Arm Lift

An arm lift, or brachioplasty, is a procedure that removes excess skin along the underside of the upper arm, which is a common issue for patients who have lost significant weight. Additionally, gravitational forces over time can cause tissues in this area to become loose and hang in a bothersome way. Patients with this concern may be discontent with how they look in short-sleeved shirts or tank tops. An arm lift improves the shape and tone of the upper arm and can improve your self-esteem as well. ⁽¹⁾

If you are dissatisfied with the appearance of your arms due to excess skin, Advance Laser and Cosmetic Surgery can help you achieve your ideal appearance. Led by Dr. Tim Roham, our practice is one of Southern California’s leading cosmetic surgery facilities, and we have helped many patients improve their lives with our customized treatments. 

Take a moment to schedule a consultation with Dr. Roham to begin sculpting arms you can be proud of. If you have any questions, please feel free to call our Santa Ana office at (714) 557-0777 or our San Clemente office at (949) 248-1900 to get the information you need.

About Arm Lifts

An arm lift can significantly improve the aesthetics of your upper arms. Many people desire this treatment for functional improvements and to enhance their body image. ⁽²⁾ The procedure involves reshaping the upper arms by excising excess skin and fat, which can accumulate due to factors such as weight fluctuations or natural aging. The upper arm consists of various layers, including skin, subcutaneous tissue, and muscle. As individuals age, the skin loses elasticity, leading to droopy and saggy arms that may cause self-consciousness or reluctance to wear sleeveless clothing. ⁽¹⁾ An arm lift successfully contours the arms, improves general confidence, and makes the arms look more proportional to the rest of the body.

Benefits

Arm lifts offer patients numerous benefits, all of which enhance their well-being through arm sculpting. Under the expert guidance of Dr. Roham, our patients benefit through:

Candidates

You are an excellent candidate for an arm lift if you have sagging skin or excessive fat along the arms, also colloquially known as “bat wings.” Adults experiencing drooping, sagging skin on the upper arms can benefit greatly from this procedure. Patients should be in generally good health, not smoke or use other forms of nicotine, and keep realistic expectations for the results of their procedure. If you resonate with these characteristics, a personal consultation with Dr. Roham can determine if an arm lift is suitable for you. 

Personal Consultation

Your arm lift treatment will begin with a personal consultation with Dr. Roham. Dr. Roham will review your medical history, ask about your aesthetic goals, discuss your unique procedure and what you can expect, and perform a thorough examination of your upper arms. It is important to express any concerns you may have about the procedure.

With this information collected, he will create a tailored plan specific to your needs.

Schedule your consultation online today or by calling one of our offices directly. 

Preparation

You will receive specific preparation instructions after Dr. Roham has evaluated your goals and medical history. As a surgical procedure, it is important to closely follow these guidelines to optimize your results and reduce the risk of complications. You may be required to alter your medication regimen. Aspirin, ibuprofen, and alcohol should be avoided, as should any form of nicotine. Patients should arrange transportation home from their procedure. They should also have assistance at home during their initial recovery. Making arrangements for time off work and away from social obligations will allow you to rest without interruptions. 

Procedure

Before beginning the arm lift, Dr. Roham will mark your skin for surgery. Our anesthesiologist will administer general anesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout your treatment. The incisions used in your arm lift may vary depending on your goals and anatomy. ⁽¹⁾ The most common incisions are the inner-arm incision, which extends from the armpit to the elbow; the back-of-arm incision, which follows the tricep muscle to the elbow; and a more minimal incision, which follows a crescent shape within the natural folds of the armpit. ⁽¹⁾ Each incision offers its own benefits and results.

Each surgery is individualized, taking into account the amount of extra skin and fat present as well as your final goals. If there is only a small amount of extra skin needing improvement, the minimal incision may be most effective for you. If you have a larger amount of excess skin, then the inner arm incision may be required. Depending upon the amount of fatty tissue present, an arm lift is frequently combined with liposuction to remove fat and provide even more dramatic results. 

Once incisions are made, Dr. Roham will remove extra skin and fat where necessary. Once tissues are removed, the skin is redraped over the muscles. Dr. Roham will meticulously close the arm lift incisions with absorbable sutures, so there are no stitches to remove after surgery.

An arm lift takes one to two hours to perform. Each procedure is customized based on your aesthetic goals. If you have had drastic weight reduction, then you might need a more extensive procedure.

Recovery

It can take about one week to regain full function of your arms after an arm lift. You should arrange to have a loved one or a friend to help you during this time. You should be able to return to work one to two weeks after surgery, depending on the nature of your job. You should also plan to allow one month before returning to any strenuous activities. Most patients experience some discomfort after surgery, but this can be mitigated with medications prescribed by Dr. Roham. Dr. Roham asks that his patients wear a compression garment postoperatively, which can help with blood flow. This also helps support your arms during healing, diminishes postoperative swelling, and helps decrease bruising. As with all procedures at Advance Laser and Cosmetic Surgery, you will receive detailed before-and-after instructions, and Dr. Roham will be available to answer questions and guide you along the way.

Results

The contours of your arms will improve almost immediately after treatment. The complete results will become apparent within two to three months once all swelling resolves. Your arms will get slimmer as the swelling dissipates. The final results of your arm lift will present firmer, more sculpted arms, giving you the confidence to embrace styles that highlight your arms. ⁽²⁾ 

Corresponding Procedures 

Many patients who have excess skin around their arms may also have it around their thighs. This is especially common for patients who have lost significant amounts of weight. Thigh lifts are great options for these patients, allowing them to sculpt their legs just as they would their arms. Similarly, we can also perform tummy tucks to remove excess skin around the abdomen. Many women will combine arm lifts, thigh lifts, and more into customized, comprehensive mommy makeovers as well. Combining procedures is an effective way to enhance multiple parts of your body while decreasing your total recovery time.

Cost of Arm Lifts in Orange County

The cost of an arm lift varies greatly depending on several factors, including the complexity of the procedure, anesthesia fees, and other associated costs. After a thorough consultation, Dr. Roham will provide a personalized estimate based on your specific needs and desired outcomes. Take a moment to schedule your consultation today by submitting our online contact form. If you have any further questions, please call our Santa Ana or San Clemente offices at (714) 557-0777 or (949) 248-1900, respectively.

FAQ

References

1. Nagrath N, Winters R. Brachioplasty. PubMed. Published 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK585115/
2. Miotto G, Ortiz-Pomales Y. Arm Contouring: Review and Current Concepts. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2018;38(8):850-860. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjx218