Arm Liposuction

Consultations offered at our two convenient locations in Manhattan and Long Island, NY

Arm liposuction is a body contouring procedure that can refine the appearance of the upper arms by using a cannula to precisely remove fat that will not respond to lifestyle changes such as dieting or exercise. These stubborn deposits can lead to a bulky or excessively full look in the region, resulting in disproportionate contours. Arm liposuction offers a straightforward solution to this concern, allowing you to achieve contours that truly reflect the efforts you have put into your appearance.

Dr. Gordon Andan is a board-certified cosmetic surgeon and founder of New York Surgical Arts. Dr. Andan has dedicated more than a decade of his career to the exclusive practice of aesthetic surgery and is known for combining surgical precision with artistic expression. He has two convenient offices in Manhattan and Garden City where patients can access modern, comfortable, world-class care.

To begin working with Dr. Andan, please request a consultation online or call (516) 746-0155.

About Arm Liposuction

Arm liposuction is a variation of the liposuction procedure that can remove stubborn fat from the arms to achieve a more slender and sculpted appearance. This procedure features a cannula that can directly break down and suction out the fat you wish to remove, leaving the area more defined and toned. Dr. Andan can perform two different types of liposuction when recontouring the arms. The exact type he uses will vary depending on your needs, natural anatomy, and desired results. These are:

  • Tumescent Liposuction: Tumescent liposuction is considered the gold standard for liposuction. It uses a cannula and a tumescent fluid that enhances comfort while easing the removal of the fat cells. (1)
  • VASER Liposuction: Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance (VASER) liposuction uses a cannula that emits ultrasound waves to emulsify your fat before removing it. (2) This enhancement minimizes unnecessary damage to the soft tissues surrounding the targeted regions.

Candidates

Ideal candidates for arm liposuction include patients who are struggling to address excess fat in the upper arms.

Candidates should be in good general health and hold realistic expectations regarding their results. They should be non-smoking or willing to quit using nicotine. It is also important that interested patients already possess good skin elasticity and a stable weight they can maintain long-term, as arm liposuction is not a weight loss procedure, but a body-contouring treatment. Dr. Andan will assess each individual’s candidacy during their consultation to determine if arm liposuction is right for them.

Personal Consultation

The first step to transforming the appearance of your arms is meeting with Dr. Andan for a personal consultation. During your visit, he will converse with you individually about each aspect of your treatment. He will review your medical history, learn about your concerns, discuss your goals, and perform a physical examination of your arms. He will then use this information to create a solution that addresses your unique challenges. He will explain how the procedure will be performed, how to prepare, what the recovery process entails, and what results to realistically expect. He may suggest undergoing additional treatments based on your goals and will also answer your questions. Dr. Andan’s goal is not just to create your treatment plan, but to ensure you leave feeling confident, informed, and excited about the body-contouring journey that lies ahead of you.

To meet with Dr. Andan, please contact us online or call (516) 746-0155. We offer consultations at both our Manhattan and Garden City offices.

Preparation

Once you have decided to proceed with your procedure, Dr. Andan will provide you with personalized preparation instructions to help you achieve the best results from your procedure. These instructions typically include:

  • Completing Your Labs: Undergo any labs or medical tests Dr. Andan has requested from you.
  • Altering Your Intake: Discontinue using medications or supplements that may contain blood-thinning properties.
  • Coordinate Care: Arrange transportation home and, if needed, have someone assist you around the home for the first 24-48 hours of your recovery.
  • Arrange Time Away: Prepare to take a few weeks away from your career and other responsibilities.
  • Ceasing Substances: Abstain from consuming alcohol or nicotine at least four weeks before your procedure.

Procedure

Dr. Andan performs each arm liposuction procedure in his AAAHC-accredited facility on an outpatient basis. When you arrive, your skin will be cleansed before a board-certified anesthesiologist administers either general or local anesthesia. The type of anesthetic you receive will vary depending on the details of your procedure and its overall scope, but Dr. Andan will discuss this with you ahead of time so you understand what to expect.

