Arm Lift Surgery: Frequently Asked Questions

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As we age and our bodies go through changes, many people will begin to notice flabby, lax tissue that accumulates along the upper arm. Often referred to as ‘wings’, this loose skin can affect a person at any age or body type. Patients who have experienced a significant weight loss, commonly experience loose skin along the upper arms. People who lose muscle mass and women who experience dramatic weight changes during pregnancy will also see this skin laxity.

Many people who deal with this excess skin often feel embarrassed and self-conscious. Certain clothing may no longer fit well and sleeveless tops can make a person feel unattractive. Unfortunately, diet and exercise does little to improve the fatty deposits and stretched skin of the upper arm. A surgical intervention is needed to restore youthful, trim arms.

An arm lift surgery, or brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure that reshapes the soft, inner portion of the arm between the underarm and the elbow. This surgery can significantly improve the shape and contour of the arm by eliminating the lax, fatty tissue. The excess upper arm tissue, is removed during a brachioplasty by excising the flaccid skin and will often be done in combination with liposuction to achieve the best results.

Arm lifts are usually performed under general anesthesia, in the operating room. Once the surgery is complete you’ll be provided additional postoperative pain control. There is some discomfort with any body contouring procedures, however most patients report that the pain after an arm lift is minimal. Typically, patients take prescription pain medicine for just a few days following surgery.

As with most surgical procedures, there is scarring associated with a brachioplasty. For a standard arm lift, the scar will be a straight line from the armpit to the elbow, on the inside of the arm. In a short-scar arm lift, there is a scar, which is a curved line that’s able to be hidden in the armpit. The initial scar will heal over the first two weeks and then you can work on scar management including topical treatments as well as other scar improvement techniques, to minimize its appearance.

If you are frustrated with the hanging skin along your upper arm, schedule a consultation with one of our award winning plastic surgeons today.

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