An arm lift, also known as brachioplasty, is a procedure that can help reshape the underside of the upper arm. It can be a great way to remove excess skin, underlying localized fat deposits, and weakened tissue.
Why get an arm lift?
Weight changes, age, and heredity can all lead to upper arms that are droopy or saggy. An arm lift can be an ideal solution for arms that sag. Arm lifts can remove excess, sagging skin and tighten and smooth the underlying supportive tissues that define the shape of the upper arm. It can also remove stretch marks if they are located on the skin that’s trimmed away.
What happens during an arm lift?
First, the patient is given anesthesia. Frequently the arms are first contoured using liposuction to reduce fat and better transition the arm contours. Excess skin is then removed from the inner arm where the incisions are hidden. Then the incision is closed discreetly with dissolving sutures. Compression wraps are placed around the arms, and the wraps remain in place for 4-5 days.
Arm Lift Results and Recovery
You can expect some bruising during the recovery process, but this usually subsides over a few short weeks. Any swelling will typically go away over a few months. Dr. Dodde will provide you with your individualized care plan, which may include managing drains, bandages, and compression garments.
Since this is an invasive procedure, you should plan on some downtime. Your recovery timeframe will depend on how extensive your procedure is, but you’ll need to be sure to avoid any extensive lifting or activity during the first one to two weeks.
To get the best out of your arm lift results, be sure to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle. Arm lifts are great ways to remove fat, but they don’t prevent future weight gain.
Who makes a good arm lift candidate?
You may be a good arm lift candidate if you have the following traits:
- You are in reasonably good health
- You have realistic expectations for the outcome of your surgery
- Your weight is relatively stable
- You are not significantly overweight
- You do not smoke
- You have sagging or drooping tissue under your arms