Upper Arm Lift

Candidates include adults with significant upper arm skin and fat, adults of any age whose weight is relatively stable, healthy individuals without medical conditions that impair healing or increase risk of surgery, nonsmokers, and individuals with a positive outlook and realistic expectations. Many patients seek this surgery after significant weight loss has left them with loose skin and fat in the upper portion of their arms.

The brachioplasty procedure consists of creating an incision that extends from the armpit to the elbow. Depending on the amount of fat, some liposuction may be utilized before the excess skin is removed. The skin is then pulled taut, the incision closed, and the upper arm areas dressed.

Your surgeon will take the time to answer your questions and address any of your concerns to ensure that you are comfortable and fully prepared for the surgery. Topics include your goals; any medical conditions; any previous surgeries; drug allergies and medical treatments; and whether you are taking any medications, vitamins or herbal supplements, as well as whether you use alcohol, tobacco or drugs. He or she will also evaluate your general health and any pre-existing conditions or risk factors. Your arms will be photographed, and all options will be presented. Your surgeon will discuss likely outcomes and any complications or risks.

It’s natural to feel some anxiety, whether it’s stress or even excitement for your anticipated new look. You should be prepared to ask any questions you have.

The average arm lift cost is $4,482, according to 2018 statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. However, that does not include anesthesia, operating room facilities or other related expenses such as medical tests, post-surgery garments and pain medications. A surgeon’s fee for arm lift surgery will be based on his or her experience, the type of procedure used and your geographic location. Most health insurance plans do not cover arm lift surgery or its complications, but many plastic surgeons offer patient financing plans.

Yes, as this is a surgical procedure, there are some risks. Some of the possible risks include bleeding, infection, poor wound healing, scarring, fluid accumulation or seroma, damage to deeper structures such as blood vessels, nerves and muscles, numbness or other changes in skin sensation and pain. There’s a chance the sutures might not absorb and surface through the skin, causing irritation, drainage and redness. When you choose a board certified plastic surgeon to perform your procedure, you can minimize these risks by choosing someone with extensive experience and expertise.

All risks will be discussed before you give your consent for the surgery. It’s important that you understand all the risks and ask plenty of questions during your consultation.

We always recommend that patients stop smoking for a minimum of a few weeks prior to their procedures. You should avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements, as they can increase bleeding.

Arm lift surgery can be performed in an accredited office-based surgical facility, an ambulatory surgical center, or a hospital. You will need to have someone drive you to and from surgery, and stay with you for at least the first night following surgery.

Liposuction of the upper arm is usually best suited for patients with good skin tone and a limited amount of excess fat. Arm lifts are usually a better treatment for patients with a large amount of loose or excess skin under the arms.

The incisions will be dressed and bandaged and your arms may be wrapped in an elastic bandage or a compression garment to minimize swelling. A small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid. You will be given specific instructions on how to care for the surgical site and drains, medications to apply or take orally, specific concerns to look for and when to follow up with your plastic surgeon.

It’s important that the incisions are not subjected to excessive force or motion during recovery. Avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for at least one month. You may need to wear your compression garment for several weeks.

There will be some residual discomfort as your body heals. To ensure your comfort, Dr. Desman will prescribe pain medication. After a few days, you should be able to manage the pain with over-the-counter medications.

Yes. The scars from the incisions will be permanent, but are usually placed in areas that aren’t readily visible. On rare occasions, incisions can lead to raised or red scars.

It will be about 10 days before you can drive and at least one or two weeks before you can return to work. During the first week, avoid activities that raise your blood pressure, which could cause bleeding.

The smoother, tighter contours of your arms will be apparent almost immediately, although there will be swelling and bruising. A scar will remain where the incision was made.

Although good results are always expected, there are situations where optimal results might not be achieved with a single procedure. A second surgery might be necessary.

The results of arm lift surgery will be long-lasting, as long as you maintain a stable weight and general fitness. As your body ages, it is natural to lose some firmness, but most of the improvement in your arm contours should be permanent.

While complications for Upper Arm Lift are rare, Dr. Desman will be there to take care of you. In addition, when you have surgery, you will automatically be enrolled in a cosmetic surgery specific insurance plan that covers you for the first 45 days after surgery. Your safety and well being are a top priority for us and this is another way that we ensure you have the best care possible.