Menu

What is an Arm Lift?

There are many factors that can lead to physical changes in our arms, including weight fluctuations, the aging process, and heredity. For some, this results in upper arms that appear drooping or sagging, which cannot be corrected through exercise alone. An arm lift, or brachioplasty, is a procedure that reduces excess sagging arm tight, tightens and smoother underlying tissues, and eliminated fat pockets for a more defined shape.


Arm lift surgery offers many benefits, including:

  • Reduced sagging skin on the upper arms.
  • Helps improve your physical comfort.
  • Prevents rashes and inflammation due to excess skin.
  • Improves confidence and self-esteem.

Who is a Candidate?

Adults who are bothered by a significant amount of lax skin on their upper arms can oftentimes benefit from an arm lift to improve comfort and confidence. Ideal candidates will be nonsmokers who are at a relatively stable weight and do not have any medical conditions that may hinder healing. If you are considering arm lift surgery and would like to learn if you are a candidate, contact our office today to schedule a consultation.

Reviews

More Reviews

I have had the best experience with Dr. Willis and Leah. I have had filler, Dysport, and I've been under the knife with Dr. Willis and I've been so happy with all of my results. I actually feel like a part of their family, I can call whenever I need anything and they both make me feel like they care about me and my results.

Dr. Willis and his staff were amazing! Very calm, clean and professional atmosphere. They were inviting and attentive. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. I went in for a consultation and had my lip filler procedure in the same day. Quick and painless. The results are perfect. I highly recommend Dr.Willis and taking advantage of the referral program. 10/10!

Dr.Willis and staff are incredible! They treat their patients with such high respect and make you feel right at home during your procedure. They are experienced and dedicated to making things right. You leave the office feeling really good about yourself and the work they’ve performed! I’ve had Fillers and Botox but would recommend anything!

Dr. Willis and his staff couldn’t be more helpful and supportive. This has been the most pleasant experience and I am so pleased with the results and it’s only been a week. The staff at the surgery center as well was wonderful and put all my fears to rest. I highly recommend anyone who is thinking of a procedure Dr. Willis and his staff provide you with all the information you need. Wish I had done it sooner.

The Arm Lift Procedure

The arm lift procedure may be performed using intravenous sedation or general anesthesia; Dr. Willis will recommend the best choice for you. There are a number of different incision patterns that can be used during arm lift surgery based on the location and amount of extra skin to be removed. Incisions are usually created on the inside of the arm or the back of the arm and extend from the underarm to the elbow. Excess fat may be eliminated using excision techniques or liposuction. Your incisions will then be closed with sutures.

Recovery

Following arm lift surgery, you may have bandages or dressing on your incisions, and you may be given a compression garment to wear on your arms to minimize swelling. Small tubes may also be placed to drain any excess fluid. It is important that you avoid lifting your arms above shoulder height for 3-4 weeks and avoid exercise that may stretch your incisions for 4-8 weeks. Dr. Willis will provide you with instructions on how to care for your incisions during recovery, as well as how to take medications and when you can return to work. Your results will become apparent as swelling dissipates with time.

Contact Us Today

Are you ready to take the first step toward slimmer upper arms? If so, contact Charlottesville Plastic Surgery in Charlottesville, VA today! Double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Willis will be happy to speak with you during a consultation regarding your aesthetic goals to help you achieve a boost in confidence.

Meet Dr. Willis

With an eye for finding the unique beauty in each individual, Dr. Willis incorporates the most modern techniques with a conservative touch, and strives to build lasting relationships with every patient.

 

Meet the Team

Can underarm fat be removed?

Yes, excessive underarm fat and skin is removed with a brachioplasty.

Do arm lift scars fade?

Arm lift scars will fade over time. Initially, they can range from a dark red color to light red and over the ensuing months, to even up to a year, the scar will fade to normal skin color

Do compression garments help with loose skin?

compression garments are an integral part of the healing process after a arm lift surgery. They help prevent post operative swelling that can be seen in the hands and distal forearm, and they take the tension off the incision as it heals.

Do waist trainers tighten loose skin?

Waist trainers will likely not tighten the skin to any noticeable degree.

How do you lose arm fat fast?

Arm fat can be lost in a couple of ways, either through diet and exercise, which can take months, or through surgery. Surgery can include liposuction of the upper arms, liposuction and excision, or excision alone.

How long after Brachioplasty Can I exercise?

Typically, you should wait 6 weeks before resuming upper arm exercises.

Does arm lift leave a scar?

The one downside to an arm lift is the scarring. In the posteromedial scar placement, the scar is well hidden under the arm, but when raising your arm in the air, it might be noticeable.

Does arm lipo hurt?

Arm liposuction does not cause a lot of pain post operatively, just soreness.

Does insurance pay for arm lift?

Insurance does not pay for an arm lift. This could qualify as a cosmetic procedure.

Does Medicare pay for Brachioplasty?

Brachioplasty is considered a cosmetic procedure and therefore does not qualify for insurance.

What is arm lift surgery?

Arm lift surgery can range from simple liposuction of the upper arm to excision of fat and skin. Determining liposuction vs. excision will depend on the degree of excess skin you may have and the discretion of your board certified plastic surgeon.

Contact Us