The inner surface of the upper arm is a weak body point. This area does not lend itself well to exercise, therefore sport practically does not affect it. In addition, with age or sudden weight loss, the upper arm suffers the most. The skin there easily becomes flabby and unattractive, forcing you to wear long-sleeve shirts more often.
The only way to permanently resolve this issue is an arm lift surgery.
What Is Arm Lift Surgery?
An arm lift or brachioplasty is a type of cosmetic surgery that removes unwanted subcutaneous fat tissue and sagging skin from the upper arm region.
With this type of surgery, any additional floppy skin from the upper arms, which is usually a result of weight loss or aging, is removed and tightened so your upper arm remains proportional to the rest of your body.
It is a procedure that can be combined with other types of cosmetic surgery, such as liposuction or breast lift. If combined, it can improve asymmetry in the entire upper body region.
How Is the Arm Lift Performed?
During the arm lift surgery, the surgeon carefully removes any underlying fat tissue from your upper arm area. Since this leaves some additional saggy skin, the surgeon removes the extra skin and tightens it, so your arms look defined and toned.
In most cases, an arm lift is combined with liposuction, so the surgeon first performs an arm liposuction with a smaller cannula, and then removes the extra skin. After the operation, drainages are placed in the incision area and special compression clothing is put on the hands.
The surgery is performed under general anesthesia and lasts approximately 1.5-2 hours.
How to Prepare for the Surgery?
To successfully prepare for the arm lift surgery, it is important to have well-conducted initial consultations and preparatory processes with the surgeon. During the consultations, share your medical history with the surgeon to prevent contraindications.
Following a detailed history comes a thorough physical exam to review the condition of your upper arm area and discuss possible results.
Before the procedure, it is advisable to avoid medication such as anti-inflammatory drugs, aspirin, or some herbal supplements, as well as cigarettes, and alcohol.
Recovery After Arm Lift
In most cases, because the surgery is done quite quickly, the patient can go home the same day.
If you happen to experience any pain in the first few days after the procedure, the surgeon can prescribe pain medication.
In the first few weeks after the surgery, try to avoid lifting anything heavy and avoid physical and athletic activities with your arms because it might impact incisions. Overall healing should last anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks.
When Is Arm Lift Performed?
In most cases, people decide to get an arm lift for aesthetic reasons – to improve the contours of their arms and shoulders and to eliminate cellulite, bumps, and folds.
The arm lift procedure can help with the following issues:
- Accumulation of fat tissue in the upper arm area,
- Sagging skin that is the result of weight loss or aging,
- Upper arm area asymmetry.
Cost and Financing
The price of the arm lift surgery will mostly depend on the complexity of the procedure. If you decide to combine it with other types of cosmetic surgery, then the price might go up.
If you are considering getting an arm lift, whatever your reasons might be, you can find out more about the procedure, requirements, and cost by scheduling free consultations. Contact us now and start your transformation journey.
Yes, an arm lift can often be combined with other cosmetic procedures, such as liposuction, tummy tucks, or breast lifts, to achieve a more comprehensive body contouring result.
An arm lift will leave some scars, but they’re typically on the inner arm and are meant to be as hidden as possible. Eventually, the scars will fade and be less obvious. Taking care of your scars is super important. Using silicone gels or sheets and steering clear of the sun can help them look better.
It is generally recommended to reach and maintain a stable weight before undergoing an arm lift. Losing a lot of weight after the procedure can lead to new sagging and mess with the results. Discuss your weight loss goals with your surgeon to determine the best timing for the surgery.
You can start light activities like walking just a few days after surgery, but you should steer clear of anything strenuous, especially with your arms, for about 4 to 6 weeks. Your surgeon will give you advice tailored to how well you’re healing.
It’s best to wait until your body has fully recovered from pregnancy and you have achieved a stable weight before considering an arm lift. It usually happens about 6 months to a year after having a baby, but everyone’s different, so the timing can change for each person.
Yes, arm lifts are suitable for both men and women. A lot of guys go for this procedure to get more toned and defined arms, especially after losing a lot of weight or as they get older.
