Arm lift surgery, or brachioplasty, removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms while tightening underlying tissues to create a more contoured and toned appearance. This procedure is ideal for individuals experiencing sagging or loose arm skin due to significant weight loss, aging, or genetics, and it focuses on achieving natural, proportionate results that enhance overall arm aesthetics and mobility, often leading to greater self-assurance based on insights from thousands of patients over the years.
Key Benefits
- Eliminated sagging skin for firmer, more defined upper arms.
- Enhanced comfort and range of motion by reducing excess tissue.
- Boosted confidence in clothing choices and daily activities through refined contours.
What to Expect
Consultations involve a thorough assessment of arm skin elasticity, fat distribution, and goals, often using imaging to visualize potential outcomes. The surgery typically lasts two to three hours under general anesthesia, with incisions placed discreetly to excise tissue and tighten structures. Recovery allows a return to light activities within one to two weeks, with swelling and bruising gradually resolving over several weeks to months as final shapes emerge. Costs start around $7,000 to $10,000, varying based on the extent of correction and any combined procedures.
As a board-certified plastic surgeon with decades of experience at Cary Plastic Surgery in Cary, NC, I have performed arm lifts on thousands of patients, earning multiple "Voted Best Plastic Surgery" awards in the area. This procedure is particularly empowering for those dealing with "bat wings" or loose arm skin after weight loss or aging, helping restore a sleek, youthful profile that complements their lifestyle and boosts daily comfort. Essential concerns I prioritize based on patient outcomes include ensuring weight stability pre-surgery to maintain contours, using advanced scar-minimizing techniques, and providing detailed guidance on post-op arm exercises to support muscle tone and healing.
Why Choose Dr. Hanna?
With over thirty years of expertise and thousands of arm lifts performed, I have mastered techniques that deliver natural, toned arms without compromising mobility, focusing on precise tissue removal and scar concealment.
Patients often share how this surgery freed them to wear sleeveless outfits confidently after years of hiding loose skin. As a repeated award-winner for Best Plastic Surgery in Cary, NC, I prioritize your specific concerns like post-weight loss sagging or genetic laxity to ensure customized plans that may include liposuction for added refinement and long-term satisfaction.
Benefits of Arm Lift Surgery
From my experience, an arm lift revitalizes more than appearance—it's about reclaiming ease and poise in movement. Key benefits include:
- Tightened contours for sleeker, more youthful upper arms.
- Reduced excess skin that causes chafing or discomfort during activities.
- Better arm symmetry and proportion to enhance overall body harmony.
- Improved fit in clothing, allowing greater style versatility.
- Elevated self-esteem; patients frequently report feeling more active and assured.
- Long-term advantages are supported by healthy habits, preserving the refined shape over time.
Visit the American Society of Plastic Surgeons website for complete information on arm lift surgery.
Ideal Candidates
Ideal candidates are healthy adults with excess arm skin or fat that affects their comfort or confidence, often after weight loss or due to aging. Success is highest in those with:
- Moderate to severe sagging that resists exercise or toning.
- Stable weight and good overall health; non-smokers preferred for optimal healing.
- Realistic goals for natural enhancement rather than perfection.
- You should be free from certain medical conditions impacting recovery. If fat is the main issue without much skin laxity, liposuction alone may be suitable.
Schedule a Consultation to find out if you're a candidate.
Arm Lift Surgery, Step-by-Step
The surgery takes place in our accredited facility under general anesthesia, lasting two to three hours. Steps include:
- Incision:
Placed along the inner arm for discretion.
- Tissue Removal:
Excise excess skin and fat; use liposuction if combined.
- Tightening:
Reshape underlying tissues for support.
- Closure:
Layered sutures; apply dressings or garments.
You return home the same day with post-care instructions.
Recovery & Aftercare
Recovery emphasizes gentle care and gradual mobility with most patients able to resume light activities in one to two weeks and full routines in four to six weeks. Based on my protocols:
- Week 1: Rest arms elevated to reduce swelling; manage discomfort with meds, avoid lifting.
- Weeks 2-4: Wear compression sleeves for support; return to desk work, limit arm strain.
- Month 1 and beyond: Introduce light exercises; monitor scars with moisturizers.
Recovery Tips:
Arrange assistance for tasks, stay hydrated, quit smoking pre/post-op. Long-term: Maintain weight and incorporate arm toning for sustained firmness; annual checks advised.
Risks & Complications
As with any surgery, risks exist but are minimized through expertise. Common risks include swelling, bruising, and temporary numbness. More rare risks may involve infection or asymmetry.
We review your medical history and discuss all possibilities during arm lift surgery to mitigate risks.
Benefits typically outweigh risks for well-suited candidates, with informed consent ensuring peace of mind.
** Individual results vary
Cost & Financing
We will always provide transparent pricing with no hidden costs. Arm lift surgery typically starts at $7,000 and includes anesthesia, facility time, and follow-ups. Pricing varies depending on the techniques required and combinations with other surgeries such as a liposuction.
We offer financing through CareCredit and accept major cards. During consultation, get a custom quote; insurance may cover if medically necessary.
Schedule a consultation and we'll provide you with a personalized quote for an arm lift.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does arm lift surgery take? About two to three hours at our practice, depending on extent and combinations.
- Will arm lift leave visible scars? Scars are along the inner arm but fade over six to twelve months; treatments available.
- Can I combine arm lift with other procedures? Yes, often with liposuction or body lifts for harmony.
- How long do the results of arm lift last? Results endure many years with stable weight; habits maintain them.
- What if I gain weight after arm lift surgery? It may affect contours; healthy living advised for longevity.