Brachioplasty, more commonly referred to as an arm lift, is a surgical procedure designed to address excess sagging skin and underlying tissue of your upper arms. This condition, sometimes referred to as “bat wings,” can arise after significant weight loss or simply due to natural aging and loss of skin elasticity. At Virden MD, we help you achieve a smoother, more toned appearance of your upper arms.
Benefits of an arm lift include:
An arm lift can effectively address loose skin, however, liposuction might be a more suitable alternative for some patients with minimal excess skin. Our team will assess your unique needs during your consultation and recommend the most appropriate procedure—which may be a combination of both—to achieve your desired outcome.
Ideal arm lift candidates are people who have loose upper arm skin that just won’t go away despite diet and exercise, or for people who have lost a significant amount of weight and are fighting that loose, sagging skin. If that sagging skin also creates anxiety and discomfort when wearing sleeveless shirts, or when visible at all, an arm lift may also be right for you.
Book an appointment with our team to see if an arm lift is the best course of action to get you looking and feeling more confident about your upper arms.
Your arm lift, or brachioplasty, will take place under general anesthesia. The incision location depends on the amount of excess skin and Dr. Virden’s surgical plan. It’s typically placed on the underside of your upper arm, extending from the armpit to the elbow. Dr. Virden will remove excess skin and fatty tissue using liposuction if needed. The underlying supportive tissues are then tightened and repositioned to create a smoother, more sculpted contour in your upper arms.
The entire procedure takes 2 to 3 hours and you typically won’t need an overnight stay.
After your surgery, you may experience swelling and bruising in your arms. Our team will provide specific instructions on pain management medication and caring for the incision sites. To minimize swelling and promote healthy circulation, it’s important to keep your arms elevated during recovery. You’ll likely wear a compression garment for several weeks to further support healing and reduce swelling.
You’ll gradually regain arm movement and strength and can return to light activities within a week. Normal activities resume within 3 to 4 weeks.
Combining liposuction with an arm lift can achieve optimal sculpting by removing excess fat and tightening skin for a slim, toned look. Dr. Virden will discuss your individual needs and skin elasticity at your consultation and with proper care and weight management, arm lift surgery offers long-lasting results.
Comfort is your top priority after arm lift surgery.
Immediately after surgery, Dr. Virden will apply a compression wrap to minimize swelling and support healing. You’ll also want to wear loose-fitting shirts or tanks that open in the front for easier dressing.
During your recovery (typically the first few weeks), prioritize loose, breathable clothing made from soft fabrics like cotton. Opt for button-up or zip-up shirts instead of pullovers to minimize raising your arms.
Everyone experiences pain differently and some patients find arm lift recovery more manageable than they anticipated.
You’ll be under anesthesia and won’t feel pain during the procedure itself. After your surgery, you can expect soreness, tightness, and swelling around your arms. We will prescribe medication to help manage your discomfort. Pain starts to reduce over the first few days as swelling subsides and you can transition to over-the-counter pain relievers as needed.
A brachioplasty (arm lift) is considered an elective cosmetic procedure and will not be covered by insurance. Our office does not bill insurance.
Results can be long-lasting, but certain factors do contribute to an arm lift’s longevity. Maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly helps maintain your arm’s sculpted appearance. Significant weight fluctuations can stretch your skin and reduce the lift’s effect. Sun exposure damages skin elasticity, so being diligent with your sunscreen application helps your arms look their best for longer as well.
Brachioplasty is one of the most popular cosmetic treatments following a weight loss for both men and women. For all of your hard work, you deserve upper body definition. Achieve slender, leaner arms that you can be proud to show off in sleeveless shirts or summertime attire. Call today for a consultation at our office.
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