Arm lift body contouring surgery can reduce excess skin as well as tighten and smooth the underlying supportive tissues that define the shape of your upper arm. Technically known as brachioplasty, the procedure reshapes the underside of the upper arm from the armpit to the elbow. There will be a permanent scar on the inside of the upper arm, but it typically fades with time.
You don’t need to dread the short sleeves of summer. Schedule your free consultation with Dr. Bartell, a board-certified plastic surgeon, and learn more about arm lift surgery.
Best Candidates for Arm Lift Surgery
The best candidates for brachioplasty have significant upper arm looseness or drooping, maintain a stable weight and are not significantly obese. If you smoke or have any medical conditions that can impair healing or increase the general risk of surgery, an arm lift is not recommended.
While an arm lift can enhance your appearance and boost your self-confidence, you may not be able to achieve your ideal image. The best way to know if an arm lift is right for you is to schedule a free consultation. Dr. Bartell will discuss your needs and options, explain the procedure in more detail, and share arm lift before and after pictures from his practice. He will also provide a quote for your arm lift procedure.
Potential Risks of Arm Lift Surgery
Thousands of brachioplasty procedures are performed successfully every year. Modern techniques are very safe and usually result in a happy patient.
For the vast majority of body contouring patients, the only lasting effect are underarm scars, which are a little red initially but well hidden and should fade with time.
Complications are rare, but you should know the risks before choosing surgery:
- Bleeding or infection. Possible in any surgery, but extremely unusual.
- Fluid accumulation under the skin.
- Asymmetry.
- Skin loss.
- Numbness.
In some cases, additional surgery might be necessary to address complications. You can reduce your risk of complications by closely following Dr. Bartell’s instructions before and after the surgery.
Please feel free to talk with Dr. Bartell about the risks and consequences of arm lift body contouring surgery. One of the best ways to decrease your risk is to choose a surgeon who is highly experienced in performing brachioplasty and is a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Bartell.
Planning for Your Arm Lift Surgery
An arm lift consultation with Dr. Bartell, a board-certified plastic surgeon, is free. There’s no obligation.
At your free consultation, Dr. Bartell will listen to your concerns, perform a short exam, describe the procedure, and show you numerous arm lift before and after photos of previous patients. You will receive a firm arm lift price quote, which includes all associated fees. Financing information is also available.
If you decide to have brachioplasty, Dr. Bartell will meet with you to perform a more thorough history and physical examination.
Be sure to inform Dr. Bartell if you:
- Have allergies
- Take any medications (prescription or over-the-counter)
- Smoke
Dr. Bartell will give you prescriptions for any medications you may need before and after the surgery. You will receive a printed set of pre- and postoperative instructions. These will prepare you for what you should do before surgery, what to have on hand at home for afterward, and what to do on the day of your surgery. Dr. Bartell will review these instructions with you, but it’s important to read these instructions carefully on your own and keep them accessible for easy reference.
If you smoke, plan to quit at least three weeks before your surgery and remain smoke-free for at least three weeks after your surgery. You will also need to avoid exposing your incisions to the sun while they heal. If you develop a cold or infection of any kind, your surgery probably will be postponed.
The Surgery–Arm Lift
Arm lift surgery is performed using a general anesthetic, so you’ll sleep through the entire operation. Surgery usually lasts between two and three hours. Dr. Bartell makes incisions on the underside of the upper arm, usually from the armpit to the elbow. He removes excess skin and fat and tightens the underlying tissues. The skin is then closed with fine, absorbable stitches. A dressing and drain is placed and the upper arms are wrapped with elastic bandages.
Most patients spend a short time in the recovery area before going home. You will need to arrange a ride home from the surgery center. Make sure you have someone stay with you for at least 24 hours.
Dr. Bartell performs most brachioplasty procedures at his Madison office. Take a tour of Dr. Bartell’s fully accredited, private surgery suite and meet his topnotch surgical support team.
After Surgery–Arm Lift
You will wear elastic bandages for two to three weeks, so the final outcome of arm lift surgery won’t be immediately evident. While there is some pain following surgery, most can be controlled with medications prescribed by Dr. Bartell. Most patients can be back at deskwork within 5 to 7 days.
Your decision to have brachioplasty is a highly personal one that not everyone will understand. The important thing is how you feel about it. If the procedure results meet your goals, then your surgery is truly a success.