: Before & After Photos

Brachioplasty, commonly known as an arm lift, is a cosmetic surgical procedure to improve the appearance of the underside of your upper arms. The procedure focuses on removing excess fat, and, if necessary, reducing excess skin to create a more toned appearance. Underlying supportive tissue, which helps define the shape of the upper arm, may also be tightened and smoothed. Arm lifts are a great option to address flabby arms because the results are typically long-lasting.

What Causes Flabby Arms?

Wrinkling and sagging of the upper arm skin, between the armpit and elbow, can be the result of fluctuations in weight, growing older, and genetics. Skin loses its elasticity as we age, and no amount of diet or exercise can bring it back. If you’ve developed sagging skin under your arms, you may be interested in an arm lift.

Why Do People Get Arm Lifts?

The most popular reason patients pursue arm lift surgery is to address excess or saggy skin in the upper arms. Sleeveless clothing exposes the arms, and sagging excess skin spoils the look. This often occurs in patients who have an otherwise toned appearance. Other patients have experienced massive weight loss and need arm lift surgery to remove excess skin. No matter what your individual needs are, an arm lift can boost your body image.

Why is an Arm Lift the Best Option?

Brachioplasty gives you smoother, tighter contours almost immediately following your procedure. Initial results may be slightly obscured by swelling and bruising, but your skin will appear firmer and more toned as your body continues to heal. An arm lift produces superior results with little downtime.

When is an Arm Lift Not a Good Solution?

If your issue is the texture of the skin, or if the excess skin is minimal, then a brachioplasty is not a good idea as the results will be short lived, and will not offset the risk of an unattractive scar.  If excess fat is an issue, you do not have excess skin, and your skin tone is good, liposuction alone is often a better alternative.

What’s Involved in the Procedure?

Arm lifts are performed on an outpatient basis and can be completed within 2-3 hours. This time varies depending on your overall health and the extent of your procedure. Some patients only require liposuction to remove excess fat. Others may need excess skin removed in addition to liposuction. You will need to arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you the first night, regardless of the extent of your surgery.

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As we age, most people will lose fat in the face.  Loss of facial volume is a common sign of aging.  Facial fat grafting is designed to treat the fat atrophy by moving fat to the face from another part of the body (the fat is commonly “harvested” from the abdomen, hips, inner or outer thighs, and buttocks). It’s often called facial fat rejuvenation because it addresses lost volume in cheeks, around the eyes and temples, the nasolabial fold, lips, and jawline, leaving patients with a more youthful appearance. When performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon like myself, fat grafting can dramatically improve the age-related fat loss.  It can be done alone or in conjunction with a facelift.

Initial Recovery

Fat grafting is an outpatient procedure that takes between one and two hours. You can go home the same day, but you’ll need someone to drive you to and from surgery and stay with you the first night. I may prescribe pain medication for the first few days if needed. Swelling and bruising in the areas where fat was taken and placed is typical.

Your risk for infection and complications are greatly reduced because I use fat from your own body (autologous fat) in this procedure. Your initial healing and recovery are mild compared to alternative treatments. I recommend limited activity for at least a few days and allow adequate time for your body to heal properly.

When Can I Return to Normal Activities?

The recovery time needed varies from patient to patient, but I usually recommend taking at least 7-10 days off from work and other social activities.  If you are able to work from home, typically you’ll be at your home desk 2-3 days after surgery. Those who can take more time off often take 2-3 weeks to rest and fully recuperate. Strenuous activities and vigorous exercise should be avoided for at least three weeks. You should avoid rubbing, massaging, or applying pressure to the grafted areas during this time.  That means that you will need to sleep on your back for 2-3 weeks following the procedure.

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