What is an Arm Lift?
An Arm Lift, also known as Brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure used to improve the shape and contour of the upper arms by removing loose skin and excess fat.
Upper arms that have a sagging loose appearance may be caused by age, heredity, and wide fluctuations in weight.
An Arm Lift may be an option for you if exercise and dieting have not been successful in removing excess fat in the arms.
Is an Arm Lift for me?
Anybody with excess fat and skin in their upper arms may be a candidate for Brachioplasty. You may also be a candidate if your body weight is stable and are not significantly overweight.
Suitable candidates should not have medical conditions that would increase the risk of surgery.
As with all cosmetic surgery, you should have realistic expectations and should not be doing it for anyone except yourself.
Arm Lift Procedure
An Arm Lift is usually done under a general anesthesia, and is administered before surgery so that you are comfortable during the procedure.
Incisions for an Arm Lift are usually done on the inside or back of the arm, and may extend from the underarm to the elbow. The length of the incision depends on the location of the excess skin that needs to be removed. Excess fat may be removed with liposuction if needed.
The remaining skin is pulled together and stitched up using either absorbable sutures or stitches that are removed a couple of weeks after the surgery.
There may be bruising and swelling in the area immediately after surgery but this will improve as the area heals.
Arm Lift Treatment Risks
You will need to weigh the risks and benefits of an Arm Lift and this is a personal decision. To make sure you understand the risks involving the surgery, you will be asked to sign consent forms.
Examples of the risks involving an Arm Lift include:
- Infection
- Scarring
- Skin loss and discoloration
- Pain which may persist
- Accumulation of fluid
- Numbness
If you have any questions regarding the surgery, you should address them with your surgeon.
Arm Lift Treatment Recovery
Dressings may be applied to your incisions and an elastic bandage may be wrapped around your arms to encourage your skin to heal properly around the affected area.
Medication may be prescribed to help with the healing process and you will be given instructions on how to care for the surgical site.
If you have any questions about the recovery period, be sure to ask your plastic surgeon.
Arm Lift Results
The results of an Arm Lift are immediately apparent following the procedure. Your upper arms will have tighter and smoother contours. Although permanent, it is natural to lose some firmness as your body ages.
Scars will improve in appearance over time and as long as you maintain a stable body weight, the results of an arm lift will be long lasting.
As with most cosmetic surgery, it may not always be possible to achieve optimal results with one procedure.
Arm Lift Treatment Cost
Prices for an Arm Lift will vary as the cost of the procedure may be based on the surgeon’s experience.
Financing may be offered if the procedure is not covered by your health insurance.
