Arm Lift

Could an Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) Be Right For You?

Weight loss, while a great achievement, can sometimes leave certain body parts appearing saggy and deflated. The arms are an example of this. Many consider an arm lift, known as brachioplasty, to surgically give the arm more contour. This surgery, which can be performed by Las Vegas plastic surgeon, Dr. Marvin Spann, is necessary in order to remove the loose skin deformity. Sometimes Dr. Marvin Spann performs liposuction of the upper arms to enhance the result of the arm lift. For many patients, brachioplasty is a step towards completing the transformation of their weight loss journey.

What You Should Know About Arm Lift

What Is an Arm Lift?

An Arm Lift, also known as brachioplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from the upper arms, resulting in a smoother, firmer, and more youthful arm contour. The procedure is commonly sought by patients who have lost a significant amount of weight, have experienced aging-related skin laxity, or are genetically predisposed to excess skin in the upper arm area.

The surgery focuses on reshaping the upper arms by eliminating drooping or loose skin, restoring a more defined and toned appearance to the arms.

Arm Lift Benefits:

Improved arm contour: By removing excess skin and fat, an arm lift restores a smoother, more youthful shape to the arms.
Enhanced self-confidence: Many patients feel more confident wearing sleeveless clothes or engaging in activities where their arms are visible after the procedure.
Physical comfort: Removing excess skin can reduce friction, rashes, and skin irritation, which can be common with sagging skin.
Long-lasting results: Once the excess skin is removed, the results are permanent, as long as you maintain a stable weight.
Complementary to weight loss: An arm lift is often a key component of post-weight loss body contouring, helping to refine the arms after significant weight loss.

Surgical Technique

During arm lift surgery, an incision is made along the inner arm, from the armpit down towards the elbow. Once this incision has been made, liposuction may be used to remove excess fat, and any loose skin will be trimmed away. Depending on the extent of the surgery, a draining tube may be placed to help control bleeding. In patients with excessive drooping, where there is looseness within the internal tissue structures, a tightening technique will be used internally. These surgical efforts will result in a smaller circumference of the upper arm.

During/After surgery

Brachioplasty is performed under general anesthesia in an accredited surgical facility and typically takes around 2 hours to complete. It is considered an outpatient procedure. If this surgery is combined with another body contouring procedure, then the patient may be required to stay overnight in the hospital. Following surgery, the arm should be kept elevated to help control swelling and promote circulation. Patients will experience a slow return of normal function. Arm and hand strength, specifically, will be weak for the first several weeks as the internal tissues heal.

What Are the Possible Side Effects?

As with any surgery, an arm lift comes with certain risks and potential side effects, including:

Swelling and bruising: Swelling and bruising are common after surgery, especially in the first few days. This typically resolves within a few weeks.
Scarring: An incision is made along the inside or back of the arm, which can result in a visible scar. The surgeon will place the incision in a location that minimizes visibility, and over time, the scar typically fades, but it may be permanent.
Infection: As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection. This can be minimized by following post-operative care instructions and keeping the incision site clean.
Changes in sensation: Temporary or, in rare cases, permanent changes in sensation in the arm area can occur due to nerve disruption during the surgery.
Asymmetry: While the goal is to achieve symmetry between both arms, slight asymmetries may occur, which can often be corrected in follow-up procedures.
Poor wound healing: Some patients may experience delayed or poor healing of the incisions, leading to prolonged swelling or complications.

PLAN YOUR PROCEDURE

Here’s what to expect as you plan your arm lift surgery:

Consultation: Your first step is a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon, where you'll discuss your goals, review your medical history, and assess the amount of excess skin and fat in your upper arms. Your surgeon will recommend a personalized treatment plan based on your needs.
Pre-surgery preparation: Prior to surgery, your surgeon may ask you to avoid certain medications (like blood thinners), quit smoking, and follow specific guidelines to ensure a smooth surgery and recovery.
Surgical procedure: The arm lift procedure will take about 2-3 hours, depending on the extent of the surgery. Incisions are made along the underside of the arm and may extend from the elbow to the armpit or further, depending on the area that requires treatment. Liposuction may be used to remove fat, and the remaining skin is tightened.
Post-surgery care: You will be provided with detailed instructions for caring for your incisions and managing swelling. Wearing compression garments is typically recommended to help with healing and minimize swelling.
Recovery and follow-up care: Most patients can return to work and light activities after 1-2 weeks. Full recovery can take several months, with the final results becoming visible as swelling subsides.

Arm Lift PROCEDURE REVIEWS

Post Bariatric Patient - I cannot express how grateful I am to have found Dr. Spann!!! He did a Fleur-de-lis Abdominoplasty, arm lift, and medial thigh lift on me. His work is impeccable!!!! Super nice guy and gave me the results I was looking for. I am a post bariatric weight loss patient and his work is outstanding! I highly recommend him!

- Review from K / RealSelf / Jun 09, 2018

Am I a good candidate for Arm Lift?

You may be a good candidate for an arm lift if:

You have excess, sagging skin in the upper arms that you can’t reduce through exercise or diet alone.
You have lost a significant amount of weight and now have loose skin on your arms that hinders your overall body contour.
You are in overall good health with no major medical conditions (such as heart disease or diabetes) that would complicate the healing process.
You have realistic expectations about the procedure, understanding that while it can improve the appearance of your arms, it may leave some visible scarring.
You are committed to a stable weight and maintaining a healthy lifestyle to preserve the results.
You are looking for long-term results that reflect your weight loss, healthy lifestyle, and commitment to improving your body.

At Couture, we combine advanced surgical techniques with a commitment to safety, helping you achieve the toned, sculpted arms you’ve always desired. Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward feeling more confident in your body.

RELATED PROCEDURES

After Weight Loss Surgery

Arm Lift Procedure

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is the arm lift procedure painful?

Most patients experience mild to moderate discomfort after surgery, which can be managed with prescribed pain medications. Swelling and bruising are common but should subside within a few weeks.

Will I have visible scars after the surgery?

There will be a scar along the inside or back of the arm, depending on the approach. While scars are permanent, they generally fade over time and are well-hidden in the natural folds of the skin.

How long does it take to recover from an arm lift?

Recovery time varies from patient to patient, but most people can return to light activities within 1-2 weeks. Full recovery, including the resolution of swelling, can take 3-6 months.

Can an arm lift be combined with other procedures?

Yes, many patients choose to combine an arm lift with other body contouring procedures, such as tummy tucks, thigh lifts, or breast lifts, to address multiple areas of concern following weight loss or aging.

Is arm lift surgery covered by insurance?

Arm lift surgery is typically considered a cosmetic procedure and may not be covered by insurance. However, if you have medical concerns related to the excess skin (such as rashes or infections), your insurance may cover part of the surgery. Be sure to check with your insurance provider.

How much does an arm lift cost?

The cost of an arm lift depends on factors such as your location, the complexity of the surgery, and the surgeon's experience. During your consultation, your surgeon will provide a personalized quote based on your needs.

THE CARE YOU DESERVE

The Results You Desire

Couture Medical is where exceptional care meets exceptional results. Our patient-centered approach ensures that every treatment is designed to not only enhance your appearance but also to boost your confidence and well-being. With us, you receive the care you deserve and the results you’ve always envisioned.