Doctor’s Thoughts on Arm Lift

At Pacific Center Plastic Surgery, we strive to provide you with the absolute best arm lift results. That’s why we want to understand your unique concerns and goals to find the right treatment plan for you. When it comes to a surgical procedure like an arm lift, we will be honest about the pros and cons of this treatment option. For many, the significant results of an arm lift can provide life-changing confidence and improved body contour. At Pacific Center Plastic Surgery in Newport Beach, our arm lift procedure has helped hundreds of patients achieve long-lasting results for toned upper arms and improved body balance. As arm lift surgeons in Newport Beach, we aim to deliver the best care, from your consultation to your surgery to your final result. To get started on your journey with us or learn more about your options, contact our office and request a consultation.

What is an Arm Lift?

As we age, upper arm skin can become loose and flabby. An arm lift, also known as a Brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure to address the upper arms, removing excess skin and tightening the tissue. This can help patients achieve more toned upper arms and be used as part of a more extensive procedure like an upper body lift after weight loss. An arm lift procedure results in more contoured and youthful-looking arms.

Who can Benefit from a Brachioplasty?

This procedure can benefit a range of patients, from those who have undergone dramatic weight loss to those experiencing the natural effects of aging. An arm lift can address the following concerns:

  •         Hanging tissue due to the natural aging process
  •         Stretched skin caused by weight loss
  •         Pockets of stubborn fat on the upper arms

Both men and women can benefit from an arm lift to address excess skin and hanging tissue around the upper arms. To be a successful candidate for surgery, you should be within your ideal weight range. The procedure can address pockets of stubborn fat with liposuction techniques, but it is important to remember that this is not a weight loss procedure. Our board-certified plastic surgeons can meet with you to determine if the procedure is right for you.

How is the Arm Lift Performed?

Several different techniques can be used during an arm lift procedure. For some, liposuction alone is used to remove stubborn fat from the upper arms. This will often require a few tiny incisions used to break up and remove fat cells. An incision will typically be made either high up on the arm or within the underarm so that it is well concealed.

Patients with a large amount of excess skin and tissue may require a larger incision, which may range from the elbow to the underarm. Our expert plastic surgeons will tighten the underlying tissue and remove excess skin to improve your arm contour through the appropriate incision. This is usually done with the use of general anesthesia to ensure a comfortable process.

In some instances, liposuction may be used alone or in conjunction with other surgical techniques.

Am I a Good Candidate for Arm Lift Surgery?

You may wish to consider arm lift surgery if the undersides of your upper arms are loose and saggy. Tightening the upper arms not only improves their appearance but can also boost your self-esteem and reduce self-consciousness.

That said, arm lift surgery is not for everyone. If you are significantly overweight, or if your weight fluctuates heavily and regularly, your results from arm lift surgery may be limited. It’s important to meet with our team to discuss your specific case to help determine the best treatment option for you.

Selecting an Arm Lift Doctor

Partnering with the right surgeon is the most important decision you will make in optimizing the safety and results of your arm lift surgery. Insist on only meeting with an experienced and highly trained board-certified surgeon. All of the surgeons at Pacific Center Plastic Surgery in Newport Beach, CA are board-certified with decades of experience. Our plastic surgeons are renowned body contouring experts known for their results. In fact, most of our patients are referred to Pacific Center Plastic Surgery by happy patients who previously had surgery with us.

Preparing for Your Arm Lift

Before scheduling your arm lift surgery, your doctor will conduct a thorough medical screening. You’ll want to list all of your previous surgeries and disclose any chronic health conditions you have. Your doctor will also conduct a thorough examination of your arms to determine the best treatment option for you.

If you smoke, you’ll likely be directed to stop for a specified period of time before and after your surgery. You will also likely be directed to suspend the use of any supplements or drugs that may increase bleeding.

It’s important to arrange for a ride home after your procedure. We recommend having a friend or loved one with you on the day of surgery. You may also want to arrange for some household help for a few days following your procedure.

The Arm Lift Procedure

An arm lift is typically performed in an outpatient surgical facility. Oftentimes it is performed with the use of general anesthesia. However, sometimes the operation may be done using oral sedation and local anesthesia. You and your doctor can discuss and decide on which option is a better one for you.

Based on your treatment plan and aesthetic goals, incisions will be made in the most concealable areas. After lifting and tightening your underlying tissues to give your arms a firmer and more contoured look, your surgeon will close your incisions and secure them with either absorbable sutures or stitches. Any stitches are usually removed in a week or two following your arm lift procedure.

Arm Lift Recovery

Your recovery from an arm lift will depend on the techniques used. Following surgery, your incisions will be covered with bandages, and your arms may be loosely wrapped in elastic sleeves. Your doctor may also choose to utilize drainage tubes, which are typically removed a couple of days after surgery. Pain medication and antibiotics may be prescribed as necessary.

After an arm lift, you can expect swelling and general discomfort for several days. It’s important to rest during this time to allow the body proper time to heal. Patients will often request a week off work to focus on recovering at home. Arm movements should be limited, and exercise and other strenuous activities should be avoided until cleared by your doctor.

Arm Lift Results

As swelling diminishes after your arm lift procedure, you will start to enjoy your results. It’s important to know that it may take a few months for swelling to subside completely. After this time, you can appreciate more toned upper arms with the reduction of excess skin and volume. Any incision marks will also continue to fade with time. The results of the arm lift are long-lasting, as long as you maintain your healthy weight.

Your Consultation at Pacific Center Plastic Surgery

To learn more about your arm lift at the Pacific Center Plastic Surgery, contact our office and schedule your consultation. Dr. Nichter and Dr. Horowitz are experts in surgical contouring procedures like the arm lift. They can meet with you to discuss your concerns and determine if the arm lift is right for you.

Arm Lift FAQs

What is the cost of an arm lift?

The cost of your arm lift will depend on the extent of your procedure. If other procedures are combined with the arm lift, the cost will vary. During your consultation, you will be provided with a quote for surgery. Financing options may also be discussed during that time.

What are the risks of an arm lift?

Like any surgery, an arm lift may come with some risks. We will be sure you are aware of any risks and answer questions you may have during your consultation and pre-op appointment. Our board-certified plastic surgeons have been performing arm lift procedures for decades and will do everything possible to minimize any risks. As with any surgery, it’s important to closely follow the instructions provided by your doctor to ensure you heal properly and achieve the best results.