Procedures
Arm Lift
WHAT TO EXPECT
- Anesthesia: General
- Length of surgery: 1 – 2 hours
- Outpatient/inpatient: Outpatient
- Adjunct procedures: Body lift, Brazilian Butt Lift, Mommy Makeover, thigh lift
- Recovery: 2 – 4 weeks
The Benefits of Getting an Arm Lift
- Reduces excess skin and fat between the underarm and the elbow
- Reshapes your arm to result in smoother skin and contours
- Results in a more toned and proportionate appearance
Enhancing Your Appearance With an Arm Lift
An arm lift, also known as brachioplasty, reduces excess skin and fat between the underarm and the elbow, reshaping the arm for smoother contours. The surgery provides a more toned and proportionate appearance for the arms.
This procedure is very common and safe, especially when you come to Edina Plastic Surgery, where our entire staff is highly trained and experienced in these types of procedures.
Arm lifts have become a reliable way for people to improve the appearance of unwanted arm tissue. In fact, according to a report from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, more than 14,000 arm lifts were performed throughout 2020.
Why We Need Arm Lifts
The elasticity of our skin is governed by a couple of different factors, but one of the most impactful is the production of collagen, elastin and other proteins in our bodies. The other is the deposit of unwanted fat in the upper arm area. Unfortunately, fluctuations in weight, growing older and even heredity can cause a loss of collagen and excess fat deposits.
Exercise may strengthen and improve the underlying muscle tone of the upper arm, but it cannot address excess skin that has lost elasticity or has underlying weakened tissues and localized fat deposits. Brachioplasty can address those issues.
If the underside of your upper arms are sagging or appear loose and full due to excess skin and fat, an arm lift may be right for you.
What to Expect From Your Consultation
The success of your arm lift procedure/brachioplasty starts with the first consultation with your plastic surgeon. You’ll be asked a number of questions about your health, desires and lifestyle. Be sure to share your issues or concerns so that we have a complete picture of your health and long-term goals.
Be prepared to discuss:
- Why you want the surgery, your expectations and desired outcome
- Medical conditions, drug allergies and medical treatments
- Use of current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and medications
- Previous surgeries
The Brachioplasty Procedure
Incisions are generally placed on the inside of the arm or on the back of the arm, depending on the surgeon’s preference, and may extend from the underarm (axilla) to just above the elbow. If fat is to be reduced during your arm lift, it will be excised or treated with liposuction. While the contour of your arm will be improved, you will have a permanent scar.
Depending on your specific situation, incisions may be fewer and more limited. Then, underlying supportive tissue is tightened and reshaped with internal sutures. Finally, the skin is smoothed over the new contour of your arm.
Surgeries and recoveries are more successful for patients who are as healthy and strong as possible.
Brachioplasty Results
The smoother, tighter contours that result from brachioplasty are apparent almost immediately following your procedure, although initial results will be somewhat obscured by swelling and bruising.
Your new, shapely upper arm can be dramatically improved both in appearance and feel. The results of arm lift surgery will be long-lasting, provided that you maintain a stable weight and general fitness. As your body ages, it is natural to lose some firmness, but most of your improvement should be relatively permanent.
Brachioplasty Recovery
It is expected that the entire recovery process will take about two to three weeks to complete. But lingering symptoms like minor pain, discomfort, redness, swelling and soreness will all dissipate rapidly over that time period.
It is normal to have compression garments placed over your incisions after the surgery to help prevent excess fluid from building up. It is also normal for surgeons to place a drainage tube to achieve the same result.
Arm Lift of Your Dreams at Edina
If you are ready to learn more about how Edina Plastic Surgery can help you achieve the arm contours you have always desired, give our office a call at (952) 925-1765 or fill out the online contact form below. We are looking forward to being your trusted partner throughout this entire process.