Dr. Andan will place a small incision in your arm and inject the region with a tumescent fluid. This is a solution composed of epinephrine, lidocaine, and saline that can minimize bleeding, further enhance your comfort, and swell the fat cells for easier removal. (3) He will then use either a manual cannula or an ultrasound-assisted cannula to break down your fat deposits before suctioning them out from the body, leaving the region more contoured and toned.

Recovery

After arm liposuction, you can expect to experience some swelling, bruising, and general discomfort around the corrected regions. These effects will dissipate with time, but you can also manage them with prescribed medications and plenty of rest. You will also need to wear a compression garment, which will limit additional swelling.

You will be able to return to most of your routine activities after resting for approximately one to two weeks. However, you will need to wait several more weeks until you can return to anything more physically demanding or strenuous. Dr. Andan will also have you return for follow-up appointments to remove drains or sutures and monitor the development of your recovery.

He will provide you with a full set of post-operative instructions ahead of time so you understand what to expect. Please note that how quickly you recover will vary depending on the size of the treatment area, the extent of your corrections, and the rate at which your body heals itself.

Results

You will be able to notice immediate improvements in your appearance, but the refined results will become more accentuated as residual swelling subsides. Your exact results will vary, but you can expect to enjoy more slender and defined arms that flatter the natural proportions of your figure, as well as a seamless transition between your shoulder, upper arm, elbow, lower arm, and wrist. This may lead to a greater sense of self-confidence overall, as well as a feeling of empowerment when wearing short-sleeved or sleeveless tops. You may also find it easier to complete or engage in certain tasks and exercises that require the arms.

The results of arm liposuction are generally permanent, as the treated fat cells cannot return once the body has cleared them away. However, you will need to maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle to preserve your results, as the untreated fat cells can still affect your appearance with time.

Cost of Arm Liposuction in New York City and Garden City

The pricing of your arm liposuction will vary depending on certain factors pertaining to your treatment plan, such as the size of the treatment area, the amount of fat Dr. Andan removes, whether he combines your procedure with another, and more. Once he has met with you individually to establish each of these details, he will provide you with a comprehensive cost estimate.

New York Surgical Arts additionally offers financing to help our patients access the care they seek. Our team can answer any questions you may have during your consultation.

FAQ

How will I know if I am a good candidate for arm liposuction?

Attending a personal consultation is the best way to confirm your candidacy. Here, Dr. Andan will meet with you to review your medical history, discuss your concerns, and assess your physical anatomy.

Can arm liposuction help me lose weight?

No. Arm liposuction cannot help you lose weight, as it is a body contouring procedure. Patients should already be at a stable and maintainable weight to fulfill the requirements of their candidacy.

How long does it typically take to recover from arm liposuction?

Many of Dr. Andan’s patients are able to return to work within one to two weeks. However, they must wait several weeks more before returning to more strenuous activities.

Are the results of arm liposuction permanent?

The results of arm liposuction are generally permanent. However, you will need to maintain a stable weight long-term because your untreated fat cells can still swell and alter your appearance.

Can Dr. Andan perform liposuction on multiple regions of the body at once?

Yes, Dr. Andan can address several areas within one treatment session. This means you can comprehensively resculpt your figure all at once.

What happens if there is sagging skin left after my arm liposuction procedure?

If there is sagging skin present across the upper arms after you recover, Dr. Andan may recommend undergoing an arm lift to correct it.

References

  1. Venkataram J. Tumescent liposuction: A review. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery. 2008;1(2):49. doi:10.4103/0974-2077.44159
  2. Ruff PG, Garcia O, Nykiel M, Galanis CJ. Consensus-based Recommendations for Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance Ultrasound-assisted Liposuction. Plastic and reconstructive surgery Global open. 2023;11(7):e5110-e5110. doi:10.1097/gox.0000000000005110
  3. Bartow MJ, Szymanski K D, Raggio BS. Liposuction. StatPearls Publishing; 2025. Accessed August 11, 2026. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563135/#article-112503.s9