What is an Arm Lift?

Arm lift surgery (brachioplasty) is a cosmetic procedure that can get rid of sagging skin and excess fat tissue on the upper arm. A brachioplasty will tone, reshape, and enhance the appearance of arms that have an undesirable appearance due to dramatic weight loss or aging.

The results Dr. Rex Moulton-Barrett provides with an upper arm lift in Alameda and Brentwood cannot be achieved without surgical intervention. Fortunately, the surgery is typically an outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia and the recovery period is quick.

An upper arm lift is an easy way to achieve a more youthful appearance without undergoing a highly invasive procedure. This minimally invasive surgical procedure provides notable results both in appearance and comfort of the upper arms have made it a popular choice for fixing loose skin when non-invasive options just aren’t effective enough. Dr. Moulton-Barrett will help you make an informed decision as to whether or not brachioplasty is right for you during your consultations and examinations leading up to your surgery date.

Who Should Consider Arm Lift Surgery?

If the hanging skin on your upper arms keeps you from wearing your favorite clothes or raising your arms over your head, consider an arm lift to restore a youthful-looking contour to your arms. In most cases, this remaining skin is a result of rapid weight loss or loss of skin elasticity due to the natural aging process.

Types of Arm Lift Procedures

An arm lift can be performed using two techniques. The full upper arm lift involves an incision in the armpit and along the underside of the arm to the elbow. Alternatively, for a mini arm lift, an incision is made in the armpit only for more limited results.

The upper arm lift operation begins with an incision along the arm. The location and length of the incision will vary depending on the amount of skin you wish to have removed, as well as the location of the excess skin flap. In the most extreme cases, the inner arm incision may extend from the armpit to the elbow to remove the maximum amount of skin. Your doctor may create either a curved or z-shaped incision during the procedure to minimize the appearance of scarring after healing.

Recovery From an Arm Lift Procedure

After your arm lift, you will be bandaged and given a prescription for pain medication to ease your discomfort in the first few days after surgery. In general, patients take two to three weeks off of work and other obligations to recover from surgery due to the fact that they will not be able to lift hardly anything heavy during this time.

Patients should return to see their plastic surgeon about one week after surgery so sutures and bandages can be removed, and four weeks after surgery so the surgeon can check the results. During this time, it is common to experience post-surgical side effects such as swelling, discomfort, and bruising throughout the treated area.

Arm Lift Surgery in Oakland, CA

If you’re dealing with excess skin and fat on your upper arms, an arm lift can help. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Rex Moulton-Barrett provides highly personalized surgical procedures for patients seeking arm lifts to minimize swelling and downtime so you can get back to your life with confidence. He will discuss the arm lift surgery cost, your treatment goals, and what you can expect from an arm lift at your consultation.