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ARM LIFT IN AUSTIN, TX
Whether from significant weight loss or the results of age, many men and women notice a loosening of the skin and excess bulk on the undersides of their upper arms. This sagging skin is sometimes referred to as “bat wings” and is something that many people feel self-conscious about, especially in t-shirts or revealing dresses. However, arm lift surgery (brachioplasty) can help remove this extra skin to reveal a smoother and more toned look.
WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE AN ARM LIFT?
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ELIMINATE LOOSE SKIN
One of the negatives of the natural aging process is the gradual loosening of the skin, and the upper arms are extremely susceptible to this. With arm lift surgery, this flabby skin is reduced or eliminated, and patients are left with thinner, more aesthetically pleasing arms.
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TIGHTEN UNDERLYING TISSUES
With an arm lift, loose skin and fat along the under portion of the arms is surgically removed, and the tissues in the area are tightened to give a toned and more youthful appearance. While an arm lift does not create muscle, it does allow your existing muscle to show.
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IMPROVE CONFIDENCE
Many people with loose and sagging skin choose to cover their arms with long sleeves. However, with arm lift surgery, the unsightly extra skin will be removed, and the arms will be toned. Men and women won’t be able to wait until summer to show off their newly sculpted arms.
HOW IS AN ARM LIFT PERFORMED?
CONSULTATION
During your consultation, Dr. Pearce will discuss your aesthetic goals for the procedure. Once Dr. Pearce agrees that arm lift surgery is the right choice, he will review the surgical process and provide you with any pre- and post-operative care instructions.
SURGICAL TECHNIQUES
Your arm lift is custom-tailored to your needs and aesthetic goals. Your arm lift will include one of the following:
Liposuction:
- Liposuction is performed when there is a slight bulkiness in the upper arms but good skin elasticity. This technique does not remove or tighten skin.
- A small incision is made just above the elbow for the liposuction cannula to be inserted.
Mini Arm Lift:
- A mini arm lift is performed with liposuction when there is minor skin laxity.
- A small, transverse incision is made within the armpit to tighten some laxity.
Standard Arm Lift:
- A standard arm lift addresses bulkiness in the upper arms and mild to moderate skin laxity.
- The incision runs along the underside of the upper arm, from the armpit to the elbow.
Extended Arm Lift:
- The extended arm lift is often reserved for post-massive weight loss patients.
- The incisions can extend below the elbow and on the side of the chest wall.
COMBINATION
Many patients choose to combine their arm lift with other body contouring procedures, as it allows them to have one recovery period and save on overall costs. Some of the procedures that patients tend to combine with arm lift surgery include:
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WHAT CAN I EXPECT AFTER MY ARM LIFT?
RECOVERY
After the surgery is complete, the patient’s arms will be covered in bandages and compression garments to keep the swelling down and help speed up the recovery process. Small tubes may be placed in the arms to drain any blood or fluid still present in the area.
During the weeks following arm lift surgery, patients are asked to refrain from lifting their arms above their shoulders as well as lifting or carrying anything heavy. Patients should also refrain from any physical activities that may stretch the arms and cause the stitches to rip.
PAIN
Local or general anesthesia will be used during the surgery itself. Besides some slight pressure, the patient should not feel any pain while the procedure is being performed.
After arm lift surgery, patients may have some swelling and soreness in their arms, though this can be alleviated with prescription pain medication.
RESULTS
Most patients realize their final results within six months of their arm lift.
As long as patients maintain a healthy lifestyle, the results of arm lift surgery can be long lasting. However, arm lift surgery does not stop the natural aging process, and patients are expected to develop additional laxity.
SCARS
Due to the placement of the incisions, an arm lift presents the most visible scars of any plastic surgery procedure. This is the trade-off for the slimmer, more toned arms you receive.
Dr. Pearce tries to make the incisions in less visible areas of the arm (on the underside); however, they will still show when you lift your arms in t-shirts or strapless dresses. There are ways to minimize scarring, including silicone strips and topical creams. All scars will fade with time.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ARM LIFT SURGERY
WHAT TYPE OF ANESTHESIA WILL BE USED DURING ARM LIFT SURGERY?
Local or general anesthesia is used during an arm lift. Dr. Pearce will make the decision based on what is safest for the patient and better for the surgery.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING AN ARM LIFT?
Dr. Pearce will make incisions along the underside of the arm (where the skin is sagging). He will keep these incisions as minimal as possible, but they may extend to — or below — the elbow. Dr. Pearce will remove the excess skin and fat deposits in the area and sculpt the arms to create better definition and shape. Lastly, the incisions will be closed with stitches and surgical tape.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE BEFORE THE PATIENT IS FULLY HEALED AND RECOVERED?
Each patient heals at their own pace. Most patients will recover within two to three weeks; however, it may take a few weeks longer for the tissue to fully heal.
HOW MUCH DOES AN ARM LIFT COST?
Arm lift cost varies with each patient and each specific procedure. At the consultation, Dr. Pearce will review the full cost with the patient.
ARE THERE ANY RISKS OR SIDE EFFECTS INVOLVED WITH ARM LIFT SURGERY?
Though Dr. Pearce will do everything he can to minimize any issues during the procedure, arm lift surgery does carry some risks and side effects, including:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Scarring
- Change in skin sensation