Arm Lift

An arm lift, also known as brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure performed to improve the appearance of the upper arms by removing excess skin and fat and tightening the underlying tissues. It is commonly sought by individuals who have experienced significant weight loss or have loose, sagging skin in the arm area. Dr. Landis has extensive experience in body contouring after weight loss, and brachioplasty is one of her more popular surgeries.

Reasons for Arm Lift Surgery:

• Excess Skin and Fat: Significant weight loss or aging can lead to the accumulation of excess skin and fat in the arm area. This can result in sagging, loose skin that may cause discomfort, self-consciousness, or difficulty fitting into clothing. Arm lift surgery can remove this excess skin and fat, resulting in smoother, firmer, and more toned appearance of the arms. This makes a significant impact on a patient’s comfort and fit in clothing.
• Body Contouring: Arm lift surgery is often part of a body contouring journey for individuals who have achieved significant weight loss. It helps to reshape and redefine the arms, providing a more proportionate and balanced appearance to the overall body contour. Dr. Landis often combines arm lift surgery with breast surgery to reduce overall recovery time and deliver an outstanding initial surgical result.
• Improved Confidence: Loose and sagging skin in the arm area can affect an individual’s self-esteem and confidence. Arm lift surgery can help restore confidence by creating a more aesthetically pleasing arm contour. 

Procedure:

Arm lift is performed under general anesthesia. This ensures the patient is asleep and comfortable during the procedure. Dr. Landis will make incisions in the inner arm, remove excess skin and fat, and tighten the underlying tissues. Liposuction is often used as a adjunct to further contour the arm. The remaining skin is repositioned and sutured to create a smoother and more contoured thigh appearance.

Recovery and Aftercare:

After arm lift surgery, you will be given specific post-operative instructions, including wound care, pain management, and follow-up appointments. It is important to follow these instructions closely to ensure proper healing and optimal results. Typically, patients will wear a compressive garment (arm sleeve) for 2-3 weeks to aid in resolution of swelling and bruising. Dr. Landis does not place drains for this surgery. Recovery time varies for everyone, but most patients can expect to resume normal activities within a few weeks.

Potential Risks and Complications:

As with any surgical procedure, arm lift surgery carries potential risks and complications. These may include:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Poor wound healing
• Scarring
• Changes in sensation
• Fluid accumulation (seroma)
• Unsatisfactory aesthetic outcome

Dr. Landis will discuss the potential risks and benefits of arm lift surgery, as well as your expectations and concerns, before deciding to undergo the procedure. The main concern for most patients is a visible scar. There is a trade-off of a visible scar for a smaller, more contoured arm. Dr. Landis offers patients a scar gel regimen and microneedling to aid in scar healing. Patients are also advised to stay out of the sun or cover with sunscreen. If these instructions are followed, most patients’ scars heal remarkably well and complaints about the appearance are rare.

Cost:

Arm lift cost includes the surgeon fee, facility fee, anesthesia fee, and any labs or imaging that may be required before or after surgery. The total cost for an arm lift from $7,500-$9,000 and varies if any additional surgery is required. Dr. Landis will formulate a plan specific for each patient and a detailed estimate will be provided. CareCredit is available to our patients, and we’d be happy to discuss this option with you!

Conclusion:

Arm lift surgery is a surgical procedure performed to improve the appearance of the arms by removing excess skin and fat and tightening the underlying tissues. It can address issues such as sagging, loose skin, and improve body contouring. Arm lift has become more popular as patients are achieving weight loss though surgery or medications. If you are considering arm lift surgery, it is important to consult with a qualified, board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Landis who can evaluate your individual needs and goals, discuss the potential risks and benefits, and create a personalized treatment plan to achieve the desired results. Open communication with Dr. Landis is essential to ensure realistic expectations and a successful outcome.

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