Over time, the soft tissue in the upper arm becomes lax and may begin to droop and sag, resulting in arms that appear loose and hanging. This condition is embarrassing for many people, particularly for those with severe cases.
An arm lift, also known as brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure performed to remove excess fat and skin from the upper arms. The result is tighter, better toned arms, and a slimmer appearance. The arm lift procedure is ideal for patients who have a significant amount of excess, hanging skin or fat in the upper arm area, maintain a stable weight and have realistic expectations for surgery. Arm lift patients should be healthy overall, with no major medical conditions that may be affected by surgery.
During the arm lift procedure, an incision is made along the underside of the upper arm, often spanning from the armpit to the elbow. If necessary, excess fat can be removed using liposuction. Any excess skin is trimmed, tightened, and sutured into place, using sutures that are absorbed by the body within a few weeks. Dr. Chaudhari works closely with each patient to determine which procedure is recommended, based on the patients physical exam and a discussion of the patients individual goals for surgery.
The arm lift procedure is performed either under local anesthesia or general anesthesia and usually takes about two hours, depending on the extent of removal required. Patients will be able to return home the same day as surgery.
After an arm lift procedure, patients will likely experience swelling and bruising, as well as mild discomfort that can be managed with pain medication. Drainage tubes may be placed at the incision site to collect any excess blood or fluid for the first few days after surgery, and compression bandages may be worn as well to help promote proper healing.
Initial results of an arm lift are visible right away, and continue to improve as swelling and bruising subsides, which is typically over a period of two weeks. Surgical scars fade over time to become less noticeable, but most patients are so satisfied with the results of the arm lift procedure that they are more than willing to trade a minimal scar for thin, youthful-looking arms.
While an arm lift is considered a safe procedure, there are certain risks associated with any type of surgery. Prior to surgery, Dr. Chaudhari discusses all risks with each patient and addresses any questions or concerns that may exist. Possible risks associated with arm lift surgery may include:
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Melinda (5’8” 206 lbs) lost 130 lbs from gastric bypass about 3 years ago and now has generalized skin laxity. Although she has loose skin everywhere, her highest priorities were her arms and torso. She underwent brachioplasty (arm lift) with circumferential lower body lift during a 10-hour operation.
Laura (5’7” 140 lbs) has lost 75 lbs over the past few years and now has significant excess skin of arms and inner thighs and will be undergoing brachioplasty (arm lift) and crescent thigh lift to remove that excess skin.
Sonia (5’3” 142 lbs) had a tummy tuck with lipo and breast lift many years ago and then lost a lot of weight. She came to us address the extra skin of her thighs, her sagging buttocks and breast deflation, so she underwent crescent thigh lift, buttock lift, and breast augmentation.
