Arm Lift

Brachioplasty, also known as an arm lift, is a surgical procedure to remove skin and fat from the upper arm, reducing skin redundancy that makes clothing fit improperly or makes you feel uncomfortable in short sleeves or sleeveless tops.

Enhancing your appearance with an arm lift

Fluctuations in weight, growing older and even heredity can cause your upper arms to have a drooping, sagging appearance.

Exercise may strengthen and improve the underlying muscle tone of the upper arm, but it cannot address excess skin that has lost elasticity or underlying weakened tissues and localized fat deposits.

If the underside of your upper arms are sagging or appear loose and full due to excess skin and fat, an arm lift may be right for you.

An arm lift:

Reduces excess skin and fat between the underarm and the elbow
Reshapes your arm to result in smoother skin and contours
Results in a more toned and proportionate appearance

A special note: In order to achieve your improved image, there will be a scar on the inside of your upper arm.

What is an arm lift?

An arm lift, or brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure that reshapes the under portion of the upper arm, from the underarm region to the elbow. The procedure is performed to:

Reduce excess sagging skin that droops downward
Tighten and smooth the underlying supportive tissue that defines the shape of the upper arm
Reduce localized pockets of fat in the upper arm region

Is it right for me?

In general, candidates for an arm lift include:

Adults with significant upper arm skin laxity
Adults of any age whose weight is relatively stable and who are not significantly overweight
Healthy individuals who do not have medical conditions that can impair healing or increase risk of surgery
Non-smokers
Individuals with a positive outlook and realistic expectations

What to expect during your consultation

The success and safety of your arm lift procedure depends very much on your complete candidness during your consultation. You’ll be asked a number of questions about your health, desires and lifestyle.

Be prepared to discuss:

Why you want the surgery, your expectations and desired outcome
Medical conditions, drug allergies and medical treatments
Use of current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drugs
Previous surgeries

Dr. Legere may also:

Evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors
Take photographs for your medical record
Discuss your options and recommend a course of treatment
Discuss likely outcomes of arm lift surgery and any risks or potential complications

Preparing for arm lift surgery

Prior to surgery, you may be asked to:

Get lab testing or a medical evaluation
Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
Stop smoking well in advance of surgery
Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding

Special instructions you receive will cover:

What to do on the day of surgery
The use of anesthesia during your arm lift
Post-operative care and follow-up

You’ll need help

As your arm lift will be an outpatient procedure, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery and to stay with you for at least the first night following surgery.

Arm lift risks and safety information

The decision to have arm lift surgery is extremely personal and you’ll have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks and potential complications are acceptable.

You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure you will undergo and any risks and potential complications.

The risks include:

Unfavorable scarring
Bleeding (hematoma)
Infection
Fluid accumulation
Anesthesia risks
Poor wound healing
Skin loss
Blood clots
Numbness or other changes in skin sensation
Skin discoloration and/or prolonged swelling
Asymmetry
Major wound separation
Fatty tissue found deep in the skin might die (fat necrosis)
Damage to deeper structures such as nerves, blood vessels, muscles, and lungs
Pain, which may persist
Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
Sutures may spontaneously surface through the skin, become visible or produce irritation that require removal
Possibility of revisional surgery

These risks and others will be fully discussed prior to your consent. It is important that you address all your questions directly with Dr. Legere.

It is natural to feel some anxiety, whether excitement for the anticipated outcomes or preoperative stress. Discuss these feelings with your Dr. Legere.

When you go home

If you experience shortness of breath, chest pains, or unusual heart beats, seek medical attention immediately. Should any of these complications occur, you may require hospitalization and additional treatment.

The practice of medicine and surgery is not an exact science. Although good results are expected, there is no guarantee. In some situations, it may not be possible to achieve optimal results with a single surgical procedure and another surgery may be necessary.

Be careful

Following your physician’s instructions is key to the success of your surgery. It is important that the surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, swelling, abrasion, or motion during the time of healing. Dr. Legere will give you specific instructions on how to care for yourself.

Be sure to ask questions:

It’s very important to ask Dr. Legere questions about your arm lift procedure. It’s natural to feel some anxiety, whether it’s excitement for your anticipated new look or a bit of preoperative stress. Don’t be shy about discussing these feelings with her.

What happens during arm lift surgery?

Step 1 – Anesthesia

Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedures. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Dr. Legere will recommend the best choice for you.

Step 2 – The incision

Incision length and pattern depend on the amount and location of excess skin to be removed, as well as the best judgment of Dr. Legere.

Incisions are generally placed on the inside of the arm or on the back of the arm, depending on the surgeon’s preference, and may extend from the underarm (axilla) to just above the elbow. If fat is to be reduced during your arm lift, it will be excised or treated with liposuction.

inner arm incision

Depending on your specific conditions, incisions may be more limited. Then, underlying supportive tissue is tightened and reshaped with internal sutures. Finally, the skin is smoothed over the new contour of your arm.

back of arm incision

minimal incision

Step 3 – Closing the incisions

Your incisions will be closed with absorbable sutures, or stitches that will be removed within 1-2 weeks following your arm lift.

Step 4 – See the results

The smoother, tighter contours that result from brachioplasty are apparent almost immediately following your procedure, although initial results will be somewhat obscured by swelling and bruising. Your new, shapely and toned upper arm is dramatically improved both in appearance and feel.

Arm lift recovery

Following your surgery, dressings or bandages may be applied to your incisions, and your arms may be wrapped in an elastic bandage or a compression garment to minimize swelling. A small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect.

You will be given specific instructions that may include: How to care for the surgical site and drains, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection, specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health, and when to follow up with Dr. Legere.

Be sure to ask her specific questions about what you can expect during your individual recovery period.

Where will I be taken after my surgery is complete?
What medication will I be given or prescribed after surgery?
Will I have dressings/bandages after surgery? When will they be removed?
Are stitches removed? When?
When can I resume normal activity and exercise?
When do I return for follow-up care?

The results will be long-lasting

The results of arm lift surgery will be long-lasting, provided that you maintain a stable weight and general fitness. As your body ages, it is natural to lose some firmness, but most of your improvement should be relatively permanent.