You use your arms for so many different things, every single day — opening doors, washing your hair, hugging your loved ones. They serve you well, but what do you do when you hate the way they look? If you are bothered by loose skin on your upper arms, arm lift surgery could help you love your arms again.
Arm lift surgery, also known as brachioplasty, is a procedure to remove excess skin and tissue while shaping and contouring the upper arm. Dr. Melanie Prince is a Little Rock Arm Lift Specialist and Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who is devoted to helping women feel comfortable and confident in their bodies.
Benefits of Arm Lift Surgery
Arm lift surgery has grown in popularity as healthy lifestyles and fit appearances are increasingly in style. Between 2000 and 2018, the number of arm lifts performed in the U.S. increased by over 5000%.1 For many people, working out and eating well does not change the appearance of flappy, loose, or sagging upper arms. Excess skin on the upper arms can happen as a result of aging or weight loss, and many people feel like they need to hide their arms with long sleeves (which is not ideal during summer in the south!)
Benefits of Arm Lift Surgery include:
- Restore a firm, youthful look
- Show off a more defined and toned upper arm
- Reduce stubborn fat deposits in the upper arm
- Reduce or remove stretch marks
- Feel confident in swimsuits, short sleeves, and tank tops
- Wave to friends and pose in pictures without worrying what your arms look like
How is Brachioplasty Performed?
The first step is a consultation appointment with Dr. Prince to determine if arm lift surgery is right for you. Dr. Prince will assess your arm area and discuss your goals.
Brachioplasty surgery is performed with general anesthesia and typically takes 2 hours. Dr. Prince will make an incision along the inside of your upper arm. She will then remove excess tissue and skin, taking care to create a natural-looking, smooth arm contour. Your incision will be closed and a temporary surgical drain may be placed to optimize healing.
My experience with Dr. Prince and her staff was amazing! Dr. Prince listened to all of my questions and concerns, and gave me complete confidence that I was a good candidate for surgery. Her office staff was so friendly and welcoming. I always felt totally comfortable in the office. Everything went perfect for my surgery, including all follow-ups after surgery. I would highly reccommend Dr Prince!
Anonymous
Combining Arm Lift Surgery With Other Procedures
Arm lift surgery can be combined with other surgical procedures in order to help you feel like your best self. Patients who have lost a significant amount of weight, either through bariatric surgery or diet and exercise alone, often deal with loose skin after weight loss. If you are bothered by loose skin in multiple areas, Post Weight Loss Surgery can provide a personalized plan to combine multiple body contouring procedures.
Dr. Prince also specializes in combining arm lift surgery with breast surgery. If you would like to change the size, shape, or position of your breasts, arm lift surgery can be combined with breast augmentation, breast reduction, or breast lift surgery.
Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) Results
At Prince Plastic Surgery, your treatment plan is tailored to deliver the results you want. Dr. Prince understands that “natural-looking” can mean something different to everyone. She will work with you to ensure that you share the same vision for your results. View Dr. Prince’s patient gallery to see real patient before and after photos.
Before
After
Before
AfterArm Lift Recovery
After your arm lift, Dr. Prince and her surgical team will give you detailed post-op instructions. Your arms will be bandaged and you may have surgical drains that will be removed after about one week. You will need to wear special compression garments for six weeks to help minimize swelling and scarring. Strenuous activities and heavy lifting will be restricted for four weeks after surgery. You will also need to refrain from wearing deodorant for two weeks after your procedure.
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What kind of scars will I have from arm lift surgery?
The incision needed for successful brachioplasty typically runs from the armpit to the elbow, therefore scarring is inevitable. However, most arm lift patients are not bothered by this inner arm scar because they are so happy with tighter, leaner, more defined arms. Dr. Prince will advise you in aftercare methods to minimize scarring, including scar massage, special silicone tape during your recovery, and sunscreen usage.
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Could I just get liposuction instead of arm lift surgery?
Skin loses elasticity as we age, or as a result of weight fluctuations. Many people ask about liposuction because the scars are smaller, but liposuction cannot tighten skin. If you have sagging arm skin, or loose flesh that does not respond to diet and exercise, then arm lift surgery is probably the best solution.
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Are there any risks associated with brachioplasty?
Every surgery has some risk of complications or side effects. Brachioplasty is generally considered a safe procedure.2 Possible risks include infection, bleeding, tissue damage, change in sensation, and anesthesia risks.3 Dr. Prince always takes precautions to safeguard your well-being and she upholds rigorous safety standards.
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How do I know if I am a candidate for arm lift surgery?
If you are bothered by “bat wings” and you would like leaner, more toned arms with a youthful contour, then brachioplasty may be right for you. Ideal candidates are in good general health and at a stable weight.
Contact Dr. Melanie Prince for Arm Lift Surgery in Little Rock
If you would like to wave hello without worry and wear short sleeves with confidence, contact us today to learn more about arm lift surgery! Dr. Prince and her team are happy to answer any questions and schedule your consultation appointment at our Little Rock office.
5 Sarwer DB. The psychological aspects of cosmetic breast augmentation. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2007 Dec;120(7 Suppl 1):110S-117S.
1 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. 2018 Plastic Surgery Statistics Report. Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/News/Statistics/2018/plastic-surgery-statistics-full-report-2018.pdf
2 John Hopkins Medicine. Brachioplasty. Available: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/brachioplasty Accessed January 5, 2020
3 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Brachioplasty. Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/arm-lift/safety Accessed January 5, 2020
Dr. Melanie Prince has either authored or reviewed and approved this content.