As we age, many people develop excess skin on their arms. This sagging tissue can be a huge detriment to both appearance and self-esteem. Unfortunately, there are no ways to remove this excess skin with exercise or lifestyle changes. Whether a man or a woman, the only way to tighten up the skin of the arm is a procedure known as a brachioplasty, or arm lift.
There are several factors that can cause excess skin on the arms. Aging and the associated kiss of elasticity is the most common. However, losing large amounts of weight, such as after bariatric surgery, also can cause loose arm skin.
Regardless of the cause, people with this problem suffer the following negative effects:
- Chafing and skin breakdown
- Rashes and redness
- Excessive sweating
- Need to wear long sleeved garments or baggy clothes that hide arms
If you are ready to get arms you are proud to show off, an arm lift surgery may be the answer. There is simply no other way to turn loose skin into toned, attractive arms. Arm lift surgery, or brachioplasty, is a surgery that removes extra skin and fat from arms. The plastic surgeon sculpts the arms to have a more toned and attractive appearance. A brachioplasty can be combined with other procedures such as liposuction or a breast lift.
Arm Lift Surgery
Having realistic expectations is important for all types of plastic surgery. What exactly can patients expect from an arm lift? In general, most people report the following:
- The end of a “bat wing” appearance of the arm
- Firmer, tighter skin
- A more toned and trim appearance
- Removal of extra fat and cellulite
- Less chafing, skin breakdown, rashes, and other skin issues
How an Arm Lift is Performed
Each surgery is customized to the needs and goals of each unique patient. However, most brachioplasty procedures have several factors in common. First, most plastic surgeons will use a mixture of liposuction and surgical tissue removal to tighten and tone the area. In all cases, the area of the incision will be chosen as carefully as possible to ensure that it is as unnoticeable as possible.
After fat, cellulite, and other unwanted tissue are removed with suction, the excess skin will be carefully marked and removed. The excision will be closed using a mixture of stitches, surgical glue, and tape.
The goal is to create toned, sexy arms that you will be proud to show off.
Arm Lift Patient 1: This patient had lost a great deal of weight and was left with excess handing skin. An arm lift created the slim, toned arms she desired.
Choosing the Arm Lift Surgery That Is Best for You
Dr. Shain Cuber is a board-certified plastic surgeon who is trained in a wide variety of different procedures, including a variety of types of arm lift. He can help you to determine which surgery is best for your unique appearance and goals during your consultation.
Dr. Cuber typically chooses between a traditional arm lift, short scar arm lift procedure, and a limited incision arm lift procedure to help accomplish your surgical goals.
A traditional arm lift removes large amounts of fat and excess skin using a large incision in a T or Z shape. Most of this incision will be on the less visible underarm, but the scar still can be sizeable. The most common ones that we offer include the short scar arm lift technique, the limited incision arm lift, and the traditional arm lift.
Both the short scar and limited incision procedures are designed to give similar results with less scarring. A short scar procedure uses a shorter scar that is tucked almost entirely in the armpit. A limited incision procedure removes more skin with an incision that extends under the upper arm.
In extreme cases, Dr. Cuber may recommend a more extensive procedure called an extended arm lift. These procedures have more dramatic results, but the scar can extend to the chest wall.
Arm Lift Patient 2: This older woman had excess hanging skin that aged her appearance. After her surgery, her skin is firmer and more youthful.
Is an Arm Lift Right for Me?
An arm lift can help remove sagging skin and tissue from men and women alike, regardless of whether this cosmetic issue was caused by extreme loss of weight, natural aging, or even simply body type. The first step to deciding if this procedure is right for you is to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced plastic surgeons.
Arm Lift Patient 3: Like many middle-aged women, this patient struggled with lose skin forming a “batwing” under her arm. Her arm lift gave her firm, toned arms that she is happy to show off.
Arm Lift Patient 4: This female patient was in her sixties and had sagging arm skin from natural aging. An arm lift surgery gave her slimmer and more attractive arms.
Arm Lift Patient 5: A young patient in just her thirties wanted to create a leaner, toned appearance throughout her arms. Her brachioplasty, seen in the after photo, gave her a natural toned look.
Arm Lift Patient 6: As seen in the before and after photos, this female patient in middle age was able to reduce loose skin and gain a firm, slim appearance using an arm lift.
If you are interested in learning more about this procedure today, call us today. You can schedule a free consultation at 516-472-7846 for our Long Island offices or 212-570-2500 in New York
.