What is an arm lift?

An arm lift is a surgical procedure that addresses the tissues on the underside of the upper arm, from the elbow to the armpit. An arm lift resolves the sagging, drooping skin and fat pockets that appear in this area due to genetics, age, or other factors, and cannot be corrected with diet or exercise. During an arm lift procedure, excess fat and skin are eliminated to create a tighter, smoother, more toned appearance.

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Are You a Candidate for a Custom Arm Lift?

An arm lift is appropriate for any healthy adult who struggles with “bat wings,” excess fat, skin, and tissue on the upper arms. We will speak with you about the risks and benefits of brachioplasty surgery at your consultation to confirm that this is the best course of action to restore your upper arms. For younger patients who have resilient, flexible skin, other options such as BodyTite or liposuction may be all that is needed. 

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What Is the Procedure Like to Experience?

In most cases, we perform arm lift surgery under general anesthesia in our Boca Raton accredited in-office surgery suite on an outpatient basis. An arm lift may be one of several body contouring procedures, such as a body lift, thigh lift, or tummy tuck. During the procedure, an incision is placed on the underside of the upper arms, from the armpit, and extending to the elbow. Excess skin and superficial fat are removed, and the incision is closed with precision to limit scarring. The procedure takes about one to two hours, depending upon the amount of fat and excess skin to be excised.

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Why receive an arm lift?

Many people struggle with loose, sagging skin on the upper arms. For some, weight loss or age may contribute to this, while others are genetically predisposed to hanging skin in the area. Unfortunately, if your skin is no longer resilient and elastic, no amount of exercise or diet can resolve this aesthetic concern.

Sometimes uncharitably called “bat wings,” the sagging skin on your upper arms can be embarrassing and cause you to feel less confident. Loose skin can also chafe, rub and become irritated. In some cases, proper hygiene can become a concern due to the hanging skin. 

Sometimes, the upper arms have sagging skin after significant weight loss. While the excess fat is gone, due to your hard work and discipline, the skin in the area was stretched to a point where it did not bounce back. So even though you dedicated yourself to hitting your weight loss goal, you might still be hesitant to show off your new physique. An arm lift helps you complete the final step of your weight loss journey. It is an extremely important step in your transformation--providing the contour and sculpted shape you worked so hard to achieve.

Why get an arm lift? Because this procedure can greatly enhance your quality of life. You can enjoy a more youthful, sculpted, firm contour, and regain your confidence with your lifted, shapely arms!

What to Expect With Your Arm Lift Surgery

How to prepare for your arm lift surgery

Before your arm lift surgery, it’s important to be fully prepared and ready for your procedure. We will cover these points and further instructions with you during your consultation so that you feel comfortable and confident going into your procedure:

  • Quit smoking at least a few weeks prior to reduce the risk of complications and ensure your healing goes well.
  • Avoid using aspirin or other blood-thinning medications and supplements, such as Vitamin E.
  • Stay hydrated.

  • Arrange for a friend or family member to drive you home afterward and help you while you’re recovering.
  • Set up several pillows to keep your arms elevated after surgery, as this will help with swelling.
  • Stock up on healthy, low-sodium foods, and plenty of fruits and veggies.
  • Plan to be off work for about a week. 

How Long Will It Take to Recover?

Following your arm lift surgery, it is normal to experience some soreness and bruise at the incision sites, relieved with pain medication and ice packs. You should feel ready to return to your usual activities within a week. You will have a follow-up appointment within a few days to check on your progress. You will need to avoid any strenuous physical activity for about a month, with no contact sports or other activities that could impact the upper arms. The scars will always be somewhat visible, and will fade over time to a fine white line. If any concerns should arise, your West Palm Beach arm lift specialist will be by your side every step of the way.  

Why Choose Sanctuary Plastic Surgery in Boca Raton?

When performed by a talented, experienced surgeon, an arm lift should leave your upper arms looking firm, sculpted, and youthful. Our team is composed of leading, board-certified plastic surgeons practicing in the Boca Raton area and are widely regarded as being among the most talented surgeons in the region. Our surgeons will meet with you and learn about your lifestyle and cosmetic goals, creating a bespoke surgical plan that's tailored to your specific goals.

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Mini Arm Lift 

A mini-arm lift can treat a minor quantity of excess fat and skin that sometimes occurs under the upper arms due to normal aging or following weight loss. Similar to a regular brachioplasty or arm lift, a mini arm lift removes less fat and skin. Rather than leaving a scar running under the arm from elbow to armpit, the incision site is typically located in the armpit, where it is hidden from view. A traditional arm lift in Boca Raton is most often the appropriate solution for those who have lost a great deal of weight after bariatric surgery. For less extreme sagging skin and tissue, a mini arm lift may be all you need.

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Is a Mini Arm Lift

All I Need?

A mini arm lift is appropriate for healthy adults with moderate sagging on the upper underarm. Your surgeon will discuss the risks and benefits of mini-brachioplasty surgery at your consultation to confirm that this is the best course of action in your case.

Your Recovery After a Mini Arm Lift

Following a mini arm lift, swelling, bruising, and soreness are to be expected. With the help of pain medication and ice packs, you can stay comfortable in the early stages of healing. You should be able to return to your usual activities within a few days.

What Occurs During the Procedure?

A mini arm lift will be performed under general anesthesia at our state-of-the-art Boca Raton in-office surgery suite. It is an outpatient surgery, after which you can return home to rest and recover. It is often performed in combination with other body contouring procedures, such as a body lift, thigh lift, or tummy tuck. In a mini arm lift, the incisions are placed in the armpit.  Excess skin and superficial fat are removed, and the incision is closed with precision to limit scarring. The procedure takes about one to two hours, depending upon the amount of fat and excess skin removed.

Meet with Us at Sanctuary Plastic Surgery in Boca Raton

If you're located in Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, or the nearby areas, and you're ready to enjoy the firm, youthful arms of your dreams, we're ready to meet with you! Reach out and set up your complimentary consultation with your surgeon, and learn more about how the incredible surgical team at Sanctuary can unite you with the results of your dreams.

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