Also known as brachioplasty, an arm lift reshapes the under portion of the upper arm, from the underarm region to the elbow.

Consider an Arm Lift if you have:

The underside of your upper arms are sagging or appear loose and full due to excess skin and fat, an arm lift may be right for you.

      An arm lift:

• Reduces excess skin and fat between the underarm and the elbow
• Reshapes your arm to result in smoother skin and contours
• Results in a more toned and proportionate appearance

General Procedure

Incision length and pattern depend on the amount and location of excess skin to be removed, as well as the best judgment of your plastic surgeon.  Incisions are generally placed on the inside or back of the arm and may extend from the underarm (axilla) to just above the elbow. If fat is to be reduced during your arm lift, it will be excised or treated with liposuction.

Depending on your specific conditions, incisions may be more limited. Then, underlying supportive tissue is tightened and reshaped with internal sutures. Finally, the skin is smoothed over the new contour of your arm.

Your incisions will be closed with absorbable sutures, or stitches that will be removed within one to weeks following your arm lift.

Recovery Process

Following your surgery, dressings or bandages may be applied to your incisions, and your arms may be wrapped in an elastic bandage or a compression garment to minimize swelling. Patients sometimes report minor pain associated with surgery which can be treated with oral medication. Recovery time varies with the extent of the procedure. While complications are rare, patients can minimize potential problems by carefully following the directions that are given after the surgery.