What is an Arm Lift/Brachioplasty?
For many people a lax upper arm appearance can negatively impact how they view their bodies. Both men and women have a desire for a slimmer and more toned arm appearance but are sometimes unable to achieve this aesthetic through diet and exercise alone. Factors such as weight fluctuations, heredity and aging can also affect the skin quality on your arms which makes it even more difficult to obtain the ideal arm definition. However, here at Iconic Plastic Surgery, arm definition can be achieved to help provide a leaner, healthier overall appearance.
Why have an Arm Lift / Brachioplasty?
A Brachioplasty, also known as an arm lift, is a surgical procedure designed to improve the appearance of the upper arms by removing excess sagging skin and fat. The procedure focuses on tightening and smoothing the underlying supportive tissue that defines the shape of the upper arm. It is particularly well suited for individuals who have lost a substantial amount of weight. This procedure is often the only method that will remove excess skin and fat in the sagging, upper arm region.
Many patients typically look into a Brachioplasty after weight loss. Loose skin on the upper arm often occurs following rapid weight loss but is also commonly caused by natural aging.
What can you expect during the procedure?
The arm lift is performed in the operating room. The incision length and pattern will depend on the amount of skin and subcutaneous fat cells being removed. The incision typically begins on the inside of the arm or on the back of the arm and will extend from the underarm to the elbow. To safely provide you with the best results, an anesthesiologist will administer anesthesia during the procedure. Following the inducement of anesthesia, the incision will be made and excess tissue will be gently removed. Overall, the procedure can take anywhere from 1-2 hours. We will leave small drains in each arm for about a week after the procedure.
What can you expect after the procedure?
Procedures in the upper arm area, such a s a brachioplasty, require moderate recovery time. We will discuss exercise and lifting restrictions at your pre-operative and post-operative visits. Walking is highly encouraged after the procedure to keep blood circulating for a safe recovery. Most people require approximately 2-4 weeks of recovery time before returning to their normal activities.
How long will the arm lift results last?
The results from an arm lift are apparent almost immediately. The procedure will be long-lasting provided that you maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle. However, the natural aging process will eventually affect the arms. With that said, the final results of an arm lift will be revealed gradually over the span of 3 to 6 months.
Am I a Good Candidate for an Arm Lift?
If you have excess or stretched skin along the back of the arm, you may be a good candidate for a brachioplasty.
Here’s a list of considerations for a good candidacy:
- Committed to a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a well-balanced diet
- Lost a significant amount of weight that has left you with excess arm skin
- Have excess arm skin (flabby arms) due to aging
- General health is in good standing
If you would like more information about our arm lift procedure, please reach out to our Carlsbad plastic surgery office for a consultation. Iconic Plastic Surgery proudly serves Carlsbad, Vista, Oceanside and areas north of San Diego, CA.
