Arm Lift Surgery: What It Is and What to Expect

In a world where self-confidence is critical, your body plays a significant role in how you feel. You’re not alone if you’ve ever found yourself self-conscious about sagging skin or excess fat on your arms. 

More than 18,000 individuals in 2019 underwent arm lift surgery to enhance their appearance. 

But what is it, and what should you expect from this procedure? This comprehensive guide explains everything to help you decide if an arm lift is worth it.

Understanding Arm Lift

Arm lift surgery, or brachioplasty, is a cosmetic procedure to improve your arms’ appearance. It targets excess skin and fat, resulting in a more toned and contoured arm. Besides cosmetic improvements, many patients report enhanced self-confidence and feeling more comfortable in multiple clothing styles following the surgery. You gain increased arm mobility and motion range after the procedure.

Candidacy for Arm Lift

A board-certified surgeon considers several factors to determine if you are a suitable candidate for arm lift surgery. Your physical and emotional health plays a vital role. You must be in good general health, with no underlying medical conditions that may increase the risks associated with the procedure.

Ideal candidates for arm lift surgery are individuals with loose skin and excess fat in the upper arms. This can result from weight loss, aging, or genetics. If you have recently lost a substantial amount of weight and are left with sagging skin, arm lift surgery may be a suitable option.

Preparation for Arm Lift

Preparation for arm lift surgery requires careful attention to pre-operative instructions for a smooth and successful procedure. Your plastic surgeon will provide specific guidelines tailored to your needs. These instructions may include dietary and medication guidelines.

Your surgeon will advise you to avoid smoking and alcohol as you prepare for the procedure. Smoking can impair the healing process and increase complication risks. Alcohol consumption can interfere with anesthesia and medication effectiveness.

Your service provider may request specific tests and evaluations before the procedure. These include blood tests, electrocardiogram (EKG), or other assessments to confirm your body is in optimal condition for surgery. These tests help identify underlying health issues that may affect the surgical outcome or compromise recovery.

Brachioplasty Surgical Techniques

There are different arm lift techniques, and during your initial consultation, your plastic surgeon will evaluate your needs to determine the best procedure. One of the popular techniques is traditional brachioplasty.

In this procedure, the surgeon makes an incision along the inner arm, extending from the armpit to the elbow. They remove excess skin and fat and tighten the underlying tissues. This technique suits individuals with significant skin laxity and excess fat in the upper arms.

The surgeon may also consider the minimal-incision brachioplasty technique, a mini arm lift. This approach involves making a smaller incision in the armpit or the elbow region. It suits patients with mild to moderate skin laxity and minimal excess fat.

Essential FAQs

What Is Arm Lift Surgery?

Arm lift surgery is a procedure to improve the appearance of the upper arms. It is an effective solution for individuals bothered by sagging skin, excess fat, or lacking arm definition.

Am I Suitable for Arm Lift Surgery?

To consider arm lift surgery, you must be in good health and have realistic expectations about the results. You should have a stable body weight before the procedure, as significant weight fluctuations can affect the outcome.

What Can I Expect During Arm Lift Surgery?

Your surgeon will administer anesthesia to make you comfortable throughout the surgery. The surgeon will make incisions in strategic locations on your arms. The length and pattern of these incisions will depend on the extent of correction needed and the technique chosen for your arm lift.

After making the incisions, your surgeon carefully removes excess skin and fat from your upper arms. They may also tighten and reshape the underlying tissues to create a more defined and contoured arm appearance.

What Can I Expect After the Arm Lift Procedure?

After the arm lift procedure, you can expect a recovery period during which your body will heal and adjust to the changes made during surgery. Here is what you can anticipate during the post-operative period:

• Swelling and Bruising: It is normal to experience swelling and bruising in the treated area.
• Discomfort and Pain: You may experience discomfort following the surgery.
• Dressings and Bandages: Your surgeon will provide specific instructions on caring for your incisions. This may include keeping the incisions clean and dry, changing dressings, and wearing compression garments or sleeves to support healing and reduce swelling.
• Limitations on Activities: Your surgeon will advise you on activities to avoid or limit during the initial recovery, such as heavy lifting and strenuous activities.
• Follow-Up Appointments: You will have scheduled follow-up appointments with your surgeon to monitor your progress.