Arm Lift
Loose, sagging arm skin can be corrected with an arm lift, also known as a brachioplasty. Arm lift surgery is the only effective way to restore upper arm contours and correct upper arm skin laxity, which has developed a “bat wing” appearance to give you shapelier arms with better definition. Our Nacogdoches plastic surgeon, Dr. Gregory Wittpenn, has decades of experience helping patients embrace greater comfort and confidence with arm lift surgery.
What Is An Arm Lift?
Arm lift surgery, or brachioplasty, removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms to create a more toned appearance. It’s often sought by individuals who have sagging skin due to aging or significant weight loss. The procedure involves making an incision along the underside of the arm, from the armpit to the elbow, and tightening the underlying tissues. Excess fat can also be removed or recontoured for a smoother, firmer arm aesthetic. This surgery can dramatically improve arm contours, boosting confidence and making it easier to feel comfortable when exercising and wearing sleeveless clothing.
While often sought as a standalone procedure, brachioplasty can also be paired with other treatments—such as a mastopexy or tummy tuck—to comprehensively address the loose, sagging arm skin associated with aging or major weight loss.
What Are the Benefits of an Arm Lift?
Brachioplasty can produce a number of aesthetic and functional benefits for qualified candidates, including:
- Improved Arm Contours: Creates a more toned and youthful appearance in the upper arms.
- Elimination of Excess Skin: Removes sagging, drooping skin that can occur after significant weight loss or as a result of aging.
- Enhanced Self-Confidence: Allows for greater confidence in wearing sleeveless clothing and exposing arms.
- Improved Clothing Fit: Makes it easier to wear fitted clothing without the tightness, discomfort, or bulging appearance of loose arm skin.
- Long-Lasting Results: Provides long-lasting improvement as long as a stable weight is maintained.
- Enhanced Mobility: In some cases, removing excess skin can lead to an improved range of movement and greater comfort when performing activities such as swimming, running, or jumping.
Who Is a Candidate for an Arm Lift?
If droopy, excess skin on your upper arms is unattractive and deters you from wearing comfortable summer clothing or sleeveless tops, arm lift surgery may be recommended. Both men and women can benefit from arm lift surgery, especially patients who have experienced major weight loss. The best candidates for arm lift surgery are healthy non-smokers who want to get rid of flabby arms that persist despite dieting and exercise.
Patient Results
How Is Arm Lift Surgery Performed?
Arm lift surgery takes about 2 hours to perform and usually requires general anesthesia. Incisions are made on the inside of each upper arm, extra skin is removed and then the incisions are closed. Liposuction is an option that can be performed during brachioplasty to further improve and define upper arm contours.
What Is Recovery Like After an Arm Lift?
Your arms will need to remain elevated during the initial recovery period, and arm movement will be restricted for about four weeks. Most patients report that post-surgical swelling, bruising, and soreness can be well-managed with adequate rest and pain medication. Compression sleeves should also be worn for a few weeks to help control swelling.
Most patients can resume desk jobs or schooling within a week or two, though full recovery may take four weeks or longer.
How Long Do Arm Lift Results Last?
An arm lift provides long-lasting body sculpting and results tend to endure for decades with an active lifestyle. During the procedure, excess skin and fat are removed and the underlying tissues are tightened, creating a more sculpted and toned upper arm contour. While these surgical changes are durable, the natural aging process will continue to affect skin elasticity over time.
Patients who avoid significant weight gain or loss, protect their skin from sun damage, maintain muscle tone, and adopt healthy lifestyle habits typically enjoy a prolonged outcome. Massive weight fluctuations or loss of skin elasticity related to aging may gradually cause some skin laxity to reappear, but most individuals still maintain a noticeably firmer arm contour than before their surgery. A well-performed arm lift can deliver substantial improvement that enhances fit in clothing, boosts confidence, and lasts for many years with proper care.
How Much Does an Arm Lift Cost?
The cost of an arm lift varies widely based on geographic region, a surgeon’s experience, and the extent of surgical work required to achieve optimal contouring. That said, a personalized quote can only be provided after Dr. Wittpenn evaluates your concerns in a consultation. Factors that affect the total cost of an arm lift usually include:
- The extent of your concerns
- The degree of correction necessary to achieve your goals
- Associated surgical fees (surgeon’s fee, anesthesia fee, etc.)
If your arm lift is part of a more comprehensive body lift to tighten skin after significant weight loss, cost estimates are generally higher. In East Texas, rates for aesthetic plastic surgery are typically much more affordable than other parts of the country. Similar to the majority of cosmetic procedures, insurance companies do not usually cover brachioplasty because the procedure is considered elective. However, Dr. Wittpenn accepts plastic surgery financing through CareCredit® and ALPHAEON™ Credit from qualified patients to help bring the costs of surgery into budget.
Contact New Horizons Plastic Surgery
If you’re considering arm lift surgery to correct loose, flappy underarms, or have questions about the brachioplasty procedure, contact New Horizons Plastic Surgery at (936) 564-3744 today! Dr. Wittpenn is an expert Nacogdoches arm lift surgeon serving patients throughout eastern Texas and western Louisiana, including Lufkin, Huntsville, Tyler, and Shreveport residents.