WHAT IS AN ARM LIFT?
Arm lifts get rid of arm fat fast! Brachioplasty is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin, tissue, and fat from the upper arms to create a slimmer and firmer appearance. Patients suffering from droopy skin or “bat wings” in their upper arms have stretched or weakened skin caused by aging, pregnancy, or extreme weight loss. While exercise helps tone the arms, it does not provide ideal results in those with insufficient skin elasticity. Arm lift surgery requires general anesthesia, lasts approximately 3 to 4 hours (depending on the elected brachioplasty method), and yields immediate and lasting results.
ARM LIFT BENEFITS
There are various benefits to undergoing arm lift surgery. Aside from arm fat reduction and increased muscle tone, patients often report an improvement in skin quality. Since brachioplasty corrects batwing arms by removing lax skin and tissue, the newly tautened skin will have less dimpling and appear smoother throughout. The arm lift also:
- Tones and defines arms
- Enhances proportions
- Improves arm mobility after extreme weight loss
- Prevents inflammation, rashes, and infections in chafing skin folds
- Eliminates hygiene problems
- Helps you look and feel better in clothes
- Boosts self-esteem
These arm lift benefits are permanent, so long as patients maintain their results with a proper diet, exercise, and healthy lifestyle choices.
TYPES OF ARM LIFTS
Traditional Arm Lift
The traditional arm lift involves removing surplus fat, tissue, and skin from the upper arm when it ceases to respond to proper diet and exercise. Typical candidates for a traditional arm lift are patients whose arms hang due to aging or weight fluctuations. This type of arm lift is commonly used on patients with moderate to severe excess.
Scarless Arm Lift
The scarless arm lift is a non-surgical arm reduction technique performed with liposuction. Liposuction technologies like SmartLipo or BodyTite will permanently tone and firm the arms in one quick session! The scarless arm lift is best for patients who want to eliminate stubborn fat deposits in their arms but still have sufficient skin elasticity.
Mini Arm Lift
A mini arm lift, also known as limited-incision brachioplasty, corrects minor skin excess on the inner arm area near the armpit. The arm lift surgeon removes extra fat surrounding the underarm area and tucks the remaining skin into the armpit. This type of arm lift is most effective on patients with mild to moderate excess.
Extended Arm Lift
An extended arm lift targets skin and fatty tissue from the armpit to the elbow crease but can also stretch to target the chest and surrounding regions depending on the patient’s needs. This arm lift technique produces the most dramatic results and is most commonly performed on patients who have lost significant weight.
ARM LIFT INCISIONS AND SCARS
Traditional Arm Lift
When performing a traditional arm lift, your surgeon creates an incision along the inside of your arm that extends from the armpit to just above the elbow. Excess fat and tissue is removed through this incision, and the remaining skin of the upper arm is tightened. The scar will be hidden under the arm and eventually fade over time.
Scarless Arm Lift
The scarless arm lift is performed with liposuction technologies such as SmartLipo or BodyTite. Tiny openings are made on the inside or back of the arm, depending on the patient’s problem area. Since this arm lift technique is only performed with lipo and the incisions are so small, it leaves behind nearly invisible scars, making it a “scarless” arm procedure.
Mini Arm Lift
The mini arm lift, or limited-incision brachioplasty, targets the same area as the other types of arm lifts. But, since it was designed for patients with minimal fat and skin excess, its incisions only span across the armpit. Mini arm lift scars remain unnoticeable since the openings are so small and remain hidden well beneath the arm.
Extended Arm Lift
An extended arm lift is similar to the traditional method. However, the incision of an extended arm lift extends from the armpit to the elbow crease and can stretch to the chest wall and surrounding areas. The extended arm lift technique provides the most extreme results since it targets more body areas. Residual scarring will fade over time.
BEST ARM LIFT CANDIDATES
The best candidates for arm lift surgery, or brachioplasty, are seeking to eliminate stubborn fat deposits, excess tissue, and hanging skin from their arms. They should be in good general health and already at (or near) their goal weight. Patients who smoke or have other health concerns should speak to their arm lift surgeons regarding their candidacy for brachioplasty. The brachioplasty surgeons at Body Aesthetic Center will review your medical history and discuss the risks, preparation instructions, and aftercare guidelines for your arm lift procedure.
ARM LIFT VS. LIPOSUCTION
Patients seeking to lift and tone their arms inquire about the difference between an arm lift (also known as brachioplasty) and liposuction. Liposuction is used to perform scarless arm lifts in patients with supple skin that will tauten after fat is suctioned from the area. In contrast, an arm lift surgically removes excess fat and loose skin that is already hanging and incapable of “snapping back” the same way.
