Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) Surgery with Dr. Graham
Arm Lift, or brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes the excess hanging tissues of the upper arm, effectively reshaping the arm from the elbow to the underarm region. In addition, excess fat from the upper arm area can be liposculpted to reduce and further shape the arms. Many individuals who seek an arm lift are relatively fit and are not able to improve the look of their arms with diet and exercise.
Arm Lift Candidates
The ideal candidate may be a man or woman who has lost elasticity of the skin and underlying tissues of the upper arm. This is commonly due to significant weight loss and skin that has lost its ability to retract after being overstretched. This can result in significant stretch marks in the area. Loose sagging skin of the upper arms can also result naturally from heredity and aging. In general, candidates are healthy individuals who do not have any medical conditions that can impair healing or increase risk of surgery. They are non-smokers and have a relatively stable weight without being significantly overweight. They should also have a positive outlook and realistic goals for what brachioplasty can accomplish.
Benefits of Plastic Surgery after Weight Loss
Patients who have fully recovered from bariatric surgery or who have reached their optimum weight-loss goal can experience numerous benefits by undergoing body sculpting procedures such as body lift, abdominoplasty, thigh lift, or
. Body sculpting surgery can provide the following benefits for qualified candidates:
- Maintenance of Body Weight with less regaining of weight
- Targeted body contouring
- Removal of hanging, loose skin
- Elimination of stubborn fat deposits
- Enhanced body shape and a smoother silhouette
- Freedom from physical reminders of the previous burden of weight
- A more natural shape and appearance
- Improved self-confidence and body image
Arm Lift Procedure
Arm lift
involves making an incision on the inside of the upper arm. Excess skin and soft tissue are then pulled up over this incision. The excess skin and soft tissue are then cut away. The incision is then closed, leaving a hidden scar on the inside of the upper arm, and resulting in a much better contour of the upper arm.
Arm Lift Frequently Asked Questions
Can arm lift surgery be combined with other procedures?
The goals and circumstances for each patient will determine whether it is better to undergo multiple procedures at once or in stages. Often arm lift can be combined with tummy tuck, thigh lift, or breast lift. While combining procedures allows you to experience the final results sooner, this option has a more difficult and lengthy recovery. If the procedure is performed in stages, each recovery may be easier and shorter, but there will be multiple recovery periods. There will also be waiting periods between each surgery, and depending on circumstances, these waiting periods may last for weeks, months, or even years.
Will I have scarring from arm lift surgery?
The amount of scarring you can expect after body sculpting will vary depending on the procedures you undergo. Some procedures will leave small, inconspicuous scars while others will leave larger, more noticeable scars. Patients who undergo body sculpting procedures usually feel that the benefits of skin and fat removal outweigh the downsides of noticeable scarring. Nonetheless, Dr. Graham takes care to make any scarring as minimal and inconspicuous as possible. Even with those procedures that require lengthy incisions, the scars will be inconspicuously placed and can be hidden with most clothing and underwear.
What are the risks associated with arm lift surgery?
Please refer to the following form published by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
Will I have to stay in the hospital following arm lift surgery?
No. Brachioplasty is an outpatient surgery that is performed at an accredited hospital or ambulatory surgery center.
What is the recovery time following arm lift surgery?
This is dependent on the type of work you perform. Many patients with office jobs only require a week or two after brachioplasty. However, patients who perform heavy labor may require 4-6 weeks to recover. You will not be able to lift anything greater than 10 lbs for 8 weeks. You will not be able to run or jog for 4 weeks.
How long will my arm lift results last?
The results of arm lift can be long lasting. Patients who remain committed to a healthy lifestyle and who avoid future weight fluctuations will experience the best long-term results.
