An Arm Lift, also known as Brachioplasty, is the surgical removal of excess skin and fat from the upper arm. This issue can occur with age or after a substantial weight loss. The procedure is performed to improve the appearance of the upper arm and to prevent chafing on the skin around the armpit.
Another Arm Lift technique is the Arm Lift with Axillary Incision with Dart. In this procedure, loose skin is pulled from the arm, and an ellipse of skin is removed from the armpit area. A short piece of tissue is then removed up to five inches from the armpit. This technique provides a better result with less loose skin and can be very aesthetically pleasing.
Overview Of Arm Lift Surgery
Brachioplasty can reduce sagging and improve contours in this area of the body. It may be recommended for individuals who have lost significant amounts of weight or are dealing with loose or flabby skin due to aging. In some cases, liposuction may be used in conjunction with an arm lift in order to achieve optimal results.
An arm lift requires general anesthesia and usually takes between 1.5 and three hours, depending on the amount of excess fat and skin that is being removed. Most patients are able to return home the same day as the procedure and can control discomfort with prescription pain medications.
Recovery time varies but typically lasts several weeks, during which time you will be advised to avoid strenuous activity while your body fully heals. Swelling in the armpit area generally lasts two to three months and the results typically last five to seven years, depending on the patient and their habits.
Benefits Of Arm Lift Surgery
Arm lifts provide many benefits beyond enhancing self-confidence and improving your physical appearance. The procedure eliminates excess fat that may be difficult to remove with dieting and exercise alone. After undergoing an arm lift, patients often experience improved muscle tone due to the tightening of underlying tissues during the procedure. Patients may also benefit from reduced feelings of discomfort when wearing clothes since loose, hanging skin will no longer be present on their arms. In addition, scars resulting from an arm lift generally fade over time so they become less visible.
The process begins with a consultation with Dr. Schlesinger. During your consultation, potential risks and complications associated with the surgery will be discussed along with recovery time expectations and aftercare instructions.
- Benefits of an Arm Lift
- Glossary
Restore the appearance of the arm to a more youthful, toned look. Enhance the shape of the arm to improve contour. Reduce excess tissue in the arm for a sleeker look.
| Medical Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Arm Fat | Excess fat on the arms that may be caused by age, genetics, or weight gain and can be addressed through a brachioplasty surgery. |
| Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon | A medical doctor specializing in plastic surgery that has been certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. |
| Surgical Procedure | A medical operation performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon, typically involving the use of anesthesia, instruments, and incision. |
| Brachioplasty Surgery | A surgical procedure to remove loose skin, fat, and tissue from the upper arms, with the goal of restoring a more toned and youthful appearance. |
| Elbow | The joint between the upper arm and the lower arm, located near the elbow pit, which allows the arm to bend and rotate. |
Who Is A Good Candidate For Arm Lift Surgery?
Ideal candidates for arm lift surgery should be at or near their ideal body weight; this ensures that they have an appropriate amount of fat cells remaining so that a more balanced look may be achieved after the completion of the operation. Candidates for this type of plastic surgery should also be in good physical health with no underlying medical conditions which could put them at risk during the surgical process.
What To Expect During The Procedure
During the procedure, Dr. Schlesinger will make an incision along the inside or back of the arm in order to remove any excess skin. The length and placement of these incisions may vary depending on each individual patient’s needs.
The surgery is performed under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation with local anesthesia. In some cases, liposuction alone can be used to reduce arm size if there isn’t a significant amount of sagging skin present. Afterward, patients are usually able to return home within a few days and should expect swelling, bruising and discomfort for several weeks after surgery while they heal.
Post-Operative Care For An Arm Lift Procedure
Post-operative care following an arm lift is critical in ensuring a successful and healthy recovery. To achieve the desired results, patients must diligently follow their healthcare provider’s instructions.
Immediately after the procedure, swelling can be expected; however, this should gradually subside over time. The patient will likely have to wear compression garments for several weeks to reduce inflammation and keep swelling to a minimum. It is also important that any sutures are kept clean and dry during healing so that infection does not occur. Pain medications may be prescribed if required in order to minimize discomfort as much as possible.
