liposuction and arm lift surgery if you are looking to reduce fat in the upper arm area. CoolSculpting, also known as Fat Freezing is an in-clinic treatment that uses controlled cooling to target and destroy the fat cells being treated. The treated fat cells are permanently destroyed and patients can expect to start seeing results within 8-12 weeks.
The treatment doesn’t require anaesthetic, no surgery and minimal downtime. An applicator will be applied to the area which has a vacuum which will pull the skin into the hollow of the applicator. You may feel slight discomfort as the area then begins to cool, but this will quickly become numb and you will be free to relax for around minutes whilst the procedure works. Once complete, you will receive a massage to the area to help disperse the fat cells and encourage the best results.
CoolSculpting works applying controlled freezing temperatures to the skin which freezes the cells beneath. The fat cells then crystallise and and die which is a process called apoptosis. The fat cells will then gradually be processed by the body and be naturally removed via the lymphatic system. Once the fat cells are removed from the body, they are unlikley to grow back meaning you can expect long lasting results.
Find out more about CoolSculpting treatment.
Summary
A staggering 75% of women dislike their upper arms. Thankfully, if the area is causing you issues, there are a number of targeted treatments available at The Private Clinic which are designed to shape and sculpt, depending on your particular complaint.
The easiest way to work out what you require is by remembering that liposuction and CoolSculpting is often best for fat removal, while an arm lift is the only way to get rid of excess skin. They are two entirely different procedures, suited for different needs and different outcomes.
Our experts are always available to help you find the best treatment for your requirements, so your most important research should always be digging deep to find a medical team that you can trust.
Why choose The Private Clinic for Arm Lift or Liposuction treatment?
The Private Clinic prides itself on ensuring you have the best quality and most comprehensive care:
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To find out more about the arm lift treatments we offer at The Private Clinic, please call or use our online arm lift or reduction contact form to request a call back.
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About The Private Clinic
The Private Clinic is a multi award winning medical group with clinics located across the UK. We have over 40 years’ experience in offering the best in advanced minimally invasive non surgical treatments and expert led surgical procedures in our clinics and hospitals. Our surgeons are all registered with the GMC (General Medical Council) and we are regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). The CQC is an independent regulator for health and social care in England. Last review March 10th 2023.
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Company reg: The Private Clinic is a trading name of TPC Group Limited (company registration number ) © 2026 The Private Clinic.
TPC Group Limited trading as The Private Clinic Harley Street London, which is an Appointed Representative of Chrysalis Finance Limited. TPC Group Limited is a credit broker, not a lender. Chrysalis Finance Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for credit broking and lending.