What Is an Arm Lift? Everything You Need to Know About Brachioplasty

Loose and sagging skin that hangs from your upper arms can undermine your confidence. No matter how much you exercise and take care of yourself, the thought of baring your upper arms makes you cringe. And unfortunately, this only gets worse as you age, when skin’s elasticity diminishes, or after losing a significant amount of weight. 

There is good news, however. Through a surgical procedure called an arm lift, also known as brachioplasty, sagging arms after weight loss or natural aging can be improved.

As Dr. Derek Rapp, board-certified plastic and reconstruction surgeon with Regional Plastic Surgery Center shares in a post on Instagram, “An arm lift, or brachioplasty, is a very important procedure—it’s to help with the ‘batwings’ that a lot of folks will get after they’ve had massive weight loss or sometimes just the kind of skin and fat you would get with age.”

Think you may benefit from brachioplasty? Here’s what you need to know.

What Is an Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)?

An arm lift is a cosmetic procedure in which a plastic surgeon removes excess skin and repositions or removes fat on your upper arms to give you a natural, toned, and slender silhouette. Upper arm skin removal is often necessary after weight-loss surgery and is an ideal way to rejuvenate and tighten loose skin from aging. 

The main goal of a brachioplasty is to reduce excess skin, remove localized fat, and contour the upper arms in a way that looks and feels natural. 

Who Is a Good Candidate for an Arm Lift?

Some signs that indicate you could be a good candidate for an arm lift include:

• Do you have excess skin hanging from your upper arms?
• Has your skin stretched after weight loss and won’t bounce back?
• Have you reached a stable weight and are generally healthy?
• Do you have realistic expectations about the surgery results?
• Are you a non-smoker, or are you willing to quit before the surgery?

While these questions can help, the best way to determine if you’re a good candidate for an arm lift is to schedule a consultation with a qualified surgeon, such as Dr. Rapp.

What to Expect During Arm Lift Surgery

An arm lift procedure takes place in a certified surgical center, where you’re typically put to sleep under general anesthesia. Your surgeon begins by making an incision along the inside of your upper arm. The size of the incision depends on the extent of your brachioplasty.  

Next, your surgeon will remove excess skin and fat through liposuction. After that, your surgeon will use stitches to tighten the supportive tissue before closing the incision and bandaging your arms to promote healing.

What to Expect for Arm Lift Results

Expect to notice some changes immediately after surgery. As the swelling goes down, you’ll begin to see slimmer, smoother arms, and those improvements continue through your recovery. Initially, there is bruising, but like the swelling, it fades over the next few weeks. 

You may resume your normal activities a few weeks post-op. You should continue to avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting until your doctor advises otherwise. Always follow your post-op care instructions to avoid complications.

Caring for your overall health is essential to long-lasting results. Make sure your weight remains stable, and you maintain a healthy lifestyle. 

Consult with a Texas Plastic Surgeon Today and See if an Arm Lift is Right for You 

If your self-confidence is waning due to sagging upper arms and excess skin, you just might be the ideal candidate for an arm lift. Don’t wait to regain control and reshape your upper arms, reclaim those firm contours, and achieve a smooth appearance with brachioplasty. 

There are many ways you can benefit from an arm lift in Texas. Find out the best approach to reclaiming your confidence and achieving the silhouette you desire when you schedule a consultation with Regional Plastic Surgery Center.