WHAT IS AN ARM LIFT?
A frustrating side effect of losing weight or getting older is finding excess skin. At Tyler Frew MD, Plastic Surgery, we offer upper arm lift surgery (brachioplasty) as a correction for people who cannot seem to tighten and tone the arm with exercise and diet. Lax skin from the elbow to the shoulder is very common, particularly for anyone who’s advancing in age or has lost weight. Arm lift surgery removes this loose, hanging skin, commonly called “bat wings.” Dr. Tyler Frew, a plastic surgeon in Murrieta, CA, is very knowledgeable when it comes to fat removal and skin tightening surgical techniques. If you want to learn more information about how brachioplasty can alter the shape of your arms, please schedule a consultation at Tyler Frew MD, Plastic Surgery.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ARM LIFT SURGERY?
A customized brachioplasty performed at our facility in Murrieta, CA can help patients improve the contour of their upper arms and provide greater comfort. At Tyler Frew MD, Plastic Surgery, individuals who receive arm lifts benefit from a variety of amazing outcomes following their surgery:
- Tightens sagging skin
- Smooths skin and tissue under the arms
- Reduces excess fat and skin after significant weight loss
- Improves shape and tone of arms
- Eliminates inflammation and rashes due to rubbing of excess skin
- Boosts confidence with improved self-image
- Expands clothing options
- Scars are minimal and easily hidden
AM I A CANDIDATE FOR AN ARM LIFT?
An arm lift is a plastic surgery that uses advanced techniques to slim and eliminate unwanted skin. If you’re self-conscious about your “bat wings” and want to look more healthy and fit, then you could an ideal candidate for this procedure. You need to be in good overall health so that you can recover well. Some of the most common reasons patients tend to want an arm lift are excess, loose skin on their upper arms and lost tautness of their skin. It’s important that you’re at or close to a healthy, stable weight before your procedure.
HOW IS ARM LIFT SURGERY PERFORMED?
Typically, upper arm surgery is performed in an outpatient setting, unless multiple plastic surgeries need to happen at the same time. An upper arm lift may be combined with other surgeries (often performed in an inpatient setting for monitoring), such as a tummy tuck, thigh lift, or mommy makeover — if Dr. Frew considers it safe. For arm lifts, patients are typically under general anesthesia, and the procedure may take a few hours to complete. Dr. Frew will surgically excise the loose skin starting at the elbow and continuing to the armpit. He’ll strive to make the incision as concealed as possible, although it will become a visible scar. In almost all cases liposuction is needed to contour the arm before removing the loose skin. After pulling the skin taut, Dr. Frew will stitch it back into place. You’ll need to keep the incisions clean, bandaged, and wrapped with compression garments.
HOW LONG IS RECOVERY AFTER ARM LIFT SURGERY?
The typical recovery period takes about two weeks with lots of elevating the arm. Give yourself time to heal. You use your arms more than you think, so patients should slowly make their way back to their usual routines. Compression garments must be worn until Dr. Frew releases you. For at least 4 – 5 weeks, you’ll need to avoid all strenuous activity, except short walks. If you notice uncontrolled bleeding, excessive swelling, hematoma (fluid buildup), signs of infection, numbness in your arms or hands, or unusual scarring, please contact Tyler Frew MD, Plastic Surgery for assistance.
ARM LIFT FAQ
How much does arm lift surgery cost?
The cost of arm lift surgery depends on many factors. Before he can determine your costs, Dr. Frew will start with a consultation to understand your needs and goals. Then, he’ll create your treatment plan and estimate your costs. To make it easier to choose an experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Frew and get your best results, Tyler Frew MD, Plastic Surgery takes several payment methods and can also help you find low-interest medical financing.
Can I combine an arm lift with other surgeries?
It is common for arm lift patients to create a custom treatment plan with another surgery. This is sometimes referred to as an upper-body lift and can include liposuction, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), or breast surgery (breast lift). An arm lift is also commonly done as part of a post-weight-loss surgery for those who have lost a large amount of weight and need full body contouring. During your initial consultation with Dr. Frew, you can discuss other surgeries so he can develop a personal treatment plan to address all of your goals.
Will there be scars?
An arm lift requires incisions in order to excise loose skin, which means there will be stitches and scarring. However, Dr. Frew makes every effort to place the long incisions in inconspicuous areas. Following your arm lift, we will recommend creams to assist in scar healing, along with other tips for minimizing scarring. Dr. Frew also suggests you avoid UV exposure during the first year following surgery to protect the incisions from any additional discoloration. Most patients believe the overall benefits of a more toned arm are worth the minimal scars created.
What results can I expect from an arm lift?
An arm lift helps to address loose skin and small amounts of fat. You should maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes a nutritious diet and exercise in order to avoid dramatic weight loss or gain, which may affect your results. After your surgery, once you’re fully healed and Dr. Frew authorizes it, you can begin weight training, which is a good way to tone your arms by building muscle.
Are there nonsurgical treatments to improve my arms?
While there are many nonsurgical skin tightening treatments, they’ll only give you mild improvements. To correct moderate to severe skin laxity, arm lift surgery is likely your best choice. Along with eliminating loose skin, Dr. Frew also uses liposuction on small pockets of fat and smoothes out the remaining skin and tissue. If you’re interested in nonsurgical procedures, Dr. Frew can tell you about these during your consultation and help you choose which is best for your needs and goals.
SAY GOODBYE TO BINGO WINGS
If you’re feeling frustrated by droopy skin or “bat wings” under your arms, Dr. Frew can help you attain the tighter, toned arms you want with plastic surgery. This advanced surgery offers emotional and physical benefits as well. If you’re at or near your goal weight but still can’t get rid of the skin and flab that hangs from your upper arms, please call us and schedule a private consultation with Dr. Tyler Frew at Tyler Frew MD, Plastic Surgery. We look forward to helping you feel fitter and younger with arm lift surgery!
