Upper Arm Lift – Arm Liposuction, Fat Removal, Skin Tightening
If you have fat, or skin excess of the upper arms or both, due to weight loss, aging or genetics, you may consider an upper arm lift (also called brachioplasty). Arm lift Surgery is a good solution to reduce or eliminate excess skin from the upper arms. Combining upper arm liposuction, this procedure is very popular at Lynch Plastic Surgery.
Patient Before and After Brachioplasty Images (Upper Arm Lift)
An upper arm lift is usually done under general anesthesia. In order to remove the unwanted skin, an incision is required that runs from near the elbow into the armpit. The incision is placed in the most inconspicuous location (inner arm toward the back), but some scarring will always be visible.
Some patients who are undergoing upper arm lift may require liposuction of the upper arms to get a better contour. If there is minimal skin excess and the patient has good skin quality, liposuction may also be performed alone.
Patient Before and After Images Of Upper Arm Liposuction
Weight loss patients that have reached their ideal body weight usually do not require liposuction. Those with excess skin that may not retract to its normal size because of their age and degree of stretch, may require brachioplasty and liposuction in combination.
After your arm surgery, the upper arms are placed in an elastic sleeve garment to reduce swelling. Initial healing occurs in 10 to 14 days. The sutures are removed within nine to eleven days. Swelling and bruising gradually disappear over 3 to 4 weeks depending on your skin an the amount of liposuction performed. The majority of the swelling is gone in 3 to 6 months. The scars fade in 6 to 12 months depending on your skin type.
The specific risks of brachioplasty surgery for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally. Major complications are unusual.
Upper Arm Liposuction
Liposuction of the arms is a great option for those who have subcutaneous fat in their upper arms which will not go away regardless of changes to diet and exercise. Most patients who have achieved their weight goal, and their arms have become an issue, choose an arm lift combined with liposuction to give them a tightened more youthful appearance.
Before and After Patient Images of Liposuction to the Upper Arms
Improved techniques such as ultrasonic and power assisted liposuction allow for larger amounts of fat removal with less down time. The tumescent technique, or filling the area that will undergo liposuction with fluid prior to suctioning fat, has allowed for less blood loss, less bruising, and therefore a faster recovery.
Liposuction of the upper arm produces more permanent improvement in the contour and proportion of the arm. Dr. Lynch creates a flattering shape to the arm which is another goal of liposuction.
Your arm lift procedure is performed under general anesthesia. This provides safety and comfort. Small suction tubes (cannulas) are inserted through very small incisions at the elbow and armpit area where the after surgery scar will be less conspicuous. Fat is then removed by applying suction to the cannula.
A compression sleeve garment must be worn to cover the treated ares. Compression is advised for about a month to reduce the swelling and to promote skin shrinkage and contouring. Initial discomfort is controlled with oral medication. Bruising and swelling usually subside in 2 to 4 weeks. The final result takes shape over 2 to 3 months.
Some patients, because of their age and degree of excess skin may be unable to shrink the skin of the arms with liposuction alone. These patients choose the option of combining liposuction of the arms in conjunction with an upper arm lift.
Extended Brachioplasty (Upper Arm Lift)
Excess skin of the arm extending into the axilla (armpit) and onto the lateral chest wall can be addressed at the same time with extension of the traditional arm lift surgery (brachioplasty) scar from elbow to armpit further onto the lateral chest wall. Risks, benefits and recovery of this procedure are similar to those of traditional upper arm lift (brachioplasty) but operative time is longer.
Before and After Patient Images Of Extended Brachioplasty
Unfortunately, arm lift – upper arm skin tightening surgery is considered a cosmetic procedure and therefore is not covered by health insurance. To find out more about our plastic surgery payment plans and financing options, please CLICK HERE to contact us today. We Can Help!
To learn more and receive additional information about our arm lift – upper arm liposuction, please contact us at either of our plastic surgery locations in Chevy Chase or Easton Maryland. Schedule your private, confidential consultation with
Washingtonian TOP Doctor, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Sheilah A. Lynch.
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