Arm Lift

Obtain more Beautiful and Slender Arms

Many women, and some men, are predisposed to the accumulation of fatty tissue in their upper arms. Even in those who may be otherwise thin and young, this predisposition may lead to an unattractive flabbiness, characterized by loose skin or over-sized upper arms. Some Sacramento cosmetic surgery patients have spent a considerable amount of time in the gym, trying to correct this problem, but for all of their efforts they are not making a difference in the flabbiness under their arms. The good news is that these patients may be just one step away from enjoying the benefits of their efforts and revealing more slender, attractive arms. That final step is arm lift plastic surgery in Sacramento from Dr. Scott Green.

A surgical procedure such as brachioplasty or laser-assisted liposuction in Sacramento may be the difference between not being able to fit your arms into your clothing, and being comfortable and confident in clothing that shows off your arms. In some cases liposuction alone is sufficient to ameliorate this condition, and restore a firmer, more athletic tone to your upper arms. In other cases a brachioplasty may be recommended. In this procedure Dr. Green removes loose skin and excess fatty tissue from your upper arms to optimize your result. Whether liposuction alone is sufficient, or whether you are a candidate for brachioplasty with liposuction, Dr. Green’s skill and experience will help you obtain the smooth, natural and firm upper arm appearance you are looking for.

What You Should Know About Upper Arm Lift

Brachioplasty is an upper arm lift cosmetic surgery procedure. It removes fatty deposits and excess skin from the arm, resulting in more pleasing contours to the arm and a firmer toned appearance. The procedure does result in scarring to the arm, which can be minimized by a talented plastic surgeon such as Dr. Green. Sacramento plastic surgery patients can expect to experience some swelling and discomfort in the upper arm following surgery. Minimal pain medications are generally sufficient to reduce this discomfort to a tolerable level. A compression garment is placed on the arm to promote healing and minimize swelling. Ordinarily the garment should be kept in place for two weeks. The average time of healing and recovery from brachioplasty surgery is 2 to 6 weeks. Many patients are able to return to work 1 to 2 weeks after their arm lift surgery.

Arm lift is a popular surgery for patients who have lost a lot of weight through their own diet and exercise plan or through bariatric surgery. Other common plastic surgery procedures for people who have lost significant weight include a lower body lift, thigh lift, and a tummy tuck in Sacramento.

How an Arm Lift is Performed

Arm lift surgery is performed under general anesthesia. During the procedure the surgeon will make zigzag incisions in the skin of the upper arm to excise the excess skin and fat from the area. The skin is then stretched and stitched together. Depending on the technique used during the surgery, drains and/or stitches may need to be removed in the first week or 2 of recovery.

Your First Step

Unlike some Sacramento plastic surgeons, Dr. Scott Green places great importance on the value of the in-person consultation. He looks forward to meeting with you to learn more about your aesthetic goals. Request a consultation with Dr. Green online and discover what results you can achieve through an arm lift or other cosmetic surgery options.

Arm Lift FAQs

Where are the incision lines located for arm lift surgery?

There are a few incision options for brachioplasty, and Dr. Green will choose the incision pattern based on the severity of loose skin. A minimal incision approach limits scarring in the underarm areas. The standard incision for brachioplasty places the incision line on the inner arm stretching from the armpit to a smidge above or below the elbow.

What are the surgical techniques for arm lift?

Dr. Green will discuss the details of your brachioplasty during your consultation and before your procedure. Every patient is unique, and he will customize the surgical approach to your needs. After making the incision, Dr. Green will excise fatty tissue or remove excess fat with liposuction and then reshape and tighten the underlying tissues using internal sutures. He smooths the skin over the contoured upper arm and closes the incisions.

Why are my arms flabby?

Your age, genetics, and lifestyle habits can contribute to the appearance of flabby arms or batwings. Some women are more prone to fat accumulation in their arms due to genetics. People lose muscle mass as they age, which contributes to the appearance of flabby arms or batwings. A lack of exercise or poor diet can also worsen the appearance of hanging fat and loose skin.

How can I get rid of armpit fat?

Targeting the armpit region for weight loss and muscle tone can be challenging. Many patients struggle with upper arm flab and armpit fat even after reaching their goal weight. A healthy diet, regular exercise with strength training and adequate sleep may help reduce armpit fat. For stubborn fat stores, arm liposuction can permanently remove the unwanted fat and can be combined with brachioplasty.

Will I need brachioplasty after weight loss?

It depends on how much weight you lose. Typically, people who lose 100 pounds or more have loose skin in multiple areas, including the arms. Skin removal surgery with brachioplasty can improve quality of life by reducing friction, skin irritation, and infection — and help people enjoy their hard-earned results after significant weight loss.

Age also plays a role in arm lift surgery after weight loss. Some people may have more loose skin than others after weight loss because skin quality decreases with age, losing the elasticity that allows the skin to bounce back into place. A young person who sheds their excess pounds may have little to no excess skin, while someone in their 40s or 50s who loses the same number of pounds requires arm lift surgery for loose skin.

How can I prepare for arm lift surgery?

Dr. Green will explain how to prepare for brachioplasty during your consultation. You may need to discontinue some medications that increase surgical risks or stop smoking or vaping for several weeks before the procedure. Make sure you complete the lab tests, medical evaluation, and other preoperative requirements.

Line up a friend or family member to come with you on your surgical date and stay with you for one or two days to help you settle into recovery. Make sure you eat healthy and hydrate before and after thigh lift.

Can I combine brachioplasty with other plastic surgeries?

Yes, arm lift is often combined with other body or breast procedures. Many patients struggle with loose skin in multiple areas, and adding tummy tuck or thigh lift to the mix can provide dramatic results with just one surgery and recovery period. Women may desire a mommy makeover, which combines several breast and body procedures to restore their figure after childbearing.

How long does arm lift surgery take?

Brachioplasty may take one to four hours to complete in the surgical suite, depending on the extent of skin removal and whether other procedures are performed in tandem.