Individuals with excess arm skin often experience self-consciousness, embarrassment, and general discomfort on a daily basis. Not only that, but excess skin on the upper arms can also be a cause of physical discomfort, making it difficult to exercise or comfortably wear certain clothes.
While some people still try it, the solution to excess arm skin is not diet and exercise. Nor is it a special cream or massage therapy. Rather, it is surgery — arm lift surgery or brachioplasty, to be exact.
Most arm lift surgery requires an incision down the length of each upper arm: from armpit to elbow. But for some patients, who only have excess skin near the armpit area, a mini arm lift may be the perfect fit.
What Is a Mini Arm Lift?
A mini arm lift, also known as mini brachioplasty, is a less invasive version of the traditional arm lift procedure. This cosmetic surgery targets the upper arm area, particularly focusing on the part of the arm nearest to the underarm.
The goal is to remove excess skin and tighten the underlying tissues to create a more toned and youthful appearance. Excess fat can also be removed.
Unlike a full arm lift, which addresses sagging skin along the entire length of the upper arm, the mini arm lift focuses on mild to moderate skin laxity and is often combined with liposuction for optimal results.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Mini Arm Lift?
Not everyone with loose skin on their arms is a good candidate for a mini arm lift, also known as a minimal incision arm lift. Ultimately, it will be your plastic surgeon who decides which procedure is best for you.
Most of the time, ideal candidates for mini arm lifts are individuals who have:
- Mild to moderate skin laxity in the upper arm area
- Good overall health
- A stable weight
- Realistic expectations
- Skin that retains decent elasticity
- Localized fat deposits that do not respond to diet and exercise
Typically, candidates are those who have experienced weight loss or aging that has resulted in minor sagging of the skin in the upper arm region. The procedure is also suitable for individuals who are not ready for the more extensive surgery of a full arm lift (and the resulting arm lift scar) but still seek noticeable improvement.
Mini Arm Lift Procedure Steps
Mini Arm Lift Procedure StepsThe mini arm lift body contouring procedure generally involves the following steps:
1. Anesthesia: This procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the patient’s preference and their surgeon’s recommendation.
2. Incisions: A small incision is made in the armpit area or along the inside of the upper arm on each arm. The length and placement of the incision will depend on the extent of correction needed.
3. Excess skin and fat removal: Excess skin is trimmed away, and the underlying tissues are tightened. Liposuction may be used to remove any localized fat deposits for a smoother contour.
4. Closing of incisions: The incisions are closed with sutures, and the treatment areas are dressed to minimize swelling and support the new arm shape. A compression garment is placed on each arm.
The entire procedure, including skin removal and skin tightening of the underlying tissue plus arm liposuction, typically takes one to two hours. Patients can usually go home on the same day. Just remember that you must have a friend or family member drive you.
Mini Arm Lift Recovery
Adhering to Dr. Schulman’s post-operative care instructions will help ensure a smooth recovery and the best possible results. In general, mini arm lift recovery involves the following.
1. Post-Surgical Care
Patients will need to wear compression garments to help reduce swelling and maintain an attractive arm contour after their surgical procedure.
2. Pain Management
Mild discomfort is expected, but this can be managed with prescribed pain medications.
3. Activity Restrictions
Patients should avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for at least a few weeks. Very light activities and daily routines can usually be resumed within a few days. Once you’re cleared to exercise, arm exercises can improve your arm tone and the elasticity of your remaining skin.
4. Follow-Up Appointments
Regular follow-up visits with your surgeon are essential to monitor healing and remove sutures if necessary.
5. Results
Initial results will be visible once swelling subsides, with full results typically evident within a few months. Scarring is minimal and generally fades over time.
FAQ: Mini Arm Lift Surgery
How painful is a mini arm lift?
In and of itself, mini arm lift surgery is not painful. You will have anesthesia and/or sedation. After surgery, mini arm lift recovery may involve some soreness. You will have pain medication prescribed to keep you comfortable.
Will I have a mini arm lift scar?
Yes, although mini arm lift surgery does involve smaller incisions, you will still have scars near your armpits. Please see our mini arm lift before and after photos for examples of what the scars typically look like after removing excess skin and fat.
How long does a mini arm lift last?
Just as with a body lift or thigh lift, excess skin and fatty tissue are removed for good with mini arm lifts. This means that the changes and improvements are permanent.
Keeping your results for a long time will go better when you lead a healthy lifestyle and maintain a healthy weight. Just remember that we cannot turn back the hands of time, and aging may change your results over time.
How much does a mini arm lift cost?
Both traditional arm lift surgery cost and mini arm lift cost varies depending on the specifics and scope of your surgery. We recommend you call to book a consultation appointment. This is the best way to get an accurate price quote.
If you specifically want to know the cost of a mini arm lift in your region, search “mini arm lift cost near me” and Google should use your geographic location to conduct your search.
Arrange for a Consultation with Dr. Schulman
Having excess skin on your upper arms can make you feel self-conscious and uncomfortable, especially when wearing sleeveless tops and dresses. Unfortunately, there is no strong alternative to surgery when it comes to correcting this problem.
The good news is that arm lift surgery — whether the traditional full arm lift surgery or a mini arm lift — can quickly and effectively correct the issue.
You can learn more about mini arm lifts and whether you’re a candidate for this procedure by calling our office today and scheduling a personal consultation appointment with board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Matthew Schulman. Call today! We look forward to hearing from you.
