What Is Arm Lift Surgery (Brachioplasty)?

One big challenge patients can face when getting older or losing weight is dealing with excess skin in the arm and shoulder region. At Sublime MD & Advanced Dermatology & Laser Center, we offer upper arm lift surgery (or brachioplasty) as a procedure for patients who cannot effectively tighten and tone the arm with diet and exercise alone. Lax skin from the elbow to the upper arm is very common, especially for men and women who are advancing in age or have lost significant weight. Arm lift surgery removes this loose, hanging skin, often known as “bat wings.” Our doctors are very knowledgeable in skin tightening and fat removal methods. If you want to learn more about how brachioplasty can enhance the shape of your upper arms, please contact us for a consultation at Sublime MD & Advanced Dermatology & Laser Center.

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What Are the Benefits of an Arm Lift?

At Sublime MD & Advanced Dermatology & Laser Center, people who go through with arm lift procedures enjoy a variety of benefits. Some of the advantages of this procedure include:

  • Removal of unwanted skin as a result of major weight loss or getting older
  • Less rubbing, rawness, and pain between the chest and underarms
  • Increased self-esteem and comfort when choosing clothes
  • Good for trouble spots that might be stubborn despite training or diet changes

Who Makes an Ideal Candidate for an Arm Lift?

An upper arm lift is a cosmetic surgery that employs advanced techniques to slim and remove extra skin. If you are self-conscious about your flabby arms and would prefer them to look trim and contoured again, you are a good candidate for this procedure. You need to be in overall good health so that you will heal well. Some of the top signs for potential arm lift patients are excess, loose skin on their upper arms, and minimal tautness of the skin. It is important that you are at your goal weight prior to your procedure.

How Is an Arm Lift Performed?

In most cases, your upper arm surgery will be performed in an outpatient facility, except in cases where several cosmetic surgeries are to be performed at the same time. An arm lift can be done with other procedures (often performed in an inpatient setting for monitoring), like tummy tucks, mommy makeovers, and thigh lifts — as long as our doctors decide it is safe. An upper arm lift is usually done under general anesthesia and can take a few hours to complete. The sagging skin will be surgically excised from the elbow up to the underarm. The incision will be made to be as hidden as possible, although it will leave a visible scar. If liposuction is wanted to remove stubborn pockets of fat, this can be performed as well. Once the skin is pulled taut, it will be sutured back into place. You will need to care for the incisions by keeping them sanitized, covered, and in compression garments.

What Should I Expect after My Arm Lift?

A typical recovery time frame will take an estimated two weeks with lots of arm elevation, anti-inflammatories, and rest. Give yourself time to heal. You use your arms for almost everything, so patients are encouraged to ease their way back to their normal activities. A suture removal appointment will be set approximately ten days after surgery. Compression garments must be worn until you are released by our doctors. For at least a month (4 – 5 weeks), all strenuous activity must be avoided, except taking short walks. If you experience excessive swelling, uncontrolled bleeding, hematoma (fluid buildup), infection, numbness in the hands or arms, or unusual scarring, please call Sublime MD & Advanced Dermatology & Laser Center for answers.

Arm Lift FAQ

How much does arm lift surgery cost?

The cost for an arm lift will depend on several things. Before they can determine your costs, our doctors will perform a consultation to understand your wants and goals. After that, they will create your unique surgical plan and break down your costs. In order to make it easier to select experienced plastic surgeons like our doctors and get your best results, Sublime MD & Advanced Dermatology & Laser Center takes several payment forms. We will also give you information on low-interest financing.

Can I combine an arm lift with other surgeries?

It is normal for patients who want an arm lift to combine this surgery with another procedure. This is often known as an upper body lift and can combine liposuction, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), or breast surgery (breast lift). Arm lift surgery is also frequently included as part of an after weight loss surgery for patients who have lost a large amount of weight and want full body contouring. During your consultation with our doctors, each surgery will be discussed so your unique surgical plan matches all your needs and goals.

Will there be scars?

An arm lift uses incisions to remove excess skin, which leads to scarring from stitches. However, our doctors will make every effort to use small, thin incisions that are placed in less visible areas. Following your surgery, topical creams that help with healing will be recommended along with our tips for scar care management. Our doctors also recommend you avoid sun exposure during the first year to protect the incisions from any additional discoloration. Most patients believe the benefits of a more toned arm are worth the minimal scars created.

What results can I expect from an arm lift?

A surgical arm lift is done to treat loose skin and stubborn pockets of fat. You should maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes diet and exercise in order to avoid a dramatic weight loss or gain, which might affect your surgical results. After your surgery, once your arms are fully healed and our doctors have given permission, you can begin weight training. This is a good way to improve the shape of your upper arms by toning and strengthening the muscles.

Are there nonsurgical treatments to improve my arms?

Although there are several great nonsurgical skin tightening options, most can only provide small improvements. To address moderate to severe skin laxity, arm lift surgery is your best choice. In addition to eliminating excess skin, our doctors also use liposuction on small pockets of fat and smooth the tissue and remaining skin. If you are interested in learning about nonsurgical options, our doctors can explain all possible treatments in your consultation and help you choose which is best for your needs and goals.

Will my arm lift results look natural?

Yes, the goal of an arm lift is to create natural-looking results that will improve the appearance and contour of your upper arms. Our doctors take great care in creating incisions and suturing techniques to minimize scarring and create a more seamless look. We also work closely with each patient to understand their desired outcomes and ensure that their results meet their expectations. With proper care and maintenance, the results of an arm lift can last for many years.

Get Back Your Shape

Whatever you call your “bat wings” or droopy skin on your upper arms, our doctors consider it as a way to improve your appearance with plastic surgery. This exciting surgery offers emotional and physical benefits as well. If you are at or near a healthy weight but still cannot lose the skin and flab that hang off your arms, please call to schedule a consultation with our doctors at Sublime MD & Advanced Dermatology & Laser Center. Look and feel fitter and younger with upper arm lift surgery.

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