Arm Lift

Arm Lift in Fredericksburg, VA

Upper arm skin can sag and lose elasticity over time as a result of significant weight or body mass changes or from aging and genetics. This problem often results in stubborn, sagging skin that will not improve through exercise alone. Arm lift surgery removes excess upper arm skin and tissue that has become unsightly, adds bulk, and causes discomfort.

The board-certified surgeons at Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg are skilled in all body sculpting procedures, including brachioplasty, that help deliver sleek upper arms suitable for sleeveless blouses and summer wear.

What Is Brachioplasty?

Brachioplasty, or an arm lift, is a surgical procedure that:

• Reduces sagging skin that droops from the upper arm
• Tightens underlying supportive tissue that defines upper arm contours
• Reduces localized fat pockets in the upper arm between the shoulder and elbow

Age, weight fluctuations, and genetics can cause your upper arms to sag, which can’t be corrected with diet or exercise. Brachioplasty may be suitable if the underside tissues of your upper arms appear loose due to excess fat and skin.

Arm Lift Candidates

Typically, brachioplasty candidates include:

• Adults with significantly lax upper arm skin
• Adults who aren’t overweight and whose weight is stable
• Healthy adults with no significant medical condition that can impair healing
• Non-smokers, or those willing to quit prior to surgery
• Those who understand the surgery and have realistic expectations

Brachioplasty Procedure

An arm lift is an outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia and typically takes two hours to complete. During brachioplasty, your surgeon will perform an incision along the inner arm, from the armpit to the elbow. Next, they will remove excess fat via liposuction and trim redundant skin.

Depending on the extent of the surgery, we may place a draining tube to allow excess fluids to escape. In addition, we may use a tightening technique for patients who have excessive sagging, including laxity within the internal tissue structures that will result in a smaller upper arm circumference.

Arm Lift Before and After Gallery

Arm Lift Recovery

Following your brachioplasty, your arm should be elevated to minimize swelling and promote circulation. Patients will experience a slow return to normal function. Arm and hand strength will be weak for the first several weeks as the internal tissues heal.

Patients must understand scarring is a part of this procedure. It is recommended that patients avoid excessive sun exposure during the first year to protect the incisions from any additional discoloration. Most patients believe the scars are a small, reasonable trade-off for new contours and shapelier arms. We will also discuss scar care to help assist in the healing process.

Brachioplasty Benefits

For people with sagging arm skin, sometimes negatively called bat wings, simply waving at a friend can cause embarrassment. Fortunately an arm lift can deliver these significant outcomes:

• Remove excess skin and fat
• Better upper arm tone and contour
• Smoother skin textures
• Better body proportions

If you are considering arm lift surgery, ensure your surgeon is highly trained and qualified. Board-certified plastic surgeons are best equipped and trained to deliver excellent body-shaping results.

Learn More

If you would like to find out if you may be a good candidate for an arm lift surgery, contact us online to request your consultation or call us today at (540) 371-7730.

Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg—where your better tomorrows begin today!