Excessive skin on your upper arm can be caused by a number of different factors such as a sudden decrease in weight, genetics, or age. It is common to see skin hanging from your upper arm after a period of massive weight loss as the skin struggles to readjust to the new levels of fat in your body. The excess skin may also be resistant to diet and exercise and look unpleasing to the eye.

An arm lift is the best surgical option for patients who seek to eliminate the excess skin in their upper arms. Also known as a brachioplasty, an arm lift is a body contouring procedure that can give the arms a slender, well-defined, and more aesthetically pleasing look. The procedure can be performed in tandem with other body contouring procedures such as abdominoplasty, breast lift, and a thigh lift.

Is an Arm Lift Suitable for you?

You will make a good arm lift candidate if you experience a significant drop in weight due to exercise, bariatric surgery, or through supplements and notice the development of excess skin in your upper arms. These stubborn deposits of fat and skin that are left behind can be remedied with an arm lift.

In order for you to undergo the procedure, you will need to be in good health and receive a medical evaluation from your surgeon. You must be able to maintain a stable weight in the months prior to the surgery and be able to follow a dedicated pre-op plan crafted by your surgeon.

Smokers are advised to stop a month before and after the surgery. You will also receive a guide for the consumption of alcohol and food. Finally, and maybe most importantly, you need to have realistic expectations for the results you experience from the procedure.

The Arm Lift Procedure

Brachioplasty is commonly performed under general anesthesia, but local anesthesia with sedation may also be used. Your surgeon will make pre-determined incisions in the upper arms to remove loose skin from the target areas and reposition the leftover skin to give your arms a better shape. The amount of skin and fat removed depends on your individual needs.

Once your surgeon is finished removing the the necessary skin and fat, the skin will be repositioned and the incisions will be sealed with sutures. You can opt for either a full or mini arm lift based on the amount of excess skin and fat in your upper arms.

How Long Does The Recovery Period Last?

Recovering from the procedure will take around two weeks, and patients are advised to take at least a week off work to find time to relax. Patients are advised to engage in light walking after the first week, but moderate to heavy exercises should be avoided for at least two weeks prior to completing the surgery.

You can resume your daily routine within a couple of weeks. You are likely to experience swelling, soreness, and inflammation for the first week or so and you will receive a prescription for pain medication. You will also need to take sponge baths for the first few days, and you can resume normal bathing once your surgeon drains are removed.

Schedule a Consultation

Dr. Gregory Park, a double-board-certified plastic surgeon in San Diego, is dedicated in helping people in the area achieve the body of their dreams. Contact our office to schedule your consultation to learn more about the arm lift procedure and how you can benefit from it.