Average Cost of Arm Liposuction Surgery in 2024 - Top Cities and States

You’re not alone if you feel self-conscious about how your arms look. Many struggle with excess fat deposits that resist diet and exercise. But arm liposuction can help. It dramatically sculpts the arms — boosting confidence and comfort in sleeveless clothing.

Prospective patients often ask, “What are arm liposuction costs like?” According to recent data, the typical price for liposuction in the U.S. is around $4,500 [1]. But the total varies based on factors like where you live, how much fat you need removed, and the surgeon’s experience. Costs may be as low as $1,000 for a simpler procedure or over $8,000 for extensive lipo by a top doctor in a big city.

Average arm liposuction procedure cost by city and state

What can you expect to pay for arm liposuction in different parts of the country? 

Here’s a breakdown of average costs for this surgical procedure in major cities and states:

New York City, New York

In NYC, liposuction generally runs about $4,000 to $5,000 per arm. These averages are competitive, especially for such a big metropolitan city. Prices at top practices may exceed $10,000.

Los Angeles, California

LA’s average arm lipo cost is between $1,500 to $3,500. Expect to pay more in upscale areas like Beverly Hills.

San Francisco, California

Patients pay anywhere from $6,500 to $8,500 for arm liposuction in San Francisco.

San Jose, California

San Jose’s average arm lipo cost starts at $6,500. This is generally lower than in San Francisco, but higher than in Los Angeles.

Sacramento, California

In California’s capital city, it costs $7,000 to $7,500 to get arm liposuction.

Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas arm liposuction patients pay anywhere from $2,500 to $5,000. Some clinics offer arm lipo for as low as $900. High competition among plastic surgeons keeps prices in check here.

Miami, Florida

Arm liposuction ranges from $3,000 to $7,000 per arm in this plastic surgery hotspot.

Dallas, Texas

In Dallas, expect to pay around $2,000 to $5,500 for arm liposuction.

Houston, Texas

Houston’s average arm lipo cost ranges from $1,500 to $5,000, slightly lower than other major Texas cities.

Chicago, Illinois

The typical arm liposuction price in Chicago is around $6,000. Affluent suburbs may have higher costs, running up to $10,000.

Phoenix, Arizona

Phoenix’s average is around $4,000 for arm liposuction surgery. This is on the lower end for big cities.

What factors affect the cost of arm liposuction surgery?

Besides location, several other factors impact arm liposuction surgery cost:

Area of the arms

Treating the upper arms and forearms costs more than just the upper arms. Smaller areas average $4,000 to $5,000, and the price goes up if you have a larger area to treat.

Amount of fat to be removed

Taking out more fat takes longer, increasing the cost. Your total will be lower if you’re only treating a small area on the arm.

Technique used

The technique your surgeon uses will determine your procedure cost. For instance, Smart Lipo costs $2,000 to $7,000 on average, while tumescent lipo costs $2,000 to $10,000.

Geographic location

Major cities like San Francisco and Chicago have higher arm liposuction costs averaging around $8,000. Surprisingly, you may find cheaper arm lipo in some parts of Los Angeles, averaging around $2,000.

Surgeon's expertise and reputation

Board-certified plastic surgeons with years of experience and a reputation for delivering outstanding results often have higher fees.

Facility fees

Accredited surgical centers and hospitals charge more than in-office procedure rooms.

Anesthesia fees

Local numbing agents cost less than general anesthesia.

Post-operative care

After your arm liposuction surgery, you’ll have follow-up visits where the surgeon monitors your healing progress. They’ll remove drains, massage, or perform other post-op care as needed. These visits may be extra, but most surgeons bundle these and compression garments into their fee.

Consultation fee

Some surgeons charge for a consult, while others don’t. Call your preferred surgeon to find out what the fee is before scheduling one.

Insurance coverage

Health insurance doesn’t cover cosmetic arm lipo, so it’s an out-of-pocket expense.

Additional procedures

Combining arm lipo with an arm lift, breast augmentation, tummy tuck, or another body contouring procedure raises the cost.

Pre-operative tests

Medical clearance and blood tests before surgery add to the price tag. For example, your surgeon may require you to take lab tests or EKGs before liposuction.

Types of arm liposuction surgery

Your surgeon may use one or a few different liposuction techniques to slim down the arms:

Tumescent liposuction

Tumescent liposuction is most commonly used. The surgeon starts by injecting a special fluid into the treatment area. This tumescent solution has a local anesthetic to numb the area and medication to shrink blood vessels.

The fluid helps the fat swell up and become easier to remove. It also reduces bleeding, bruising, and pain after surgery. Once the solution has taken effect, the surgeon makes a few small incisions and inserts a narrow tube. They’ll move the cannula back and forth to break up the fat and suction it out. The result is slimmer and more toned-looking arms. Tumescent lipo starts at around $2,000 per area.

Laser-assisted liposuction

With laser-assisted liposuction, the surgeon uses laser energy to melt the fat before removing it. The laser heats up and liquefies the fat cells, making them easier to suction out. It also helps seal off small blood vessels to minimize bruising and bleeding. Laser arm lipo isn’t as common as the tumescent method because it takes longer and costs more, averaging $2,500 to $4,500.

Ultrasound-assisted liposuction

Ultrasound-assisted liposuction uses ultrasound waves to rupture the fat cell walls before removal. The surgeon inserts a cannula that emits ultrasonic energy directly into the fat layer. This breaks up tough fat deposits that are hard to treat with traditional lipo. Ultrasound is more costly than other methods — sometimes over $10,000.

