One of the more common signs of aging is sagging skin. As you age, your skin will begin to produce less collagen (the protein that keeps your skin tight). This can produce several unwanted effects across the body.
One of the places where sagging skin can become a problem is your upper arms. Even with a great diet and strict exercise routine, your upper arms may start to look flabby. This is not because of fat deposits or muscle weakness (though those can also occur for some people) but, rather, due to excess skin that sags off your arms.
Weight fluctuations, aging, and genetics can cause your upper arms to have a drooping, sagging appearance. In extreme cases, this can create the appearance of hanging flaps of skin that stretch from your arms to your chest (‘bat wings’). Exercise can strengthen the underlying muscle of the upper arm, but it can’t address skin laxity.
Brachioplasty (arm lift surgery) removes excess skin and tightens the arm tissues to restore a youthful appearance to your upper arms.
Brachioplasty can remove excess skin and tighten the remaining skin on your upper arms. This reduces the appearance of aging and keeps your skin firm and tight.
Some muscle laxity tends to occur with age. Arm surgery can tighten lax tissue to create more defined arm contours. This reduces the chances of further tissue sagging over time.
Arm lift surgery can create smoother arm contours with a reduced circumference. Brachioplasty patients often feel more confident in a wider range of clothing options, including sleeveless outfits.
All patients must meet with Dr. Bridges for a consultation to assess their current condition and discuss their aesthetic goals. This ensures that you and your plastic surgeon are on the same page.
To make your consultation easier, please bring medical records or notes with information on the following:
Dr. Bridges will examine your physical condition during your consultation to determine whether an arm lift can provide your desired results.
Arm lift surgery is conducted under general anesthesia.
The procedure begins with an incision that stretches from elbow to shoulder. There are several placement options available, such as along the inner arm or back of the arm. Your surgeon will determine the ideal incision location based on your goals.
Once the incision is made, excess fat may be removed via liposuction if necessary.
The next step is to tighten the tissues using internal sutures. This process secures the arm muscles and provides the structure necessary to keep the new contours in place.
Then, your surgeon will tighten the skin over your new arm contours and trim away excess skin. Finally, the incisions will be closed and sealed with temporary stitches.
Immediately after your surgery, you will need to wear a compression garment around your upper arms. This helps reduce swelling and speeds the arm lift recovery process. Some patients will need small drains attached to their incisions to prevent fluid accumulation and unnecessary swelling.
Bandages will be removed a day or two after surgery. You’ll need to continue wearing your compression garment around the clock for several weeks until your swelling and bruising subside. Your stitches will be removed within two weeks.
You will need to rest and refrain from working for five to seven days after surgery. After that, you should be able to return to work so long as your job is not physically demanding. It may take several weeks before you are ready to resume physically demanding tasks or exercise.
Immediately after surgery, you will see a significant change in your arm contours. However, your final results will not be visible for some time due to swelling and post-surgical inflammation.
Most patients will see their final results within six weeks as swelling subsides.
In the first few days after surgery, you may feel some pain, especially when moving your arms. Some mild discomfort may continue for a week or more. Swelling may cause some loss of feeling in the inner arm region.
These symptoms typically recede over six weeks. Pain during this period can be treated with prescription medication as needed.
This surgery will result in scarring, but brachioplasty scars can usually be concealed within the natural contours of your arm. Arm lift scars will naturally fade over time, and proper care can cause them to fade faster.
Your arm lift cost will vary depending on the extent of your procedure, the fees charged by the anesthesiologist, and your surgeon’s fees. Dr. Bridges will provide you with your personalized brachioplasty cost during your consultation once he understands your goals and desires.
In general, candidates for an arm lift include:
People who have lost significant amounts of weight may want an arm lift to help them achieve more ideal arm contours. If you're wondering how to get rid of loose skin on your arms, brachioplasty may be right for you.
Dr. Bridges will provide you with specific instructions for the days immediately before your procedure.
Preparing for brachioplasty may include:
Yes. Brachioplasty is often combined with liposuction and may also be combined with other body contouring plastic surgery options like body lift surgery or tummy tuck surgery.
To make your recovery after arm lift easier, Dr. Bridges recommends that you drink plenty of water and limit your intake of salty foods. Some salt is essential while recovering, but too much can raise your blood pressure and make your recovery more difficult.
You should also avoid alcohol and nicotine products.
Fresh fruits and vegetables coupled with lean meat is a good diet for the first few weeks after your brachioplasty.
So long as you maintain a stable weight, your arm lift results will be effectively permanent. Brachioplasty cannot stop further aging, so your arms will continue aging naturally after your surgery. Most patients report beneficial results for several decades after their procedure.