An arm lift (brachioplasty) procedure is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the underarm to improve the appearance of the upper arms. This plastic surgery procedure is commonly performed on people who have had significant weight loss or those who have experienced an arm injury resulting in disfigurement.
There are many benefits to this procedure, which may be able to be performed without leaving visible scars.
Improved Contours
This procedure can be performed to correct the appearance of the underarms and help reshape them. There are two general surgery techniques to enhance the arm: liposuction and excision. Liposuction can remove excess fat, but it cannot get rid of the “bat wing” look of having lots of excess skin in the upper arm. The arm lift sometimes works with several small incisions, through which one of our board-certified plastic surgeons can lift and shape your underarm area, giving you a more youthful and tighter appearance that is easier on your skin and muscles.
Increased Confidence
Having this procedure done will also help improve your overall confidence. Having excess skin under the arm can cause several confidence issues as it can be very uncomfortable as well as embarrassing when wearing certain types of clothing. An arm lift can help you achieve a more youthful and healthy appearance which will ultimately help raise your self-esteem. If you are not happy with the physical appearance of your arms, talk to one of our board-certified plastic surgeons and see if the procedure is right for you.
Improved Ease of Movement
After losing a lot of weight, the excess skin that is left behind can cause your arm to feel heavy and uncomfortable. Sagging skin and excess fat may make it hard to participate in certain activities, as the redundant skin swings around and feels awkward.
Few Risks and Complications
With any surgery, there is a chance that you could get a complication or reaction to anesthesia during or after surgery. Some other risks, such as infection, bleeding, and scarring, are also present. These are generally more common with large body areas, such as the abdomen. Because an arm lift can be done in a minimally invasive way with liposuction, the risks are lower for many of the major concerns of plastic surgery.
Recovery Time
An arm lift has a lot of upsides, but does require some downtime. The average recovery time for this procedure is about one to two weeks. If you are an active person, you will need to spend even longer avoiding strenuous activities such as sports. Your doctor will advise you on what arm movements and angles are to be avoided and for how long during your follow-up appointments, whether virtual or in-person.
Your Arm Lift Consultation
If you are unhappy with the appearance of your underarms, we can provide a custom, personalized solution for you. To schedule a consultation about arm lift surgery in Baltimore, contact Drs. Papel, Kontis, and Brown at the Aesthetic Center at Woodholme today. Our team is dedicated to providing individuals with life-changing surgical procedures that will help you look and feel your best.
Dr. Ira D. Papel is certified in Head and Neck Surgery. Dr. Papel earned his B.A. from Johns Hopkins University and his M.D. from Boston University of Medicine. He completed a residency at the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and a fellowship at the University of California, San Francisco in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Dr. Papel is considered an international expert in rhinoplasty, revision rhinoplasty, and facial aesthetic surgery.