Power-assisted liposuction

Power-assisted lipo uses a vibrating cannula to make fat removal faster and easier. The cannula rapidly moves back and forth, breaking up fat cells more efficiently than manual movement. This allows the surgeon to treat a larger area.

This liposuction method is popular for arm contouring because it involves less physical strain on the surgeon. This means they can focus on getting smooth, precise results. At an average of $3,500 to $4,500, power-assisted arm lipo is more affordable than the ultrasound method.

Additional costs to arm liposuction surgery

When budgeting for arm liposuction, factor in all these expenses:

• Medical tests: You’ll need an exam and blood work to ensure you’re a candidate for arm liposuction.

• Anesthesia fees: Local anesthesia is more affordable than general anesthesia.

• Hospital or surgical facility costs: Facility charges differ depending on where you go.

• Post-surgery garments: You’ll wear a special sleeve or wrap for weeks after lipo, which may cost extra.

• Prescriptions for medication: Every patient needs different pain meds and antibiotics, so the cost for these varies.

• Post-operative care: Follow-up visits with the surgeon may or may not be part of the package.

• Surgeon's fee: Surgeons charge a fee based on their location, arm lipo procedure type, and experience.

• Travel and accommodation: If your surgeon is out of town, budget for travel costs like flights or gas and hotels.

• Potential revision surgeries: Some patients may need future touch-ups to maintain their arm lipo results, adding to the overall cost.

Arm liposuction weight requirements and other considerations

The best arm lipo patients are healthy, don’t smoke, and are near their ideal weight. Liposuction removes stubborn fat pockets — not a lot of weight.

People with very loose excess skin may also need an arm lift. The surgeon will assess your skin’s elasticity and fat distribution during the consultation.

Most patients rest at home for three to five days before they return to work. Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting are off-limits for six weeks. Swelling and bruising should slowly fade over a few months.

How long will arm liposuction surgery results last?

It may take a few months before you see full arm lipo results. But once liposuction removes fat in a given area, that fat is gone for good. 

Note that the remaining fat cells can still get bigger if you put on weight. Eating healthy and exercising are key to preventing this from happening. Some patients return for mini touch-ups years later if small bulges return.

Risks of arm liposuction surgery

Arm lipo is a safe procedure when you select a qualified surgeon, but all surgery has risks:

• Infection: Sterile tools and antibiotics make infections rare.

• Bleeding: Minor bleeding is normal, but see your surgeon if you’re experiencing major blood loss.

• Anesthesia risks: Some patients have adverse reactions to general anesthesia.

• Irregular contouring: Uneven fat removal or odd healing can cause lumps and bumps. This is more likely with an inexperienced surgeon.

• Fluid accumulation: Temporary pockets of fluid (seromas) occasionally form. If this happens, the surgeon will need to drain it.

• Numbness: Temporary or long-lasting numbness is a possibility.

• Changes in arm sensation: You may experience changes in sensation for a while as the nerves recover.

• Asymmetry: The arms may heal on different timelines. More lipo may fix noticeable unevenness.

• Scarring: The tiny incisions rarely cause visible scars unless you’re prone to keloids.

• Need for revision surgery: Some patients return for touch-up lipo after a few years.

Does insurance cover the cost of arm liposuction surgery?

Your health insurance doesn’t cover arm liposuction because it’s an elective cosmetic surgery. The only exception is if it’s required because of a medical issue like lymphedema (chronic swelling) [2].

Are there financing options for arm liposuction surgery?

Prospective arm lipo patients have a few financing options worth exploring:

• In-house plans: Some practices offer discounts if you pay in full upfront with cash, check, or credit card.

• Medical credit cards: Most cosmetic surgery offices accept CareCredit and similar cards so you can pay the full amount over months.

• Credit cards: Most surgeons accept regular credit cards. Just watch out for high-interest rates if you carry a balance.

Is arm liposuction surgery a permanent solution?

Yes, arm liposuction surgery is an effective, long-lasting solution. The fat cells removed with arm lipo won’t return. But fat accumulation can still happen in the remaining arm fat cells if you gain weight. Patients should live a healthy lifestyle to avoid new fat bulges.

Is arm liposuction surgery worth the money?

Arm liposuction can be worth the money for the right patient. Many people feel way better about themselves after getting leaner, toned arms. The confidence boost and motivation to stay in shape are invaluable if you’ve always been self-conscious about your arms.

But if you have unrealistic expectations or won’t commit to a healthy lifestyle long-term, lipo may not be worth it. Carefully weigh the benefits against the risks and costs. An experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon can help you decide if arm lipo is good for you.

Roham Plastic Surgery | Arm liposuction in California

Ready to take the next step toward slimmer arms? Meet Dr. Ali Roham at Roham Plastic Surgery. He’s a skilled, board-certified plastic surgeon with a reputation for excellent arm lipo results. He’ll listen to your goals, explain your options in-depth, and deliver the best possible care.

Dr. Roham’s focus on safety, natural results, and compassion has made him a top choice for lipo in Southern California. Call (949)269-7990 to schedule a consultation today.

Sources:

1. American Society of Plastic Surgeons, “How much does liposuction cost?”

2. National Library of Medicine, “Liposuction Gives Complete Reduction of Arm Lymphedema following Breast Cancer Treatment—A 5-year Prospective Study in 105 Patients without Recurrence.”