Numerous individuals often struggle with insecurity regarding their upper arms. Significant weight loss and the aging process can result in the accumulation of surplus fat and saggy skin. When these factors converge, achieving toned arms without cosmetic intervention can feel like an insurmountable challenge.
Concealing arms daily, particularly in the warmer seasons, is far from ideal. Thankfully, a range of treatments exists to slim, tone, and redefine the upper arms like Arm lift surgery.
An arm lift, or brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure that:
- Reduces excess sagging skin that droops downward
- Tightens and smooths the underlying supportive tissue that defines the shape of the upper arm
- Reduces localized pockets of fat
Significant weight loss, aging and heredity can cause your upper arms to have a drooping, sagging look. This is a condition that cannot be corrected through exercise and diet.
Arm lift surgery may be right for you if the underside of your upper arms are sagging or appear loose and full due to excess skin and fat.
Upper Arm Treatment
Treating the upper arm area is difficult not because we don’t have any options. It is difficult because the gold standard – brachioplasty – works very well but can leave a long scar down the inside of the arm. This arm lift scar is hidden when the arms are down at your sides, but the scar is visible when the arm is raised. If you are willing to accept this scar, then there is no better procedure out there for giving you the slimmer arm you have always wanted. This is the only legitimate option for true “bat wings.”
However, many people find that this scar is not worth the surgery, so what are the other alternatives?
Another option is a short-scar brachioplasty. This is designed to reduce the excess skin of the arm, but keep the scar completely with in the underarm area. While this sound like a good idea, it is not as easy as it sounds. Because the scar is only within the underarm, the amount of excess skin that can be removed is limited.
This is therefore not a good option for people with significant excess skin. Also, gravity tends to make the scar migrate out of the underarm area and can make it more visible than it is designed to be. This is a good option for mild to moderate skin laxity.
Occasionally, liposuction is an option. This is a good option for young people with good skin quality and only small to moderate amounts of fat and very little skin laxity. Liposuction will remove the excess fat but will not remove excess skin. You must be very careful, too much fat removal can make the appearance of the upper arm worse. Some liposuction techniques can provide added skin tightening, such as laser liposuction. This is a good option if moderate fat is your problem and not excess, sagging skin.
Questions and Answers
How much does an arm lift cost?
Arm lift surgery cost depends on several factors. Contact us to book a arm lift consultation to learn the price.
How painful is brachioplasty?
Generally, brachioplasty surgery is a well-tolerated procedure with minimal discomfort and recovery time. You may experience temporary swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort, but these effects typically resolve within a week.
How long does a arm lift last?
Arm lift outcomes can endure for a decade or longer, provided you maintain a steady weight and lead a healthy lifestyle. Furthermore, as the procedure permanently removes some loose skin and fat, your arms will maintain a firmer appearance compared to not having an arm lift.
Is arm lift surgery worth it?
Is the arm lift procedure a worthwhile investment? If excess skin beneath your arms undermines both their aesthetic and your self-assurance, then it is indeed worth considering.
How much weight is lost with brachioplasty?
What’s the Weight Loss Potential with Brachioplasty? Typically, an arm lift surgery can eliminate approximately 1.5 pounds of fat.
Who is a candidate?
Typically, potential arm lift candidates encompass: Adults dealing with notable upper arm loose skin. Adults, regardless of age, maintaining stable weight and not significantly overweight. Healthy individuals without medical conditions hindering healing or heightening surgical risks.
How long does it take to recover from surgery?
Arm lift recovery from an arm lift is individualized, varying based on skin and overall health. Typically, expect your recovery to be finalized in approximately two to three weeks. During that time refrain from heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, quit smoking and live a healthy lifestyle.
Book Your Cosmetic Procedure Today
If you are thinking brachioplasty make sure to find a board certified plastic surgeon experienced in this procedure. Dr. Matthew Schulman is a cosmetic procedure expert in New York City.
To learn more about cosmetic surgery and why it may be right for you, contact us through our website or call the office.