Arm Lift Surgery also known as Brachioplasty in Atlanta Georgia offered by a Board Certified plastic surgeon Dr. R Morgan Davoudi. Information about Arm Lift surgery, body sculpting and more. Brachioplasty is a procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from the upper arm. The goal of the surgery is to obtain a more toned, defined arm.
Procedure
Liposuction may be used in conjunction with brachioplasty to further enhance results. Incisions are usually made on the inside of the arm in an inconspicuous area. Depending on the extent of the surgery, some arm lift procedures can be accomplished by making a small incision in the armpit area. Most people can return to work one to two weeks following brachioplasty with minimal restrictions.
In many cases, compression garments are recommended for several weeks to help minimize swelling and support the healing process. Sutures are typically removed after about 10–14 days, and light activities can be resumed shortly thereafter. Patients considering an arm lift should also be aware that combining the procedure with liposuction of the upper arm or surrounding areas (such as the armpit or chest wall) can improve overall contour and create smoother transitions.
Arm lift Surgery in Atlanta also known as arm tuck, is a plastic surgery procedure designed to remove redundant, flabby, and sagging skin folds of the upper arms. Hanging arm skin folds are not only unsightly, but also interfere with one’s ability to fit in sleeved tops, as well as causing underarm skin rash and irritation.
Brachioplasty can now offer patients the freedom of a lifestyle that they couldn’t enjoy previously. In fact, the popularity of this body contouring procedure has soared to a point that according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the number of Brachioplasty surgeries has tripled since 1997, with nearly 15,000 procedures being performed in 2005. Today, the procedure continues to grow in popularity as more people seek body contouring after weight loss surgery or aging-related changes. Arm lifts are not exclusive to women. Actually, many men also undergo brachioplasty. Men often choose this plastic surgery procedure following major weight loss to restore a more athletic and defined arm contour, which can also improve confidence when wearing short sleeves or workout gear.
Ideal Candidate
The majority of candidates for plastic surgery in Atlanta are those who have lost massive weight following Bariatric Surgery, also known as “stomach stapling†or “lap banding.†While these patients reap many health and psychological benefits from this weight loss, one of its after effects is sagging skin that hangs from the arms and other parts of the body. Because the skin has lost its elasticity following years of obesity, no amount of diet or exercise can restore firmness and tone to the arms.
Another group of candidates are those who have developed upper arm flabbiness, simply due to the loss of elasticity that accompanies aging or chronic tanning.
Fortunately, a brachioplasty in Atlanta, Georgia can help restore a person’s ability to wear blouses and shirts comfortably, to show their arms without feeling self-conscious, and to conduct their lives with greater freedom and confidence.
Plastic surgery candidates should also:
- Be at or near their goal weight for several months.
- Have realistic expectations about scars and brachioplasty recovery.
- Be in overall good health with no uncontrolled medical conditions.
- Not smoke or be willing to stop smoking before and after surgery to aid healing.
Men and women who are not good candidates for arm lift procedures include those who predominantly have excess fat, which are better served with first undergoing liposuction. Also, people with Hidradenitis Suppurativa – a persistent ongoing infection of the sweat glands in their armpits, should not undergo Brachioplasty until treated appropriately. Finally, women who have had Radical Mastectomy or extensive breast cancer surgery are at risk of developing chronic arm swelling after undergoing brachioplasty.
In cases where a patient has mild to moderate excess skin limited to the upper portion of the arm, a mini-arm lift may be considered. This procedure requires a smaller incision and results in a shorter recovery time while still improving contour.
Expectations
The type of brachioplasty performed by Dr. Davoudi depends upon the amount and location of your excess skin. If excess hanging skin is located within two inches from the armpit, Dr. Davoudi can potentially pull up and tuck this excess skin into the armpit with an axillary brachioplasty or mini arm tuck. For those whose excess skin extends like a “Bat Wing†from the armpit to the elbow, the only option is the complete removal of the arm flab in a standard brachioplasty or standard arm lift.
- Initial Healing: Swelling and tightness are common in the first week, with improvement each day.
- Scars: While permanent, scars typically fade over time and can be concealed in many natural arm positions.
- Results: Patients notice slimmer, firmer arms almost immediately, with results improving as swelling resolves.
- Lifestyle Benefits: Most patients report increased confidence when wearing sleeveless clothing, easier movement in fitted tops, and improved self-esteem.
Considerations
An important consideration for brachioplasty patients is the resulting scars. With a mini arm tuck, the scar is limited to a semi-circular line hidden in the armpit. Standard brachioplasty, however, results in a permanent scar extending the length of the upper arm, from the armpit to the elbow. This scar is either placed on the inner side of the arm, which is hidden in a normal pose; or at the bottom of the arm just, like the seam of a shirt. The severity of the scar’s appearance varies from patient to patient and cannot be predicted. Therefore, it is extremely important to decide whether having a permanent scar is a good “trade off†for having smaller and firmer upper arms.
Patients should also think about:
- Downtime: Most people need 1–2 weeks off work and 4–6 weeks before resuming strenuous activity.
- Long-Term Maintenance: While results are long-lasting, maintaining a stable weight is key to preventing new sagging.
- Combination Procedures: Some patients combine brachioplasty with tummy tuck or breast lift surgery as part of a full body lift after weight loss.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Brachioplasty Procedure
Will an arm lift remove fat as well as skin?
Yes, excess skin is the primary target, but fat can also be removed through direct excision or liposuction.
Is the procedure safe?
When performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon, an arm lift is considered very safe. Complications are rare and usually minor.
How long until I see final results?
Initial improvements are visible right away, but final results usually appear within 3–6 months once swelling has resolved.
Can men benefit from arm lift surgery?
Absolutely. Men who have lost a significant amount of weight often seek brachioplasty to restore a more athletic, toned arm appearance.
How long does an arm lift surgery take?
The procedure usually takes 2–3 hours, depending on the extent of skin removal and whether liposuction is included.
What type of anesthesia is used for an arm lift?
Most arm lifts are performed under general anesthesia, although some mini-arm lifts may be done with local anesthesia and sedation.
Will I need to stay overnight after the procedure?
Arm lift surgery is typically an outpatient procedure, meaning you can go home the same day. Patients with combined procedures may require an overnight stay.
How noticeable are the scars after brachioplasty?
Scars vary by patient. A mini arm lift leaves a small scar hidden in the armpit, while a standard arm lift leaves a longer scar along the inner arm. Scars fade over time and can be minimized with proper scar care.
Can I combine an arm lift with other procedures?
Yes. Many patients choose to combine an arm lift with tummy tuck, breast lift, or liposuction as part of a full body contouring plan.
How much time will I need off work?
Most patients return to light work in 1–2 weeks, but jobs that require heavy lifting or physical labor may require 4–6 weeks of recovery time.
Will insurance cover arm lift surgery?
In most cases, brachioplasty is considered cosmetic and not covered by insurance. However, if excess arm skin causes recurrent rashes or infections, partial coverage may be possible with documentation.
How long do the results of an arm lift last?
Results are long-lasting when combined with a healthy lifestyle and stable weight. Natural aging may affect skin elasticity over time, but improvements are significant and durable.