So you have considered having arm liposuction. What are the benefits of it? Are there any disadvantages, or things you should look out for? An important factor to consider is how much will it cost? We will examine all of these issues and more in the article below.
What is arm liposuction?
But first, let’s get right down to the basics. Arm liposuction is a cosmetic procedure, which can help to remove unwanted fat from the upper arms. This ultimately results in your arms looking much more toned and defined.
Typically, people who want arm liposuction have usually lost a lot of weight, and want to rid themselves of the excess skin, or simply people who do not like the look of their upper arms and want to feel more self-confident and body-confident.
Whatever your reasoning for wanting arm liposuction, it is important to consider a number of factors, including the cost of the procedure.
How much does arm liposuction cost?
The cost of arm liposuction varies, depending on a number of different factors. For example, the geographic location of the hospital or medical centre will affect the cost, as well as how long the surgery takes, the recovery period, any excess hospital stays and more. We will explore all of these issues and more in the article.
However, for an average figure, arm liposuction in the US can cost anywhere between $2,000 and $6,000.
However, there are a number of factors that can affect the cost of arm liposuction, which are listed below.
Types of liposuction
The type of liposuction can also affect the cost of the procedure. There are two main types of liposuction: traditional liposuction, and laser-assisted liposuction, such as SmartLipo.
Traditional liposuction is almost always the cheaper option, because less complex equipment is required, as well as the cost of the surgery itself being much cheaper.
Laser-assisted liposuction – despite being more expensive – is a much more modern method of liposuction, and also has its benefits when compared to traditional liposuction.
Some of the advantages of laser-assisted liposuction include reduced bruising and a faster recovery time. However, different people’s bodies do react differently to types of liposuction, so you may end up saving on the cost of liposuction if you opt for the traditional method.
Nevertheless, it is still important to consult your doctor or surgeon on which method suits you best, as well as the pros and cons of both methods. For instance, the cheaper option may not be suitable for you, and laser-assisted liposuction may be the preferred or even safer option.
Geographic location
Where you get the surgery performed can also affect the cost of arm liposuction.
The cost of living and medical services vary greatly across the world, and especially across the United States. Generally, the cost of arm liposuction will be higher in urban areas, and lower in rural areas. In addition, surgery in California or New York will likely be more expensive than in Nebraska or Wyoming.
Type of anaesthetic: local or general
Another factor to bear in mind when it comes to the cost of arm liposuction is anaesthesia.
Typically, arm liposuction is performed under local anaesthetic – meaning that you are awake during surgery. However, sometimes it may have to be performed under general anaesthetic, which means you will have to be ‘asleep’ during the procedure. This is more expensive than local anaesthetic, so this is also a factor to consider, which may increase the cost of arm liposuction.
Amount of fat to be removed
Depending on how much fat needs to be removed from your upper arms can also affect the cost of arm liposuction.
The procedure may take longer, or even run into further complications if there is a large amount of fat to be removed. In addition, the procedure may take longer and require more advanced medical techniques and equipment if this is the case.
On the contrary, if there is only a little bit of fat to be removed, then the cost of arm liposuction could be cheaper, and you could end up paying less than you originally anticipated.
Hospital facility costs
Using hospital facilities also contributes to the cost of arm liposuction.
For example, the use of the operating theatre can be quite expensive, and this also depends on how long you are in there for.
Other medical facilities can also have additional costs, and especially if you stay in hospital overnight or for longer, which can incur charges up to $20,000.
Post-procedure care
Further hospital visits may also be necessary as part of the recovery process following your arm liposuction, which can incur a charge.
Painkillers or any sort of medication used to aid with pain relief is often part of aftercare, and this can increase the overall cost of arm liposuction. Furthermore, necessary post-surgery attire such as compression garments can also cost more money.
It is important, therefore, to budget for the post-surgery aftercare as well as the cost of the arm liposuction procedure itself.
