Arm Lift

Some patients develop severely loose skin of the upper arms due to significant weight loss or aging. This loose skin is sometimes referred to as “bat wings” and can result in feeling insecure and potentially causing discomfort for those living with it. Removing the excess skin along the inner aspect of the arm, from just above the elbow extending into the axilla (“armpit”), via an arm lift can treat this problem. This surgical procedure usually takes between two and three hours with a recuperation time of one to two weeks.  For more information about Brachioplasty, visit our blog.

Candidates

A good candidate for an arm lift is a patient that desires arm contour improvement due to loose hanging skin and/or excess fatty tissue in the arms.

“I always wanted to be a physician because I wanted to help people. Plastic surgery gives me the ability to help people in very positive ways.”

Steven Wallach, MD

Cost

The fee will vary based upon the complexity of the deformity. It usually starts at $10K but goes up from there.

Risks

Arm lift surgery is very safe. Some general risks include unfavorable contour results, unfavorable scarring, wound healing issues, seroma, hematoma, and dysesthesias.

Procedure

An arm lift procedure is usually performed under deep sedation or general anesthesia. Incisions are used along the inner arm or posterior arm and the excess skin and fat is removed directly or combined with liposuction. The incisions are closed with stitches. Drains may be placed and the arms are either wrapped in a dressing or a compression garment is applied.

MINI-BRACHIOPLASTY

This  is a procedure limited to an excision just in the axilla (armpit). 

• Indications– Performed to eliminate a minor amount of excess fat and skin. This is best in the individual with some laxity in the proximal upper arm closest to the axilla (armpit). This can usually be combined safely with liposuction of the remaining arm as well. 
• Disadvantages– It will not treat laxity further down the arm.

FULL BRACHIOPLASTY

This is a procedure that is performed for excision of excess skin and fat from the elbow to the upper arm, often due to significant weight loss. The incision can be placed along the inner arm surface (medially) or along the back (posterior) of the arm. Usually, liposuction is not performed at the same time because of delayed healing risks. 

• Indications– For laxity of skin and treatment of excess fat of the upper arm from elbow to axilla (armpit). 
• Disadvantages– It does not treat laxity along the lateral chest, but limits the incision to only the inner arm in most cases.

EXTENDED FULL BRACHIOPLASTY

This is a procedure that is performed for excision of excess skin and fat of the arm and lateral chest extending from the elbow to the axilla (armpit), and then across the lateral side of the chest to remove redundant tissue. Liposuction of this area is usually not performed at the same time because of delayed healing risks. This is more common for patients with massive weight loss. 

• Indications– For laxity of skin and treatment of fat from the elbow up through the armpit and extending onto the lateral chest. 
• Disadvantages– Longer incision from elbow through armpit extending onto lateral chest but gives improved contour of armpit and lateral chest as well.

Results

You should expect that your arms will have a better appearance once a lot of the excess skin is removed.

Recovery

Recovery time will differ depending on the extent of your arm lift. However, patients should expect to take 1-2 weeks off work to recover. Patients should be up and walking the day after surgery, which is a great way to prevent blood clots in the legs. Patients should sleep with their arms elevated on pillows for the first two weeks to reduce swelling. For the first six weeks scars will be firm and pink, and lighten in color after 9-12 months.

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