Exercise should generally be avoided for at least 4-6 weeks, but light walking or other low impact activities are recommended to help promote circulation and increase range of motion. Following all our instructions carefully in order to ensure a safe and effective recovery with optimal long-term results.
Long-Term Results From An Arm Lift Procedure
The long-term results of an arm lift procedure are a tighter, leaner upper arm. These results are achieved by tightening skin and removing extra fat – a successful arm lift can give you a much smoother contour.
The benefits associated with arm lifts often last for years after surgery has been performed. As long as you maintain their weight and practice healthy lifestyle habits, they should be able to enjoy their improved appearance without significant changes or additional treatments. Patients typically see visible improvement shortly following the procedure but it takes several months post-surgery before final results become apparent; scarring will continue to improve during this time period as well. Many patients report that they feel better about themselves due to feeling more confident in wearing sleeveless clothing or bathing suits than before having undergone the procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does An Arm Lift Cost?
Arm lift surgery with Dr. Schlesinger ranges from $9,000 to $12,000.
This includes surgeon’s fees, operating room and lab costs, post-op materials, and laser scar revision, tattooing and/or touch-ups, should they be necessary (most plastic surgeons do not include scar revision or touch-ups in their fee). Anesthesia fees, medication, and travel costs are not included.
Be sure to check out our patient financing options and current specials to see how you can save.
The various factors that affect the total price include:
- The size and extent of the surgery
- The type of anesthesia used
- Any additional procedures performed in conjunction with an arm lift
Is An Arm Lift Painful?
The degree of pain experienced following an arm lift can vary greatly among individuals depending on their own level of comfort with surgery, as well as other factors such as anaesthesia type and post-operative care. Generally speaking, most people report mild to moderate discomfort during recovery due to swelling and bruising around the treated areas. Pain relief medication prescribed by your doctor should be taken regularly for optimal results. Additionally, it’s important to follow instructions carefully regarding wound care and activity levels immediately after the procedure.
Overall, while some pain associated with an arm lift may be expected, there are various measures that can be taken to minimize any distress felt throughout the process. Consulting with a qualified medical professional prior to undergoing this treatment will provide further information about what to expect before, during, and after the procedure.
Are There Any Risks Associated With An Arm Lift?
The risks associated with an arm lift are not to be taken lightly. The procedure, while beneficial for many people, is a major surgery that carries significant potential complications. From minor issues like swelling and bruising to more serious problems such as infection or poor healing of incisions, the risks should be carefully weighed against the benefits before going through with the operation.
When considering an arm lift, it’s important to understand all possible outcomes – both positive and negative – in order to make an informed decision. A qualified plastic surgeon will go over each step of the process, including any potential side effects and ways they can be minimized or avoided altogether. They may also provide additional information about lifestyle changes after the surgery that could reduce risk further. Alongside this knowledge comes recognition of the fact that no medical procedure is without its risks; however, when done under professional care at a certified facility utilizing high-quality materials, those chances are greatly reduced.
Will I Need To Wear Compression Garments After The Procedure?
Post-surgical compression garments are commonly used to support the healing process and minimize swelling following a variety of cosmetic surgery procedures, including an arm lift. After completing this procedure, patients will appreciate the support provided by a compression garment.
Compression garments help you in several important ways. They can help reduce inflammation, decrease discomfort in the treated area, improve blood flow, and encourage better skin adherence to its new shape. Wearing these specialized garments may reduce scarring by keeping the incision site flat and flush against the skin. And they help you avoid complications and help keep recovery time as short as possible, protecting the treatment area.
How Long Will The Results Of An Arm Lift Last?
The results of an arm lift can be long-lasting depending on the individual’s age and lifestyle. It is important to note that while the procedure may help improve the appearance of sagging skin in the upper arms, it cannot stop any further aging processes from occurring. This means that some degree of laxity will occur over time due to natural aging. However, with proper care following surgery such as avoiding sun exposure, maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine, and abstaining from smoking, patients should expect their results to remain for several years after completing their procedure.
Schedule a consultation with arm lift specialist, S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS.
RealSelf Q&A with S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS