Arm Lift
Arm lift surgery, also known as brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure that can improve the appearance of the upper arms by removing excess skin and fat. This body contouring procedure is especially beneficial for those who have lost a significant amount of weight, resulting in loose, sagging skin. Arm lift surgery requires meticulous attention to detail and specialized skills to achieve natural-looking results. Dr. Berry Fairchild is a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience performing brachioplasty procedures for patients in Houston, TX. She takes the time to listen to each patient’s concerns and goals and develops a personalized treatment plan to achieve the best possible outcome. With her expertise in arm lift procedures coupled with compassionate care, Dr. Fairchild can help patients regain confidence in their appearance and enjoy a more youthful and toned appearance in their arms.
What Is Arm Lift Surgery?
In addition to addressing sagging skin after weight loss, arm lift surgery can also be performed to remove extra skin and fat that has accumulated due to aging or other factors. Arm lift surgery can be customized to meet the specific needs of each patient and may be combined with other procedures, such as liposuction, body lift, or breast lift, for a more comprehensive transformation.
Benefits of Arm Lift Surgery
Arm lift surgery can offer several benefits to patients who are unhappy with the appearance of their upper arms. Some of these benefits include:
- Improved appearance: Arm lift surgery can remove excess skin and fat from the upper arms, often referred to as “bat wings”, resulting in a more toned and youthful appearance.
- Boost in self-confidence: Many patients feel self-conscious about the appearance of their upper arms, which can negatively impact their self-confidence. Arm lift surgery can help patients feel more confident and comfortable in their own skin.
- Better-fitting clothes: Patients who have excess skin and fat on their upper arms may struggle to find clothes that fit properly. After arm lift surgery, patients can enjoy a wider range of clothing options that fit comfortably and flatter their new body shape.
- Improved range of motion: Excess skin and fat on the upper arms can limit a patient’s range of motion, making it difficult to perform certain activities. After arm lift surgery, patients may experience improved mobility and flexibility.
- Long-lasting results: The results of arm lift surgery are typically long-lasting, as long as patients maintain a healthy lifestyle and weight.
Candidates For Arm Lift Surgery
Arm lift surgery is a good option for individuals who are unhappy with the appearance of their upper arms and have excess skin and fat in that area. Good candidates for arm lift surgery typically include those who have lost a significant amount of weight or have experienced a decrease in skin elasticity due to
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Who is a good candidate for arm lift surgery?
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aging.
Additionally, arm lift surgery candidates should be in good overall health and have realistic expectations about the results of the procedure. It is also important that patients are committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle after the surgery to ensure long-lasting results. During a consultation, Dr. Fairchild will evaluate your individual needs and goals to determine if arm lift surgery is the right choice for you.
Preparing For Arm Lift Surgery
Preparing for arm lift surgery is an important part of the process to ensure the best possible outcome. During your initial consultation, Dr. Fairchild will take your medical history, discuss any medical conditions, and learn about your goals for cosmetic surgery. If you are deemed a good candidate, your arm lift procedure will be scheduled and you’ll be provided with pre-operative instructions. Before the surgery, you’ll need to follow Dr. Fairchild’s instructions carefully, which may include stopping certain medications or supplements that can increase the risk of bleeding. You will also be advised to stop smoking several weeks before the procedure, as smoking can slow down the healing process. It is important to arrange for someone to drive you home after the surgery and to have a friend or family member available to assist with daily activities during the first few days of your recovery. You should also prepare your home for a comfortable recovery, including setting up a recovery area with plenty of pillows and blankets. Additionally, you’ll need to plan to take time off from work and avoid strenuous activities, such as exercise, for several weeks after the surgery to allow your body to heal properly.
The Brachioplasty Procedure
The brachioplasty procedure is an outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia and typically takes approximately four hours to complete. During the procedure, Dr. Fairchild will make an incision in the underarm region (armpit) that runs to the inside of the
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elbow.
The exact length and pattern of the incision will depend on the amount of skin and fat to be removed. Dr. Fairchild will then remove excess skin and fat from the upper arm and may use liposuction to contour the area for a more toned appearance. Once the desired amount of skin and fat is removed, the remaining skin is pulled tight and sutured together to create a smoother, more youthful contour. The incision is then closed with sutures or surgical tape, and a compression garment is applied to the area to reduce swelling and support the healing process.
