Toned, shapely arms are an attractive focal point of sleeveless tops and dresses and other figure-revealing styles. Unfortunately, the upper arm is generally one of the most challenging areas on your body to tone as you age. Aging, weight fluctuations, and even genetics all contribute to noticeable skin laxity on the upper arm, which can be detrimental to confidence. Dr. Patronella performs arm lift surgery, also known as brachioplasty, for his patients. For this surgery, excess skin and tissue will be removed and the upper arm will be sculpted to reveal a tighter, smoother, and more youthful contour.
Candidates for arm lift surgery suffer from sagging and drooping skin, excess tissue, and localized fat on the upper arms that have become apparent after aging, weight loss, or pregnancy. Candidates should be physically healthy, at a stable weight, and non-smoking individuals who have realistic expectations of their results.
How Is an Arm Lift Performed?
Dr. Patronella performs arm lift surgery under general anesthesia to ensure a painless procedure. Incision length varies, depending on the amount of skin laxity and correction needed–the procedure is hand-tailored to fit your needs. From here, excess tissue and skin are removed before the skin is redraped to highlight your newly contoured look. If you have localized pockets of fat, then liposuction can be combined with your arm lift to reduce them and further sculpt the upper arms. Incisions are then closed.
What Can I Expect After My Arm Lift?
Arm bruising, swelling, and soreness are common after arm lift surgery and will be present for several days. Oral pain medication can remedy any discomfort, and compression garments worn over the upper arms will help to control this discomfort as well as swelling. Patients can return to work within one to two weeks, depending on the nature of the job; however, strenuous lifting and vigorous exercises are restricted for four weeks post-op to ensure proper healing.
Following arm lift surgery, your arms will be smoother, firmer, and more toned as your underlying muscles take center stage. Results are apparent almost immediately and will increase as the swelling and bruising subside. When paired with a healthy lifestyle and maintaining a stable weight, the results of arm lift surgery can be long-lasting.
Frequently Asked Questions About Arm Lift Surgery
Before the surgery, you will be given anesthesia, so you will not feel any pain during the actual procedure. After the surgery, you will have some soreness and discomfort, along with bruising and swelling, but these should dissipate within two to three weeks. Medication will be prescribed for any pain.
Dr. Patronella performs arm lift surgery under general anesthesia in his private surgery center. Anesthesia is administered by his team of board certified physician anesthesiologists.
Yes, depending upon the extent and location of skin laxity, Dr. Patronella will need to make either a short incision in the axillary area or a long incision that extends from the axillary region to the elbow.
To provide an ideal healing environment for incisions and diminish scar appearance, Dr. Patronella recommends a Scar Therapy Program composed of several topical products. He may also advise skin laser treatment for this purpose.
Most patients can return to work a week following arm surgery. Exercise can typically be resumed in about six weeks.
Once the swelling dissipates (usually six weeks), you will see some results; however, it can take up to six months for the swelling to subside and you to see your final results.
As long as you maintain a healthy lifestyle, the results of an arm lift are permanent. However, arm lift surgery does not stop the normal aging process, which will inevitably cause some changes to your arms.
Many patients choose to combine their arm lift surgery with a number of other procedures. One of the positives of combining surgeries is that it cuts down on the overall recovery time, since you will be recovering from the different procedures at the same time.
Some of the procedures that patients have chosen to combine with an arm lift include:
If you have any questions about arm lift surgery or any of our other procedures, please give us a call at (713) 575-1996 or fill out our online form. We look forward to helping you achieve the look you desire.
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