Dr. Smith’s meticulous techniques mean you’ll forget you ever had arm lipo incisions.
You may be considering arm liposuction to refine the contours of your upper arms. During this procedure, small incisions are made to insert the cannula – a thin tube used to suction out unwanted fat.
While this is a minimally invasive technique, incisions are necessary to allow for precise sculpting of the treatment area.
What are arm lipo incisions and how are they made?
At our practice, Dr. Darren Smith creates small, strategically placed incisions to access the deeper fat deposits in your arms. Using his artistic eye and surgical skills, he sculpts beautiful, smooth curves and athletic contours.
The incisions are made just large enough to allow the cannula to pass through, typically measuring less than a centimeter. We take great care to ensure the incisions are as inconspicuous as possible.
Where on the arm are lipo incisions typically located?
The incisions for arm liposuction are often made on the inside of the upper arm, where there is less muscle or tissue. This allows Dr. Smith to discreetly place the incisions in a hidden area that will be less noticeable.
Other common locations include the armpit region or along the back of the arm. The specific placement depends on factors like your anatomy, amount of fat to be removed, and desired outcome.
Our goal is to keep incisions in areas that will heal well and be hidden by the natural contours of your arm. During your consultation, Dr. Smith will determine the optimal sites.
How do surgeons decide the placement of arm lipo incisions?
There are a few key factors that guide our surgical planning for incision placement:
- Accessibility – We need to be able to easily insert the cannula to effectively treat the entire area. Discreet locations like the inner arm allow for full range of motion.
- Visibility – Prioritizing minimal scarring, we avoid areas that would leave obvious marks. The inner arm offers both accessibility and subtle placement.
- Your anatomy – Considering your unique fat deposits and muscle structure, we identify areas that will yield the best overall improvement.
- Amount of fat removal – If greater volumes need to be suctioned, additional incisions may allow for better fat removal.
- Your goals – Keeping your vision in mind, we prefer sites that will enhance your desired outcome, whether dramatic shaping or subtle refinement.
Through his experience, Dr. Smith is able to determine the ideal incision pattern tailored specifically to you.
What can I expect the arm lipo incisions to look like immediately after surgery?
It’s normal for the incisions to appear slightly inflamed or red after surgery. There may be some bruising, swelling and tenderness surrounding the sites as your body begins healing.
We’ll cover the incisions with protective gauze so you won’t need to directly tend to the sites as you recover. A compression garment worn for several weeks after surgery will also help reduce swelling and promote healing.
While the incisions may seem more noticeable at first, most patients find they fade significantly over time.
How long does it typically take for arm lipo incisions to heal?
Our patients find that arm lipo incisions heal relatively quickly, without the need for stitches or staples. The incisions will completely close within 7-10 days as long as you care for them properly. Any residual redness or swelling can take a few more weeks to fully resolve.
Most of our patients feel comfortable going out in public within 2-3 weeks as the incisions continue to fade. By 6 weeks, the sites are typically healed well, with only faint scarring that keeps improving over the next few months.
Proper scar care can further minimize any marks. With small, strategically placed incisions, most patients are pleased at how subtly they heal.
What are the signs of proper healing for arm lipo incisions?
Here are some signs that your incisions are healing well:
- Incisions are fully sealed with no openings
- Surrounding skin is no longer red or inflamed
- No drainage or oozing from the incisions
- No swelling, heat, or excessive tenderness around the sites
- Scars are smooth and flat, without keloids or raised areas
- Early scars begin to fade from pink to white over time
- You can move your arms normally without pain or pulling at the incisions
Monitoring for any increased redness, swelling, warmth, drainage or pain can help identify potential issues requiring follow-up. But rest assured our techniques promote quick, proper healing. Let us know if you have any concerns.
Are there any specific care instructions for arm lipo incisions post-surgery?
To promote optimal healing, be sure to:
- Keep incisions clean and dry for the first week, then gently cleanse with soap and water.
- Apply antibiotic ointment and change dressings as directed.
- Avoid exposing scars to the sun for at least 12 months.
- Once healed, gently massage scars with oil to improve their appearance.
- Wear your compression garment as recommended, to reduce swelling and support healing.
- Refrain from putting tension on incisions for the first 2 weeks.
- Take care not to bump or injure treated areas while still healing.
- Attend all scheduled follow-up visits so we can monitor your progress.
Proper incision care and wound protection will help you achieve beautiful results. Let us know if you have any other questions!
Is there a difference in healing time between open and closed arm lipo incision techniques?
With the closed technique, only a tiny insertion site is made for the cannula, while the open technique uses an incision to directly access treatment areas.
The closed approach typically involves smaller incisions, usually under 5mm, that heal quickly with minimal scarring since they only fit the cannula. No stitches are required. Open incisions are slightly larger to accommodate surgical instruments, measuring around 1 centimeter. They may take a week or two longer for complete closure compared to closed incisions.
Do arm lipo incisions usually result in visible scarring?
It’s understandable to be concerned about scarring. But you can feel assured that Dr. Smith uses specialized techniques to minimize the appearance of incisions.
By precisely planning the location and length of incisions, most resultant scars are faint and difficult to detect once healed. You’ll be amazed at how inconspicuous the incisions are.
Can complications arise from arm lipo incisions, and how can they be prevented?
Arm lipo incisions rarely lead to complications. However, as with any surgery, problems like bleeding, infection and poor wound healing are possible. We take every precaution to avoid potential complications.
Here are some key ways we work to prevent issues:
- Meticulous surgical technique prevents excessive bleeding and allows for precise closure.
- Prescribing prophylactic antibiotics prevents infection.
- Detailed postoperative wound care instructions optimize healing.
- Regular follow-ups to monitor your progress and quickly address any concerns.
- Avoiding blood thinners and smoking which impede healing.
- Using small, well-placed incisions avoids issues like seromas seen with large access points.
Our patients trust Dr. Smith’s expertise to conduct their procedure safely and skillfully. But it’s important that you follow all of our instructions during your recovery as well. Let us know right away if you have any concerns.
When can I expect to resume normal activities after arm liposuction incisions?
We recommend taking it easy for the first week, avoiding strenuous exercise and activities requiring extensive arm movement. However, normal daily activities like walking, getting dressed, and working at a desk can be resumed within a few days.
By the second week, you should have minimal pain or discomfort and can start gradually increasing your activity levels and mobility. After 2 weeks, light exercise like yoga, pilates or walking can usually be resumed. We suggest waiting 4-6 weeks before resuming any intense weightlifting or strength training involving your arms.
The key is slowly progressing your activity so you don’t put undue tension on the healing incisions. Avoid lifting the arms overhead for the first 10-14 days. The controlled, gradual return to normal activities allows both your incisions and your results to fully stabilize. Let us know if you have any questions!
Our Commitment to Your Comfort and Results
At Dr. Darren Smith’s clinic, every detail of your experience matters. You can expect personalized care before, during, and after your procedure for your utmost comfort and satisfaction. We empower your transformation through Dr. Smith’s expertise, welcoming you to your new beautiful arms.
Discover how arm liposuction can help you achieve your aesthetic goals. Contact us today to schedule your private consultation with Dr. Smith.
