The objective is to remove the loose, fatty tissue that forms “bat wings” on the underside of the arms. Get a trimmer look exactly when you want to wear short sleeves, tank tops, strapless dresses, swimming costumes, and other such apparel. It may be time for you to visit a plastic surgeon for an arm lift consultation.
What is Arm Lift Surgery?
An arm lift surgery is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms. Frequently, this surgery is ideal for individuals who have lost a significant amount of weight and have drooping skin on their arms. An arm lift can improve the appearance by tightening the loose arm skin.
Arm Lift Benefits
These are the benefits of arm lift surgery that you can expect:
- A more youthful appearance – With excess skin or “bat wings” and fat removed from your upper arms, you’ll look younger and fit.
- Improved confidence – Feeling good about how you look will boost your confidence and self-esteem.
- Improved comfort – Arm lift surgery can help relieve the discomfort and irritation caused by excess skin and fat on your arms.
- Enhanced clothing options – You will be able to wear a range of clothes that fit better and look more flattering.
What to Expect During Your Arm lift Consultation
Our staff at Aesthetic Surgery Center will assess your anatomy, address your concerns, and devise a unique surgical plan to achieve your goals.
You will discuss the following:
- The amount of skin and fat to be removed
- The location and type of scars that are likely to result from surgery
- Possible risks and complications associated with the procedure
- Expectations for the outcome
Contact Aesthetic Surgery Center in Naples, FL, to learn more about arm lift surgery and the various alternatives available to you.
How to Prepare for Brachioplasty
- Follow your doctor’s instructions on how to prepare for surgery. You may have to stop taking certain medications and avoid eating or drinking before the procedure.
- Arrive at the surgical facility early on the day of your surgery. This will allow time for you to undergo any necessary tests and for your anesthesia to be administered.
- Dress in loose-fitting clothes that can be easily removed after surgery.
- Bring a support person with you to the surgical facility. You will not be able to drive yourself home after surgery.
- Expect some swelling and bruising after surgery. These symptoms should improve over time.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions about how much activity you should engage in after surgery.
- Avoid smoking after surgery because it reduces the amount of oxygen in your blood and slows the healing process.
- Check with your doctor if you experience persistent or worsening pain, drainage from the surgical site, fever, chills, heavy bleeding, or vomiting. If you have a temperature of 100.4°F or higher, call your doctor immediately.
- Follow up with your doctor as instructed to minimize the risk of complications and ensure even better results from your surgery.
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- E.H.
The Arm Lift Procedure
Arm lift surgery is performed on an outpatient basis under IV sedation or general anesthesia. One incision is made along the inside of the arm from the armpit to the elbow, removing the appropriate amount of skin and fat. The surgeon removes enough skin and tissue by carefully lifting it away from the arm’s underlying muscles.
The depth of your incisions is determined by the amount of skin laxity you have. In people with little flexibility, incisions may be limited to the lower limb region. Patients with looseness can benefit from the incisions running down the chest wall and creating a better arm and chest form.
Sterile dressings are applied, and compression garments are placed over your arms. This supports them as you heal, and aids in decreasing bruising and swelling.
Although Brachioplasty scars tend to extend from the elbow to the underarm, many patients still feel that their arms look and feel better, and do not mind the scar.
Arm Lift Recovery
Arm lift recovery may seem a painful process. However, the arm lift is not a surgery that requires a long period of hospitalization or rehabilitation. You can resume your daily activities once you recover from anesthesia and there are no visible signs that could indicate that you have had plastic surgery.
1st week after arm lift surgery
Your first week after surgery is important. Focus on recovering from the surgery and not doing too much. You should avoid any activity including lifting heavy objects and exercising. You can resume your regular activities once you feel better, but be sure to take it easy and not overdo it.
2nd week
By the second week after surgery, you should start feeling a bit better. The pain will subside and you’ll feel more like your old self again. Upon waking up in the morning, you should elevate your arms above your head for about 10 minutes to stretch them and reduce pressure on them from fluid build-up. This is an important step to follow after surgery, so don’t neglect it. You should avoid using your arms for any strenuous activity but you can do everyday activities such as eating and brushing your teeth.
