All About the Arm Lift

Sagging skin under the arms can be embarrassing. It can also be terribly discouraging if you’re going to great lengths to remove it through diet and exercise and getting no results.

Ironically, rapid weight loss can be a cause of sagging skin on the arms. But it can also be a result of aging or genetics. It could be a combination of factors.

Whatever the case, a brachioplasty (a.k.a. arm lift) can treat those saggy underarms to leave them looking more toned and defined.

Who Would Benefit From Brachioplasty?

Of course, experiencing a hit to your self-esteem because of sagging arms is reason enough to seek out an arm lift. And it’s not an unusual procedure following weight-loss surgery.

But even if you don’t find the extra folds of tissue particularly troubling from the aesthetics perspective, you may want relief from the general discomfort. Then there’s the issue of maintaining hygiene, which is more challenging.

Finally, inflammation and rash associated with the extra folds of tissue can lead to infection. At this point, brachioplasty becomes a necessity.

Arm Lift Options

Fortunately, there are numerous options available when it comes to arm lifts.

A traditional arm lift is usually recommended for those with a large amount of excess skin and fat on the upper arm. An extended arm lift addresses fatty tissue and loose skin underneath the arm and on areas on the side of the body.

Finally, a limited-incision brachioplasty (also known as a hidden arm lift) may be recommended for those with moderate amounts of fat and loose skin. It utilizes an incision made in the crease of the underarm and may include liposuction.

In cases where there is only a small amount of fat, little to no excess skin, and good elasticity in the skin, the arm may be reshaped using liposuction only.

The Procedure

Given the variety of arm lifts, you’ll discuss which is best for you with your board-certified plastic surgeon.

Depending on the chosen procedure, you’ll receive either a general or local anesthesia. The surgeon will then make the appropriate incision depending on the chosen procedure and remove extra skin and fat from the desired area.

The surgeon then reconnects the skin to provide a smooth contour. In some cases, additional body-contouring surgeries may be performed at this time as well.

Recovery

During recovery, it may be necessary to wear a compression garment to control swelling.

Patients are provided with postoperative care instructions that include attending to the incision, which medications to take and when, and potential warning signs. There will also be a timeline for follow-up appointments.

Most patients are able to return to work or school within a week or two, and can return to normal activities within 2-4 weeks.

Tighten and Tone Those Arms

Of course, maintaining proper diet and exercise is key to maintaining good health. But sometimes it just isn’t enough for certain problem spots.

So if you’re struggling with extra skin and fat on your arms no matter how hard you try, then an arm lift could be right for you.

It’s important to add that Emsculpt can also be performed to improve the muscular contour and reduce the fat layer when a patient has a tight skin envelope. This effective and non-invasive improvement to the upper arms requires no downtime and no anesthesia.

So contact us today for a free consultation. And show off those arms this summer!