What is Brachioplasty “Arm Lift” Surgery?
A Brachioplasty or “arm lift”, is a surgical procedure that removes excess loose skin of the upper arm. Many individuals who have lost a significant amount of weight or simply have excess skin due to aging are bothered by their loose arm skin and find it difficult to wear sleeveless clothing. It is important to understand that with brachioplasty surgery, improved arm contour requires a surgical scar, which will fade with time.
Who is a Good Candidate for Brachioplasty “Arm Lift” Surgery?
Men and women who are bothered by excess skin and tissue on the underside of their upper arms due to weight loss or age can often benefit from this procedure. Ideal candidates are healthy, non-smokers who have a realistic expectation for their results. To determine if this procedure is right for you, please contact our office today to schedule a consultation appointment.
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Our mission at Tucson Plastic Surgery is to provide you with an unparalleled experience by taking time to listen and understand your individual needs and concerns. We believe creating a custom-tailored plan based on your goals and unique anatomy is essential to achieving your best possible results.
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Brachioplasty “Arm Lift” Surgery
The brachioplasty procedure is typically performed using general anesthesia. To begin, your surgeon will create an incision pattern to eliminate the excess skin. Incisions are usually made on the inside or back of the arm and may extend from the underarm to just above the elbow. Excess fat may also be removed using liposuction. Sutures will then be used to close incisions and hold your new arm contours into place.
The results from an arm lift are meant to be long-lasting, however, significant weight fluctuations that occur after surgery may affect your results.
Had a wonderful experience from the Pre-op to post-op! The Pre Op nurse was amazing, she was explaining everything and very kind! Thank you for making my experience so wonderful! - LH”
Brachioplasty “Arm Lift” Recovery
An improvement in the shape of your arms will be immediately noticeable following surgery. However, swelling and bruising will be present, which will resolve with time. Compression garments are recommended to help minimize swelling. Most patients require 4-6 weeks of modification to their normal activities. During this time you should avoid exercise and strenuous activity. Our team will provide you with specific aftercare instructions to help you safely and quickly recover.
To learn more about the brachioplasty “arm lift” procedure and how it can benefit you, contact Tucson Plastic Surgery today. We will be happy to schedule your consultation appointment with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can underarm fat be removed?
Yes, while some underarm enhancements can be made with minimally invasive or even non-invasive techniques, the most comprehensive treatment option for hanging skin and fat is a surgical arm lift.
Do arm lift scars fade?
Yes, the scars from all types of surgery fade with time, meaning you wont necessarily have a clearly visible scar following arm lift surgery.
Do compression garments help with loose skin?
No, when you have loose, excess skin in various areas of your body, typically the only way to achieve a tightened appearance is by removing the redundant skin. Simply compressing the areas does not affect the tissues.
Does arm lift leave a scar?
Arm lifts do require an incision of varying lengths depending on the extent and condition of the skin. In many cases they can be minimally long and with good scar care, do not appear too conspicuously.
Does insurance pay for arm lift?
Typically, health insurance will not cover elective surgeries such as an arm lift. We offer convenient financing options for those worried about being able to afford their desired procedure.
How do you lose arm fat fast?
Liposuction can be used to physically remove a significant amount of arm fat for those concerned about the appearance of their arms. However, this does not help with excess skin, which makes an arm lift often a better choice.
How long does it take for Brachioplasty scars to heal?
After an arm lift, the scars from your incisions will begin to fade once the incision has healed, continuing to fade in appearance for up to a year following your surgery.
How long does it take to recover from an arm lift?
Arm lifts, when performed on their own, usually require about a few weeks of downtime, after which many people can go back to work if they have an office job. Dr. Mahabir and Dr. Kurtovic may recommend longer healing times depending on your surgical plan.
How painful is an arm lift?
Arm lift surgery is not terribly painful during recovery. Your doctor will recommend pain medication and recovery assistive devices such as compression garments to enhance your comfort during recovery.
What is arm lift surgery?
Arm lift surgery is a cosmetic surgical procedure that removes excess, loose skin and fat in the upper arm area.