Recovery After Arm Lift Surgery
Recovery from arm lift surgery typically involves some discomfort, swelling, and bruising, which can be managed with pain medication and rest. During the first few days after surgery, you will need to keep your arms elevated to help reduce swelling and improve circulation. You may also be required to wear a compression garment to provide support and reduce
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Brachioplasty (ArmLift)
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swelling.
You should avoid lifting anything heavy or performing any strenuous activities that could strain the arms for at least several weeks. While some results of the surgery may be visible immediately, the final results may take several months to become fully apparent as your body continues to heal and adjust. It’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and weight to ensure long-lasting results. Dr. Fairchild will provide detailed instructions on post-operative care and schedule follow-up appointments to monitor recovery progress and ensure optimal arm lift results.
FAQs About Arm Lift Surgery
Is arm lift surgery painful?
Patients may experience some discomfort and swelling after arm lift surgery, but pain can be managed with medication prescribed by the plastic surgeon.
Are there any risks or complications associated with arm lift surgery?
Like any surgical procedure, arm lift surgery carries some risks and potential complications, including but not limited to bleeding, infection, poor wound healing, and
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scarring.
However, these risks can be minimized by adhering to all of Dr. Fairchild’s pre-and post-operative instructions.
How long does the recovery period take after arm lift surgery?
Recovery time can vary depending on the extent of the procedure and the patient’s individual healing process, but most patients can expect to take 2-4 weeks off from work and avoid strenuous activity for several weeks.
Will there be visible scarring after arm lift surgery?
Yes, there will be scars after arm lift surgery. The extent of scarring will depend on the technique used during the surgery, the amount of tissue removed, and your individual healing process. In general, the incisions are made on the underside of the arm and can be hidden by clothing. Dr. Fairchild will provide post-operative care instructions to minimize scarring, including proper wound care, avoiding sun exposure, and using scar treatment products. It’s important to keep in mind that while the scars will fade over time, they will not disappear completely.
How long will the results of arm lift surgery last?
The results of arm lift surgery can be long-lasting, but they may not be permanent. The longevity of the results will depend on several factors, such as your age, skin elasticity, and lifestyle habits. Patients who maintain a stable weight and exercise regularly are more likely to enjoy long-lasting results. However, aging and gravity can still affect the appearance of the arms over time. In general, the results of arm lift surgery can last for several years, but periodic maintenance procedures may be necessary to maintain the desired results. It’s important to discuss your expectations and the potential longevity of the results with Dr. Fairchild during your consultation.
What is the cost of arm lift surgery?
The cost of arm lift surgery can vary widely depending on several factors, such as the extent of the procedure, and whether additional procedures are performed at the same time. After your initial consultation, you’ll receive a full cost breakdown of the procedures required to reach your cosmetic goals.
Does insurance cover arm lift surgery?
In most cases, arm lift surgery is considered an elective cosmetic procedure and is not covered by insurance because it is not medically necessary. However, if the excess skin in the upper arms is causing medical issues such as rashes or infections, then the procedure may be considered medically necessary and covered by insurance. It’s important to consult with your insurance provider to determine the specific criteria for coverage and whether pre-authorization is required. If the procedure is not covered by insurance, Dr. Fairchild is proud to offer affordable financing options to help patients manage the cost of the procedure.
Schedule A Consultation For Arm Lift Surgery
Dr. Fairchild is dedicated to helping patients with concerns about excess upper-arm skin and fat feel and look their best with advanced plastic surgery procedures like brachioplasty. If you’re in Houston and would like to learn more about upper arm lift surgery, please contact us today.
1 ASPS. Who is a good candidate for arm lift surgery? Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/arm-lift/candidates. Accessed March 8, 2023.
2 ASPS. What are the steps of an arm lift procedure? Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/arm-lift/procedure. Accessed March 8, 2023.
3 Cleveland Clinic. Brachioplasty (ArmLift). Available: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23367-brachioplasty-arm-lift#recovery-and-outlook. Accessed March 8, 2023.
4 Johns Hopkins Medicine. Brachioplasty. Available: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/brachioplasty. Accessed March 8, 2023.