Define and tighten sagging, flabby upper arms with arm lift surgery (brachioplasty). Loose skin and excess fat in the upper arms can impact clothing choices and everyday activities. Whether weight loss, aging, or genetics have caused your upper arms to lose appeal, you can redefine and rejuvenate their appearance with arm lift surgery.
Any healthy adult with excess skin and/or fat in the upper arms may be a candidate for arm lift surgery. Candidates should have a stable body weight and not be actively trying to lose weight. You may be a candidate for brachioplasty if you hope to firm and tone your loose and/or flabby upper arms.
Brachioplasty is performed by surgically removing excess skin and fat from the upper arms. Typically, a surgical incision is placed on the underside of the arm (between the armpit and elbow), and loose skin along with persistent fat is removed. The remaining skin is pulled tight to tone and shape the upper arms. Liposuction may also be included as part of the procedure.
You should be in good health and at a stable body weight prior to undergoing this surgery. If you are receiving treatment for any chronic health conditions, you will need to request clearance from your primary care physician. You may also need to get an EKG and basic blood work to evaluate your health in anticipation of a successful procedure and healthy recovery. You will also need to plan for adequate time off work and arrange for assistance during your recovery, especially for activities such as driving, household responsibilities, and childcare.
Most patients can expect to take at least 3 to 4 days off work after arm lift surgery. Compression garments may be given to minimize swelling and scarring and assist in healing. You will need to limit range of motion for your arms and follow given weight-lifting restrictions, which may require you to limit your work responsibilities and seek assistance for basic household responsibilities and childcare. You will also need to avoid strenuous exertion and exercise for approximately 6 weeks so that your arms can heal.
Typically, arm lift surgery leaves a scar on the underside of each forearm between the armpit and the elbow. If less correction is needed, this scar may be shorter and situated primarily near the armpit. Due to the location of the incision, scarring is usually not noticeable in most activities. Most arm lift scars fade significantly over time. To ensure that your scars do not darken permanently, minimize sun exposure while your scars are healing.
For patients who need less correction, it is possible to get a mini arm lift with a shorter surgical incision near the armpit. If you have excess fat but minimal loose skin on the upper arms, liposuction alone may suffice. Sometimes, these two strategies may be combined—a mini upper arm lift with full upper arm liposuction—to provide optimal results with as little scarring as possible.
Arm lift surgery can significantly tighten, tone, and enhance the contour of your upper arms. Upper arms that “jiggle” or could be called “bat wings” will be replaced with a firm tone, feel, and appearance. This procedure can greatly enhance upper arm shape and rejuvenate your whole appearance at the same time.
If you maintain a healthy lifestyle and stable body weight, your arm lift results could last for many years, even decades. Future aging may cause some sagginess to return, depending on how you age.
Stephenie Poris, MD sees patients at both the Orlando and Winter Park offices.
