Arm Lift

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Santa Ana, San Clemente and Orange County, CA

Excess skin along the underside of the upper arm is common in patients who have experienced weight loss. Additionally, gravity over time can cause tissues in this area to become loose and hang in an unattractive way. 

About

Patients often become upset with how they look in t-shirts or tank tops. An arm lift procedure, also called brachioplasty, removes excess skin and fat and can help to improve the shape and tone of the upper arm, as well as how you feel about yourself. Some of the primary benefits of an arm lift procedure include:

  • Improving the contour of the arms and restoring tone
  • Removing redundant and deflated skin following massive weight loss
  • Correcting excess sagging skin and fatty tissue

Customization

Your consultation with Dr. Roham is the best time to ask any questions you may have about your procedure. Additionally, he will discuss your unique procedure and what you can expect. There are some decisions to be made about your procedure, including which incision you prefer. The most common arm lift incisions are:

  • The Inner Arm incision, which extends from the armpit to the elbow when the arm is placed at a right angle next to the head
  • The Back of Arm Incision, which follows the tricep muscle all the way to the elbow
  • The Minimal Incision, which follows a crescent-shape within the natural folds of the armpit

Each incision offers its own benefits, and Dr. Roham can recommend the best incision for your personal goals and anatomy. During your consultation, you’ll also be given detailed care steps for your recovery period and an idea of what you can expect during that time.

Procedure

A brachioplasty procedure is performed under general anesthesia. Each surgery is individualized, taking into account the amount of extra skin and fat present, as well as your goals. If there is only a small amount of extra skin needing improvement, the Minimal Incision may benefit you best. 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 allow the removal of more fat and provide even more dramatic results. Also, if there is excess tissue on the chest wall, the incision can be extended to address this area as well.  Your exact surgical procedure will be discussed at length during your consultation.

During your surgery, extra skin and fat are removed and the skin is redraped over the muscles. The arm lift incisions are meticulously closed with absorbable sutures so there are no stitches to remove after surgery.

Recovery

A period of rest after any surgery is a good idea. Generally, it can take about one week to regain full function of your arms. 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 physical nature of your job. You should also plan to allow one month before returning to any strenuous activities. Most patients have some discomfort after surgery, but this can be controlled with medications prescribed by Dr. Roham. Patients are asked to wear a compression garment postoperatively, which can help with blood flow and keeping the skin adhered to the new contour. This compression garment also helps support your arms during healing, decreases postoperative swelling, and helps decrease bruising. As with all surgery at Advance Laser and Cosmetic Surgery you will given detailed before-and-after surgery instructions, and Dr. Roham will be available to answer questions and guide you along the way.

Ideal Candidate

You’re an excellent candidate for an arm lift if you have sagging skin or excessive fat. An arm lift removes excess skin, diminishes pockets of localized fat and reshapes the arm’s contours resulting in a tones appearance.

Procedure Duration

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

Will there be any scars?

An arm lift may give you mild scars. The size of the incision depends on the amount of skin laxity you have. With proper scar care it can fade naturally within the first year.

Results Duration

The contours of your arms will immediately improve. The complete results will become apparent within two to three months once all swelling resolves. Your arms will get slimmer.

Schedule A Consultation

To discuss your options for an arm lift or brachioplasty in Santa Ana & San Clemente, California, schedule your complimentary consultation with Dr. Roham— your Santa Ana & San Clemente cosmetic surgeon— by calling (714) 557-0777 or (949) 248-1900.