Liposuction, or a scarless arm lift, is an excellent option for patients with substantial skin elasticity who want to remove stubborn fat deposits and tone their upper arms. Younger individuals who have lost small amounts of weight might even opt for a mini arm lift to further define their arm contours. The traditional or extended arm lift methods work best on elderly or extreme weight loss patients with hanging skin on their upper arms that form “bat wings” when they raise their hands.
The experienced arm lift surgeons at Body Aesthetic Center will evaluate your condition and recommend the safest and most comfortable approach to achieve the look you desire. Your surgeon may recommend a procedure combining liposuction with an arm lift, depending on your problem areas. These procedures are often performed simultaneously, allowing the surgeon to thoroughly sculpt and tone the arms.
ARM LIFT RESULTS
Arm lift surgery immediately improves the appearance of your arms, but swelling will obstruct the full results for the first few months after the operation. Patients who have undergone a scarless arm lift (arm fat removal through liposuction) or a mini arm lift will notice results sooner than those who have undergone traditional or extended arm lift surgeries. Nonetheless, brachioplasty delivers evenly contoured arms with improved skin quality, regardless of the chosen arm lift method. Your final arm lift results will appear slim, toned, and youthful for perfect confidence and comfort in your skin!
ARM LIFT RECOVERY
Recovering from an arm lift will take approximately 3 to 4 weeks. Patients experience the most pain and discomfort within the first week. Rest assured, this can be managed by prescribed pain medication and substantial rest. Patients recovering from an arm lift must organize proper postoperative care for the first several days after their procedure since they will have a limited range of movement.
Patients are required to wear a brachioplasty compression garment for 4 to 6 weeks to aid in healing. They are typically able to drive and return to a desk job after the first week. However, more taxing careers and exercises will take longer to resume. Residual swelling and numbness will continue to improve for up to 6 months, and final results will be noticeable around this time but may take up to a year to fully show. Your arm lift surgeon at Body Aesthetic Center will provide you with more recovery guidelines tailored to your lifestyle and body’s needs.
ARM LIFT FAQS
The average cost of an arm lift at Body Aesthetic Center ranges from $4,000 to $10,000USD, depending on the chosen brachioplasty technique. Our board-certified surgeons will provide you with individualized pricing at your first consultation.
A mini arm lift surgically removes fat and skin that has accumulated on the upper arms. This arm lift technique draws only a small ellipse of skin through the armpit, leaving a small scar that is not visible unless the arm is fully raised. Your arm lift surgeon will advise if a mini arm lift is best for you at your initial consultation.
A scarless arm lift is a minimally-invasive arm lift method that uses liposuction to melt and remove fat from the arms without surgery. Body Aesthetic Center offers various liposuction technologies such as BodyTite and SmartLipo to perform a scarless arm lift. These lipo technologies also tighten the surrounding skin for an overall streamlined appearance.
- Bleeding (hematoma)
- Infection
- Fluid accumulation
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Fat necrosis
- Blood clots
- Numbness or other changes in skin sensation
Since this is not a comprehensive list of risks, patients should disclose their complete medical history to the surgeon at their initial consultation. They can significantly reduce these risks by following the surgeon's instructions before and after surgery. During your initial arm lift consultation at Body Aesthetic Center, your board-certified brachioplasty surgeon will analyze your condition, determine whether you are a candidate for the procedure, and then provide you with personalized instructions and information.
SmartLipo and BodyTite lipo are liposuction technologies utilized to perform scarless arm lifts. SmartLipo uses laser energy and BodyTite uses radiofrequency to eliminate fat, tighten skin, and achieve a smooth, scar-free finish.
To prepare for arm lift surgery, you should arrange to be off work for approximately one week. You are required to quit smoking at least a few weeks before surgery to reduce the risk of complications and ensure you heal properly. Avoid alcohol, aspirin, or other blood-thinning medications and supplements before surgery. Since you will be bedbound immediately after arm lift surgery, it is essential to arrange for a friend or family member to drive you home and assist in your recovery. Gather pillows, ice packs, gauze, and a compression garment to have readily available upon arrival. Stock up on healthy, low-sodium snacks and easy-to-prepare meals for the following weeks. Body by Unique surgeon will provide individualized instructions to help you achieve the results you want in the safest and most comfortable manner.
An arm lift is performed differently depending on the chosen brachioplasty method. However, the general steps of an arm lift surgery at Body Aesthetic Center go as follows:
- Excess skin, tissue, and fat are removed from the upper arm
- The remaining skin is repositioned to create a smooth and contoured shape
- The incisions are closed and bandaged for a speedy recovery!
Your brachioplasty incision will depend on the type of arm lift you undergo. Generally, patients with minimal arm fat and skin drooping should opt for a scarless or mini arm lift, whereas those with more pronounced symptoms would benefit more from a traditional or extended arm lift. Your board-certified Body by Unique surgeon will suggest the best method and incision depending on your condition and desired results.