Upper Arm Lift
Orlando, FL
One big challenge when getting older or losing weight is gaining excess skin. At Craniofacial & Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, we offer upper arm lift surgery (also known as brachioplasty) as an option for anyone who cannot manage to tone and tighten the arm with exercise and diet alone.
Loose skin from the elbow to the shoulder is very typical, particularly for women and men who are advancing in age or have lost weight. Arm lift surgery excises this hanging skin, often called "bat wings."
If you want to hear more information about how brachioplasty can correct the shape of your upper arms, please schedule an appointment at our facility.
Dr. Raj Sawh-Martinez, a fellowship-trained surgeon in Orlando, FL skilled in fat removal and skin tightening techniques of the upper arm.
Arm Lift Candidates
An upper arm lift is an aesthetic surgery that employs advanced methods to contour and remove extra skin. If you avoid sleeveless clothes because of your bat wings and would prefer them to appear trim and contoured again, you are an ideal candidate for arm lift surgery.
You need to be in overall good health so that you will recover properly. Some of the primary signs for patients who want an arm lift are loose, excess skin on their upper arms, plus minimal tightness of the skin. It is important that you are at or near your goal weight before your procedure.
Arm Lift
Surgical Technique
Typically, your upper arm lift surgery will be performed in an outpatient facility, except in cases where several cosmetic surgeries are scheduled to be performed at one time. An upper arm lift may be added to other surgeries (often completed at a facility with inpatient monitoring), like a mommy makeover, tummy tuck, or thigh lift — as long as Dr. Sawh-Martinez considers it appropriate.
Arm lift surgery is typically done with the patient under general anesthesia and can require a few hours to finish. The unwanted skin will be surgically excised, starting at the elbow up to the armpit. The incision will be placed to be as concealed as possible, although it will leave a visible scar.
In cases where liposuction is required to eliminate stubborn fat, this can be completed also. After the skin is pulled taut, it will be stitched in place. You will have to care for the incisions by keeping them sanitized, covered, and in compression garments.
What to Expect from Arm Lift Surgery
A typical recovery time frame will take around two weeks with lots of rest and arm elevation. Permit your body time to heal. You use your arms for more than you think so most patients are encouraged to ease their way back to their usual activities. An appointment to remove sutures will be made around ten days following surgery.
Compression garments must be kept on until you receive permission from Dr. Sawh-Martinez to remove them. For at least 4 – 5 weeks, all strenuous activity must be eliminated except for short walks. If you notice uncontrolled bleeding, excessive swelling, fluid buildup (hematoma), signs of infection, numbness in the hands or arms, or unusual scarring, please contact Dr. Raj Sawh-Martinez for help.
FAQs
How much does arm lift surgery cost?
The cost for a surgical arm lift will be based on several things. Before he can estimate your costs, Dr. Sawh-Martinez will start with a consultation to understand your wants and goals. Once this is complete, he will develop your treatment plan and break down your costs. In order to make it easier to select an experienced doctor, like Dr. Sawh-Martinez, and get the results you want, Craniofacial & Aesthetic Plastic Surgery accepts several payment methods. We will also give you information on low-interest financing.
Can I combine an arm lift with other surgeries?
It's normal for patients who want an arm lift to create a custom treatment plan with another surgery. This is often called an upper body lift and can combine liposuction, a breast lift, or tummy tuck. Arm lift surgery is also frequently done during after weight loss surgery for those who have lost a significant amount of weight and need contouring throughout their body. At your initial consultation with Dr. Sawh-Martinez, other surgeries can be discussed so your custom treatment plan meets all your goals.
Will there be scars?
An arm lift uses incisions in order to excise loose skin, which leads to scarring from stitches. However, Dr. Sawh-Martinez will make every effort to use small, thin incisions that are placed in less visible areas. Following your arm lift, creams that help with healing will be suggested along with our tips for minimizing scarring. Dr. Sawh-Martinez also suggests you limit UV exposure for at least one year to minimize scar discoloration. In general, patients consider the overall benefits of an arm lift are worth the minimal scars created.
What results can I expect from an arm lift?
Arm lift surgery is done to excise loose skin and stubborn pockets of fat. You should follow a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and regular exercise to avoid a significant change in your weight, which may affect your results. After your lift surgery, as soon as you are recovered and Dr. Sawh-Martinez has given permission, you should start strength training. This is a good way to improve the shape of your upper arms by strengthening the muscles.
Are there nonsurgical treatments to improve my arms?
Although there are several noninvasive skin tightening procedures, they can only give you small improvements. To address moderate to severe skin laxity, a surgical arm lift is your best choice. In addition to eliminating loose skin, Dr. Sawh-Martinez also uses liposuction on small pockets of fat and smoothes the tissue and remaining skin. If you're interested in learning about nonsurgical treatments, Dr. Sawh-Martinez can talk about these at your consultation.
Get Back Your Shape
No matter what you call your droopy skin or bat wings under your upper arms, Dr. Sawh-Martinez considers it a way to improve your confidence with cosmetic surgery. This advanced surgery provides physical and emotional benefits. If you're at or near a healthy weight but still can't eliminate the skin and flab that hang off your arms, please contact us to plan a consultation with Dr. Raj Sawh-Martinez at Craniofacial & Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Feel fitter and younger with arm lift surgery.