Arm Lift/Brachioplasty

Droopy, sagging skin under your arm can turn things as simple as wearing a short sleeve shirt into an embarrassment. A day at the beach can be ruined if you feel compelled to cover your upper arms, and your wardrobe choices for evening social events can become quite limited. Especially for patients who have lost significant weight from procedures like bariatric surgery, this excess skin is almost impossible to remove through methods like diet and exercise.

Our board-certified cosmetic surgeons can help tone and trim your upper arm, producing a look that compliments your entire body. Many people find an arm lift alone is sufficient to restore appeal to their physique. Others may wish to combine an arm lift with body lift or other body sculpting procedures to create the body they have always dreamed of. During your free initial consultation, our doctors will help you determine what procedures will most enhance your entire appearance.

Brachioplasty Procedure

At Southeastern Plastic Surgery, all of our arm lifts are performed in our very own AAAASF-certified surgical center. There, our plastic surgeons and experienced staff will administer anesthesia to ensure you are comfortable during your surgery. Depending on the amount of skin that will need to be removed, you may be placed under general or full anesthesia.

The type of incision necessary will depend on the amount of excess skin you have. Minor arm lifts require a small incision from the inside of the arm to the armpit. Full arm lifts, more suited to patients who have had bariatric surgery, require an incision the runs on the inside of the arm from the elbow, along the armpit, and onto the side of the chest. Our doctors take every precaution necessary to reduce visible scarring while making and closing these incisions.

Once the incision has been placed, excess fat may be removed with liposuction prior to unnecessary skin being trimmed. Your remaining skin is then tightened and firmed over the muscles in your arm before sutures and surgical dressing are applied.

The entire process can take anywhere from one to three hours depending on your individual needs.

Healing from Arm Lift Surgery

The results of your arm lift will be apparent almost immediately. You can expect some swelling and pain for up to two weeks, but this can easily be controlled with the use of mild pain relievers prescribed by our doctors. Swelling can further be reduced with the use of compression garments that will also help you achieve the desired final results.

Strenuous exercise should be avoided for up to one month. Full recovery can take up to six weeks. After recovery, scars generally fade to become less noticeable.

Risks associated with this procedure are uncommon, and serious complications are very rare. Surgical risks including infection, bleeding, and anesthesia risks are possible. Specific arm lift risks include a loss of sensation in the arms, areas of skin breakdown, swelling in the hands, and visible scarring. Our board-certified cosmetic surgeons take every precaution necessary to avoid these complications. Your risk of complications can be further reduced by following our post-surgery advice.

After you have healed from your brachioplasty, your ability to wear whatever you please and enjoy a toned, appealing arm can have a tremendously positive impact on your life. During your free consultation, we will help you weigh the positive outcome against any potential complications to help you make the decision that is best for your body.

If you live in or around Charlotte, North Carolina and would like more information about arm lift surgery, please contact the friendly staff at Southeastern Plastic Surgery to schedule a free brachioplasty consultation today.