3rd week after arm lift recovery
If everything goes well by the third week, you should be recovered from surgery and ready to go back to work. Take it easy and not do any heavy lifting, but you’ll be able to resume your regular activities. Just make sure to keep the incisions clean and dry and avoid sun exposure.
4th week after arm lift surgery
The fourth week is when everything starts to go back to normal. You can start exercising again but avoid any activity that requires a lot of arm movement. Wear your compression garment to reduce swelling and don’t forget to wear sunscreen when you go out. Your scars will start to fade in about a year, but they may look a bit gruesome for the first months.
Follow these simple post-operative instructions and you’ll be able to resume your normal activities in no time. Recovery from arm lift surgery is not as painful or difficult as you may think, but it’s important to take it easy and not overdo it. By following these simple tips, you’ll ensure a smooth and quick recovery.
Related Procedures: Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty), Mini Tummy Tuck (Mini-Abdominoplasty), Thigh Lift, Mommy Makeover, Liposuction, Body Contouring After Weight Loss, Labiaplasty
Arm Lift Candidates
If you are unhappy with the appearance of your upper arms, you may be a good candidate for an arm lift. The best way to determine if you are a good candidate is:
You’ve Noticed Looser Skin As You’ve Grown Older
As you age, the elastic properties of your skin begin to deteriorate. Sagging and excess flab are a natural consequence of the aging process, leaving their mark on areas like the arms, abdomen, neck, and thighs. To combat the bat wings that have formed because of elastin breakdown.
A Major Amount of Weight Loss
After undergoing weight loss, excess skin can be left behind. An arm lift is the best way to help diminish any sagging that has occurred because of your lost weight. Arm lifts are also used for patients who have lost large amounts of weight throughout their lifetime and want to tighten up loose skin.
Hereditary
Unfortunately, some people inherit their sagging upper arms from their families. Even if you are young or have never been overweight, your loose, flabby bat wings may be due to your genetics. To counteract the bat wings, have an arm lift consultation to get started.
Arm Lift FAQs
This cosmetic procedure produces long-lasting results. You will need to maintain a healthy weight following surgery to keep the new contours of your arms.
Most people who undergo Brachioplasty will have a scar on their arm. However, scars are typically well-hidden by clothing. If you are self-conscious about it, you can have it surgically revised to make it less visible.
The answer to this question depends on factors, including the patient’s insurance policy and the specific surgical procedure performed. Some insurance companies may cover a portion of the arm lift surgery cost while others may not cover any of the associated costs. Individuals interested in arm lift surgery need to contact their insurance.
The typical cost for an arm lift in the United States is $4,650. This covers the surgeon’s fees and anesthesia. Some cosmetic surgeons do not include anesthesia costs in their fees (anesthesia can cost $600 or more), so be sure to ask about this before choosing your surgeon. Many surgeons offer financing options that can help spread the cost of your surgery out over time.
If you live in the state of Florida, Aesthetic Surgery Center offers arm lift among its services. For a full list of services, please visit our Locations page.
Schedule an Arm Lift Consultation Today
If you’re looking for a way to find smoother and trimmer upper arms, contact the Aesthetic Surgery Center to book an appointment with one of our plastic surgeons. We believe that educating and communicating with her patients are the keys to helping them achieve successful, natural-looking results. Schedule your consultation at the Aesthetic Surgery Center, located at 1175 Creekside Parkway #100 in Naples, FL, by calling 239-594-9100.
Why choose Aesthetic Surgery Center
Dr. Anurag Agarwal, M.D., F.A.C.S.
- Board certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery.
- Received his Doctor of Medicine at Philadelphia’s MCP-Hahnemann School of Medicine in 1999 and was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society.
- In 2016, Dr. Agarwal was honored at the annual American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery national meeting.
Richard W. Maloney, M.D., F.A.C.S.
- Certified by both the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.
- Served as chief investigator for numerous laser application systems for CO2, Argon, Nd:YAG, ER:YAG and Krypton lasers used in Facial surgery.
- Fellow American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and American Academy of Cosmetic Surgeons
- Board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
- Attended medical school at UNMC (University of Nebraska Medical College).
- Was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society.
- Member of The Aesthetic Society, the Florida Medical Association, and Collier County Medical Society.
- General surgery residency at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, IL
- Plastic surgery residency at Cleveland Clinic Florida
