Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)
Palm Beach Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery offers arm lift surgery to address sagging skin or excess fat to redefine the shape of the upper arm.
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We Perform an Outpatient Brachioplasty Procedure — Commonly Known as an Arm Lift — in West Palm Beach, Florida
Weight fluctuations, aging, and heredity can lead to excess skin and give your upper arms a drooping, sagging appearance — a condition that cannot be corrected through exercise.
However, an arm lift, or brachioplasty, can help. Arm lift surgery reduces excess skin that droops downward, while tightening and smoothing the underlying supportive tissue that defines the shape of the upper arm. If the undersides of your upper arms sag or appear loose due to excess skin and fat, arm lift surgery could be a suitable and effective option.
At Palm Beach Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery, our Board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Fredric M. Barr, M.D., F.A.C.S. performs the arm lift procedure at our outpatient surgical center — always prioritizing patient safety.
Benefits of Arm Lift Surgery
A brachioplasty procedure offers a multitude of benefits, including:
- Improved Arm Contouring: Brachioplasty can effectively address excess sagging skin and excess fat in the upper arms, leading to a more contoured and toned arm appearance, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals who have experienced significant weight loss or aging-related changes that have resulted in loose, hanging skin on the arms.
- More Extensive Clothing Options: Patients often report that they feel more comfortable wearing sleeveless or form-fitting clothing following an arm lift, allowing them to expand their wardrobe choices and enjoy their fashion selections.
- Physical Comfort: Excess skin and fat on the upper arms can cause discomfort and irritation, particularly during physical activities or when wearing certain types of clothing. Brachioplasty can alleviate these physical discomforts and improve overall comfort levels.
- Aesthetic Symmetry: Brachioplasty surgery can contribute to improved overall body symmetry and proportion, creating a more balanced and harmonious physique.
- Youthful Appearance: The removal of excess skin and fat from the upper arms can result in a more youthful and rejuvenated arm contour — which can be especially appealing for individuals seeking a more youthful appearance.
- Motivation for a Healthy Lifestyle: Some patients find that the results of brachioplasty serve as motivation to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, in order to preserve the improvements achieved through brachioplasty surgery.
Am I a Candidate for Brachioplasty Surgery?
Brachioplasty could be suitable for you if you’re an adult who’s self-conscious about the appearance of your upper arms, due to “bat wings” — upper arms with sagging skin. Men and women can undergo a brachioplasty procedure if in overall good health. Do you avoid wearing sleeveless shirts or revealing your upper arms? An arm lift could be a safe and effective solution.
What Happens During Brachioplasty Surgery?
Dr. Barr performs arm lift surgery as an outpatient procedure with the patient under general anesthesia. During your initial consultation with the doctor and our patient counselor, we will listen with compassion to your concerns and goals for your arms, review your medical history, and determine if an arm lift is appropriate for you. If you’re a smoker, he will advise you to quit smoking, refrain from alcohol, drink plenty of water, and eat a nutritious diet to prepare for your arm lift.
On the day of your brachioplasty surgery, Dr. Barr will review the plan for your surgery before beginning your sedation. Depending on your desired result and the amount of skin and fat to be addressed, the technique Dr. Barr employs can vary. Generally, he makes an incision on the underside of the arm (between the armpit and the inner elbow), then removes excess skin and fat and extra tissue, and tightens the remaining skin and underlying tissue before closing the incision with sutures.
Recovery from Brachioplasty Surgery
After the cosmetic surgery, Dr. Barr will provide you with a compression garment to wear on your arm to minimize swelling and facilitate the healing process. Your surgeon will also advise you on pain medication. While you’re recovering, do not lift your arms over your head, and avoid strenuous exercise for a minimum of several weeks to two months. Patients generally take 10 days off from work; however, this time frame depends on the type of job and its physical demands.
Elevate your arms as much as possible during your recovery. You may experience some common side effects such as tenderness, bruising, and swelling. Some patients observe feelings of skin tightness, which is a temporary sensation.
Once the swelling subsides, it’ll reveal slimmer, tighter upper arms. With an arm lift, the results are permanent; however, an arm lift cannot counteract the natural effects of aging. As West Palm Beach plastic surgeons know, patients can extend their optimal results by eating well, maintaining a healthy weight, and engaging in regular exercise.
Can I Combine an Arm Lift with Another Cosmetic Procedure?
Arm lifts can be combined with liposuction, a breast lift, or a tummy tuck, depending on your goals and health considerations. During your consultation, let us know what you expect from an arm lift and if you have a desire to undergo another procedure like liposuction simultaneously. As a surgeon who prioritizes safety, Dr. Barr will make recommendations based on your unique circumstances.
Arm Lift FAQs
If I’ve Achieved Significant Weight Loss, Can I Get An Arm Lift?
Patients who have achieved significant weight loss should remain at a stable weight for one year before the procedure.
Does An Arm Lift Leave Scars?
Although you will have a scar from the incision, it is on the underside of the upper arm. Dr Barr will take care to minimize any scarring.
Does An Arm Lift Have Risks?
As plastic surgeons can attest, risk is inherent in any procedure. However, when you choose a Board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Barr, you can rest assured he will apply his knowledge and expertise as a Board-certified plastic surgeon with over three decades of experience, putting your safety above all else.
How Much Does An Arm Lift Cost?
As with every cosmetic procedure, the cost of an arm list varies, depending on the patient. During your consultation, we can discuss costs based on your needs and goals.
Does Health Insurance Cover An Arm Lift?
Insurance regards an arm lift as an elective procedure; therefore, it’s generally not covered. However, we accept CareCredit®, cash, checks, and credit cards, and offer financing options for your convenience.
Choose Palm Beach Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery for Five-Star Service, Safety & Honesty
When choosing among West Palm Beach plastic surgeons for procedures like arm lifts, experience, knowledge, training, and compassion matter. Our doctor, Fredric M. Barr, M.D., F.A.C.S. is a Board-certified plastic surgeon who has been helping patients achieve a naturally beautiful appearance for over three decades. Schedule your consultation at (561) 833-4122(561) 833-4122 or complete our online form.
