Arm Lift
Fluctuations in weight, age or genetics can all cause the upper arms to develop loose skin and hanging tissue. Women are particularly susceptible to flabby upper arms, which can cause feelings of self-consciousness in tank tops or swimwear. An arm lift, also known as brachioplasty, tightens arm skin and removes excess tissue
Top female plastic surgeon Dr. Jennifer Harrington prides herself on her ability to create natural-looking results. During your initial consultation, she’ll sit down with you to discuss your goals for cosmetic surgery and inform you of the results you can expect from an upper arm lift.
Harrington + Associates Plastic Surgery has helped women and men from throughout the Twin Cities with brachioplasty. Contact us online or call our Plymouth office today at 651-290-7600 for more information about arm lift surgery, including pricing.
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Who Is a Good Candidate for an Upper Arm Lift?
Almost anyone who wishes to get rid of loose arm skin or flabby tissue can be a good candidate for brachioplasty. Some of the most common reasons to consider getting an arm lift include:
- Significant weight loss has resulted in sagging upper arm skin
- Loose upper arm tissue hangs and creates a flabby look
- Excess skin or tissue in the upper arms hides underlying muscle tone
Arm Lift Incisions
Brachioplasty incisions are placed as discreetly as possible. The exact location of your incisions will depend on the amount of excess skin and tissue. People who only need a small amount of correction may only require an incision located in each armpit. More commonly, however, incisions are placed in the inner arm crease between the bicep and tricep muscles. People with a significant amount of excess tissue and skin may require an additional vertical incision along the inner arm. Once Dr. Harrington has made the appropriate incision for your needs, she will lift and tighten the tissue and skin of the upper arms.
If fat removal is required, Dr. Harrington may include liposuction of the upper arms. In this case, she will need to create a few additional small incisions to perform the liposuction procedure.
Your Arm Lift Procedure
Brachioplasty is a same-day procedure that is performed under general anesthesia. The surgery itself may take up to 3 hours for both arms and is performed at our licensed surgery center. For general anesthesia for your upper arm lift, you should arrive at the surgical facility 1 hour before your procedure start time and plan to stay for 1 hour after. Be sure to have a friend or family member available to drive you home, and arrange for an adult to stay with you for at least 24 hours following your surgery.
Dr. Harrington may recommend additional procedures to include with your arm lift based on your overall appearance goals. Many post-weight loss patients opt for body contouring procedures such as a tummy tuck or liposuction in other areas of the body. Some women also choose to include an upper arm lift in their mommy makeovers.
Brachioplasty Recovery
As with all surgeries, recovering from an arm lift is a gradual process that varies for each individual. Most patients take up to 2 weeks away from work and other normal activities as their bodies heal. It’s normal to develop some bruising and swelling after surgery, which should subside over the following weeks. During the first week of your recovery, keeping your arms extended with the wrists elevated can help promote fast healing. Dr. Harrington may also ask you to wear a special compression garment or bandages to encourage blood circulation.
You should notice a difference in the shape of your upper arms right after your procedure, but your final results will take some time to develop. Individual experience differs from person to person, but many patients see results by about 2 months.
It’s critical that you discuss any potential risks or complications with Dr. Harrington prior to getting an arm lift. If you notice any sudden swelling accompanied by sharp pain, notify our office immediately.
Arm Lift FAQs
How much does an arm lift cost?
The average cost of an arm lift in the US is around $5,000, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. However, this figure does not include additional costs associated with anesthesia, surgeon’s fees, hospital facility fees, medications and other related fees.
During your arm lift consultation at our Plymouth, Minnesota location, you will be able to discuss your individual needs and goals with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons, who can provide an accurate total cost estimate for your arm lift.
How do I choose the best arm lift plastic surgeon near me?
Find the right arm lift plastic surgeon near you by asking nearby friends and family for recommendations and doing your own research online. Verify the credentials of each plastic surgeon you are considering, making sure they are board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons.
You can also view before and after arm lift photos online and read online reviews to help you narrow your search before scheduling an arm lift consultation with your top one or two picks.
How painful is an arm lift?
It is common to experience mild to moderate discomfort in the first week or two after getting an arm lift. However, side effects such as discomfort, swelling and bruising are generally easily managed with the use of over-the-counter or prescription pain medication and cold compresses. Follow the detailed arm lift recovery guidelines provided by your plastic surgeon to help minimize side effects and optimize your results.
How soon will I see results after an arm lift?
You should notice an immediate improvement in the contours of your arms after getting an arm lift. However, swelling and bruising can temporarily hide initial results, so it can take 1 to 2 months for more dramatic results to be visible. Arm lift results should continue to improve over the coming months.
How long do arm lift results last?
Arm lift results are typically very long-lasting and may never need to be retouched. However, the skin naturally loses elasticity with age, so the longevity of your arm lift results can depend on factors such as your age, the natural elasticity of your skin and lifestyle factors. You can help to prolong your arm lift results by maintaining a stable, healthy weight and adopting healthy eating, exercise and stress-management habits.
Next Steps
Brachioplasty can get rid of excess arm fat and tighten loose skin. If you have questions or would like more information, contact us online or call our Plymouth office at 651-290-7600 to request your arm lift consultation.
Telephone No.(651) 413-9162