Excess fat and loose skin often leave a “flabby” appearance on the upper arms.
This area can be challenging to target with diet and exercise and sometimes impossibly due to skin laxity. Therefore, arm Lift surgery or a Brachioplasty is performed to eliminate the stubborn fat and eliminate the batwing appearance. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia; your incision is on the inside or back of your arm.
Request A ConsultationBenefits Of An Arm Lift
- Eliminate Loose Skin On The Arms: During the Brachioplasty procedure, your surgeon tightens and removes the excess skin from your arms.
- Create A Toned Arm Appearance: The results of this procedure will bring out your toned arm muscles underneath all the excess skin.
- Eliminate Loose And Flabby Appearance: This procedure will help get rid of the batwing look on your arms. Your surgeon removes the excess and flabby skin on your arms, leaving your arms with a more toned and smooth appearance.
- Improve Comfort And Confidence In Clothes: It can often be challenging to find comfortable clothes that you feel confident in when self-conscious about your arm’s appearance. This procedure improves your confidence and comfort in clothes; bring out those tank tops again.
Types Of Arm Lifts
Brachioplasty
This procedure involves the excision of skin and fat in the arm with the incision stretching from axilla to inner elbow.
Extended brachioplasty
Same as above but scar includes removal of skin in axilla and along lateral chest wall. This is for those patients with skin that extends into axilla and chest.
Consultation Process
You will discuss your procedure goals and options during your consultation with one of our four surgeons. After that, your surgeon will recommend a procedure plan that aligns with your goals and fits your specific case needs. Click here if you’re ready to schedule your consultation.
Arm Lift Recovery
Immediately after:
Immediately after surgery, you should avoid strenuous activities. You should be back to work after a weekend of healing.
One week:
After the first week, you can start walking on a treadmill. No running or heavy lifting for at least 4-5 weeks.
One to two months:
One month after, you should be back to a full routine.
Arm Lift FAQs
What kind of scar can be expected?
Arm lift surgery typically results in a scar along the inner arm, with the length depending on the amount of excess skin removed. Some patients may have a shorter incision hidden near the armpit, while others require a longer scar extending from the armpit toward the elbow.
Your surgeon will recommend the incision pattern that best addresses your anatomy during consultation. If you typically wear long sleeves, the scar is often easy to keep covered.
How long after surgery should I wait before exercising?
Light walking is usually fine once you’re comfortable, but you should avoid upper body workouts, lifting, pullups, pushups, and strenuous arm movement for about 4 to 6 weeks or until your surgeon clears you.
Most patients can gradually ease back into full exercise after that, based on their healing and degree of swelling.
Does an arm lift remove fat from the upper arms?
An arm lift can remove some fat along with excess skin, but it’s primarily a skin tightening procedure. If fat reduction and contouring are the main goals, liposuction on its own or combined with an arm lift may create better results.
Trust Our Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons for Your Arm Lift
If you’d like to discuss your arm lift options with one of St. Louis Cosmetic Surgery’s board-certified plastic surgeons, request a consultation using the online form, or call us at (636) 530-6161 to schedule an appointment.
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