Arm Lift

What is arm lift (brachioplasty) surgery?

Arm lift or brachioplasty is a procedure to remove excess arm skin and fat from the upper arms. Mostly after weight loss surgery, but also with advancing age, there may be a large amount of excess skin and fatty tissue hanging from the upper arms, resulting in a “bat-wing” appearance. Despite conservative measures, such as a healthy diet and smoking cessation, and even with thousands of push-ups, in many women and some men, the upper arms just don’t respond. Using the latest in brachioplasty techniques, Dr. Glick can make the arms will appear more trim, firm and smooth.

Am I a good candidate for Arm Lift surgery?

The best candidates for brachioplasty are individuals in good physical condition with loose skin and fatty tissue at the upper arms that haven’t responded well to diet and exercise. The majority of arm lift patients are individuals who have lost massive amounts of weight and have stabilized their weight loss. Older women are good candidates, as well. The upper arm region can be managed with liposuction alone and not a formal arm lift surgery. Dr. Glick will consult with you on whether arm lift surgery is right for you.

THE ARMLIFT SURGERY PROCEDURE

Initial Consultation Prior to Arm Lift Surgery

At your initial consultation, Dr. Glick and you will carefully discuss your aesthetic concerns with regard to your arms, and define a tailored plan to improve their appearance. Your goals and expectations will be carefully considered and clarified. Your medical and surgical history will be reviewed in detail, and a physical examination will be conducted. Depending on your aesthetic concerns and anatomy, liposuction, not an arm lift, or perhaps a combination of both may be best suited. Dr. Glick will advise you which type of upper arm contouring surgery technique is best for you.

Preparation for Arm lift Surgery

Arm lift surgery is major surgery and appropriate preparation is needed. Dr. Glick may request that you visit your private medical doctor for a check-up and for any necessary lab work and x-rays. Precise preoperative instructions will be reviewed, and all necessary prescriptions will be given to you in advance of your arm lift surgery. You will be instructed to avoid smoking, blood thinning medications, and all aspirin, aspirin-containing products, and anti-inflammatory products (Advil® or ibuprofen, and Aleve®) at least ten days before surgery. In order to promote optimal healing, a complete and comprehensive preoperative instructions will be provided for you, detailing which medications to avoid, and which vitamins , minerals, and homeopathic preparations are ok to take prior to and after cosmetic brachioplasty surgery. For your own safety and comfort you will need to designate a chaperon/care taker that can escort you home after the procedure. You should plan to have some help with house-hold chores, such as cooking and cleaning, as these activities are fairly difficult in the immediate postoperative period. Get plenty of rest, and dress in comfortable layered clothing.

What Type of Anesthesia do you need for arm lift surgery?

Arm lift surgery is an ambulatory surgery procedure that is usually performed under general anesthesia, but can be performed under sedation and local anesthesia if only liposuction of the arms is done. Dr. Glick and our Board-certified anesthesiologists will help you make the decision of which type of anesthesia is best for you.

How does Dr. Glick do a arm lift?

There are several different techniques for performing brachioplasty. The upper arm can be treated with just liposuction if the primary problem is excess fat, or, with a combination of liposuction and removal of excess arm skin if the skin is loose. The incision for removal and tightening of the skin can be hidden in the armpit if there is only a moderate amount of excess arm skin. For situations where more significant amounts of excess arm skin exist, the incision is placed along the inner aspect of the arm to minimize the visibility. This scar is hidden inside the upper arm, enabling you to show off your results in a t-shirt or even a tanktop. After careful consultation, Dr. Glick will help you decide on the best technique to optimize your results.

Recovery and the Postoperative Period

No overnight stay is needed after brachioplasty surgery. Dr. Glick’s arm lift surgery is an outpatient procedure that requires only a short rest in our comfortable recovery suite. Once surgery is completed, you will recover fully from the effects of anesthesia, and be escorted home with your designated caregiver. Dr. Glick will instruct you thoroughly on your postoperative regimen and recovery period. You may have surgical drains, and compression garment applied to the arms. You will be encouraged to stay as active as possible at home for several days while maintaining appropriate positioning and posture. In most cases the bruising is minimal and resolves after the first week, at which time the drains are removed. Most patients return to work and social activities after 1 to 2 weeks. Dr. Glick recommends avoidance of strenuous physical exercise for approximately 6 weeks following cosmetic brachioplasty surgery. As always, you are encouraged to stay active, eat a healthy diet, and exercise as tolerated. Dr. Glick and our medical team will closely follow up with you to make sure that your healing is going well.

Results of arm lift Surgery

The results of cosmetic brachioplasty surgery are smooth and flat arms, without those pesky “bat-wings”. Not only will you look great, you will also notice an immediate change in the way your arms feel and your clothes fit. In fact, it is not uncommon for patients report additional weight loss following arm lift, due to the increased level of physical activity. Brachioplasty sugery results are permanent, though various lifestyle and hereditary factors may impact on your long-term results. Dr. Glick’s encourages maintenance of the slimming arm lift results with an appropriate fitness level and healthy diet.

How much does arm lift surgery cost?

Arm lift surgery costs vary depending on exactly what technique is used. This will be outlined in detail during your consultation. Financing options are readily available.

What are Dr. Glick’s patients saying after brachioplasty surgery?

Dr. Glick’s brachioplasty surgery patients are thrilled with their new smooth and toned upper arms. Read what they have to say about the benefits of being a patient at Dr. Glick’s Plastic Surgery.