Arm lift or brachioplasty, more commonly known as arm lift surgery, is a type of plastic surgery to remove excess skin and fat from your upper arms. As part of the natural aging process, this part of your body tends to lose skin elasticity and develop stubborn fat. Diet and exercise don’t help with lax skin, and the fat in your upper arms is very difficult to eliminate. A surgical procedure to tighten the arm skin is the best solution.
Body Procedures
Arm Lift In Newport Beach, Orange County, CA
Why Arm Lift?
In addition to aging, significant weight loss causes a flabby appearance in the upper arms. When you were carrying those extra pounds, your skin stretched to the point where it can no longer conform to the shape of your arms. Plastic surgery for your arms after weight loss restores the natural contours and helps you feel more confident about your effort to lose weight and live a healthy lifestyle.
Surgery to remove excess arm skin and fat is a safe and effective way to address the concerns that you have about your upper arms. You can learn more about arm reduction surgery and other options by calling us to schedule a consultation.
What Are The Benefits Of An Arm Lift?
There are many benefits of arm lift surgery. The procedure removes sagging skin on the upper arms that cannot be eliminated with diet, exercise, or non-surgical options. Removing the excess skin from your arms also reduces the risk of chafing and infections that develop in skin folds. Surgery to remove fat from your upper arms also gives this part of your body a toned appearance so you no longer feel embarrassed.
How Is An Arm Lift Procedure Performed?
Surgery for saggy arm skin and fat is performed on an outpatient basis at our surgical suite, and general anesthesia is used for the procedure. The arm lift procedure begins with Dr. Bunkis making an incision on the inside of your arm that starts near the elbow and follows a line to your armpit. He trims the excess skin and fat and closes the incision with sutures. In some cases, he performs liposuction to remove any smaller areas of fat.
What Are The Alternatives For An Arm Lift?
The best candidates for an arm tuck are people who have loose skin in the upper arm area. If you still have good skin elasticity, the surgeon may recommend an alternative to arm lift surgery, such as upper arm tightening with a minimally-invasive technique, such as liposuction or radiofrequency skin tightening. Arm liposuction doesn’t help with cellulite on your upper arms, and we may recommend another option during your consultation.
What Is An Underarm Lift?
An underarm lift, also known as a mini arm lift, is an option for people who have sagging skin and extra fat in the upper third of the arm. If you look in the mirror and only see skin hanging near your armpit, you may be a good candidate for surgery to remove the skin in the underarm area.
The incision for an underarm lift is shorter than a full arm lift, and you may have a shorter recovery time. By comparison, you are a better candidate for a full arm lift if you have skin that hangs from your armpit to your elbow area.
What To Expect During Arm Lift Recovery And Aftercare
The average recovery time for arm lift surgery is a few weeks. Post-surgery, you will have compression sleeves on your arms to minimize swelling. As part of your brachioplasty post-op care, we schedule a follow-up appointment for Dr. Bunkis to examine your incisions and progress.
During your recovery from an arm lift, it is important to follow all brachioplasty recovery instructions carefully. This may include removing the post-surgical arm compression sleeves to check and clean the incisions. After brachioplasty, expect to have swelling, tenderness, bruising, and discomfort. Having swollen arms after surgery makes it difficult to perform your daily tasks, and we recommend that you arrange for a friend or family member to stay with you as part of your arm lift aftercare plan. Avoid lifting your arms above your head for about three to four weeks, as this can delay healing, extend your recovery time, and put pressure on the sutures that may result in a more significant scar from the arm lift.
People are often concerned about the extent of the scars from arm reduction surgery. Initially, the incision will heal with a light pink scar line. Over the next 12 months, the scar slowly changes to a color that is slightly darker than your normal skin color. Most people won’t notice your scar because it is on the inside of your arm.
Arm Lift FAQ
How Much Is An Average Arm Lift?
An arm lift may cost between $4,000 to $5,000, but this varies significantly. Orange County Plastic Surgery offers free consultations for people who are interested in the procedure. At that time, we can provide details about the cost of your brachioplasty procedure.
Can You Move Your Arms After Brachioplasty?
The compression sleeves on your arms and post-surgical swelling will limit your range of motion. You will also be restricted with certain activities, such as raising your arms above your head and exercising.
How Long Do The Results Of An Arm Lift Last?
The results of your arm lift can last several years if you maintain a healthy weight and continue to live an active lifestyle. Brachioplasty does not stop the aging process, and the skin of your upper arms may start to sag again.
How Long Does It Take To Recover From Brachioplasty?
The average recovery time for arm lift surgery is two to six weeks. Discomfort typically peaks within the first few days, and the swelling, discomfort, and bruising start to subside after seven days. Sutures are removed after 10 days. You may have some minor swelling and bruising for up to six weeks.
How Long Does A Brachioplasty Take To Heal?
Initial healing from an arm lift is about one to two weeks. Each person heals differently, so you may need more time to fully recover and heal.
How Long Does Swelling Last After Brachioplasty?
Swelling is most significant for the first week. The swelling should completely disappear after six weeks.
Post Operational Instructions
Post Operational Instructions
After undergoing plastic surgery, following the postoperative instructions provided by your surgeon is crucial for optimal healing and recovery. These instructions may include caring for the surgical site, managing pain, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It is important to keep the surgical area clean, take prescribed medications as directed, rest and avoid strenuous activities, and adhere to a balanced diet while staying hydrated.
Attending follow-up appointments will allow your surgeon to monitor your progress and provide further guidance, ensuring a successful outcome from your plastic surgery procedure.