Additional procedures
There are additional procedures which can be performed alongside arm liposuction which can contribute to an increase in the overall cost of the procedure.
One such example is if you have had an arm lift, known as a brachioplasty.
It is therefore important for you to discuss if there will be any additional surgeries performed during your arm liposuction, so that you have an idea of the final cost once the procedure is over. This also means that you can budget for this, should you need to.
Choosing a surgeon
Deciding who gets to perform the surgery is another factor to consider, especially when you are mindful of the cost of arm liposuction.
Not only do board-qualified surgeons have the necessary medical training and experience to perform the surgery, but because it is what they do for a living and what they are qualified to do, there are far fewer risks of complications developing.
Because they are able to perform the liposuction both safely and effectively, and there is less chance of a risk or further complications developing, you are therefore less likely to have to return to hospital.
As a result, this can save you money in the long run. Even if a board-qualified surgeon is more expensive, they are likely to be more experienced and save you money in the long term by reducing the risk of post-surgery complications developing.
What about insurance?
As arm liposuction is a cosmetic procedure, the chance of it being covered by medical insurance is relatively low. However, it is still worth checking with your insurance provider to see if this is the case or not.
Even if the cost of arm liposuction is not covered by insurance, there are still a number of payment options available to you.
Pros and cons of arm liposuction
There are a number of pros and worth noting if you are considering having arm liposuction, especially if the cost is a worry.
To start off with, some pros:
- Better body confidence: many people who undergo arm liposuction often describe feelings of improved body confidence, which can help them in both their personal and professional lives.
- Increased mobility: another advantage of arm liposuction is increased mobility. When there is a lot of fat on the arm, it can make movement difficult. However, once this fat is removed, mobility of the arms becomes much easier.
- Improved appearance: the appearance of your arms can be improved with liposuction, and also helps to remove any stubborn bits of fat which have remained despite exercise and weight loss. This also helps your arms look more refined and toned.
However, it is not fair to put a balanced article together without also listing some cons of arm liposuction:
- The cost of arm liposuction is the main disadvantage of the procedure. It can be very expensive, and not everybody has the means to pay for it, and it is also rarely covered by health insurance. It is important to consult your insurance provider and medical provider before undergoing the surgery.
- Recovery time: the recovery period for arm liposuction is another drawback of the procedure. Unfortunately, you will need to avoid any strenuous activities, and follow all recovery advice. This may incur costs, such as having to take time off work if you have a physically demanding job. You could end up losing out on wages if you have to take unpaid leave while you recover from surgery.
- Risks and complications: like with any form of surgery, there are risks and complications associated with arm liposuction. These can include a long recovery period, adverse reactions to anaesthetic, and possibly even infections. All of these factors can once again increase to the cost of arm liposuction.
Payment options available
You may be eligible for funding or grants, depending on your own circumstances, and the cost of the arm liposuction. This is worth investigating if you think that you may be eligible.
Another option is a financial payment plan. Many hospitals, surgeries and medical centres offer payment plans. For example, you might be able to pay back the cost of the arm liposuction from $50 a month for a number of years. However, interest rates will also be involved, so it is worth seeing whether it is perhaps a better option to save up and pay for arm liposuction in one instalment.
Obviously, saving up and paying for the surgery is another option, if you have the means to save up that amount of money in the first place. This is easier in the long term, as you do not have to worry about passing on any debts, or carrying the debt with you for a number of years.
Paying for the arm liposuction via a credit card (or credit cards) is another payment method available. However, you need to be careful with this, as credit card companies often have huge interest rates, so you could end up paying almost twice as much, over a number of years with their interest rates. It is a good idea to check with a credit card company or a bank before committing to this way of paying for the cost of arm liposuction.
Final thoughts
In conclusion, the cost of arm liposuction can vary greatly depending on a number of factors, ranging from where in the country you have the surgery performed, to any further procedures which may incur extra costs, to your surgeon.
It is therefore important that you consider all of these factors – as well as payment options – before you proceed with arm liposuction.
