Arm Lift
To enhance the contour of your upper arms, Dr. Aboolian can perform brachioplasty, also known as the arm lift. If you have loose tissue and hanging skin on your upper arms, this procedure can tighten and tuck the excess skin, so your arms exhibit a more appealing shape.
What can arm lift surgery do for you?
If you’re healthy enough for surgery and unhappy about excess skin on your upper arms, this procedure can improve your self-confidence. A good candidate is a non-smoker, with excess arm tissue that creates a disproportional appearance. Potential patients will need to understand that arm lift surgery creates a visible scar on each arm.
How Arm Lift Surgery Works
You have several choices in arm contouring. The first option is liposuction which is reserved for those with localized excess fat of the upper arms; such patients may or may not have good skin laxity. For patients with good skin laxity liposuction alone may be all that is needed as skin retraction takes place once excess fat is removed and skin re-drapes over the muscles of the upper arm; for patients with poor skin elasticity arm lift may be needed once healing has taken place (usually takes 6 months) and the amount of excess skin determined. In most cases however, removal of the loose skin will be necessary. Arm lift surgery is performed under general anesthesia. Operating time is roughly 2 to 5 hours depending on the length of incision and desired aesthetic results.
Choices of incisions for an arm lift are limited to three types.
- Mini brachioplasty scar is limited to the armpit only and is ideal for patients with minimal skin laxity or those who will not be comfortable with a long scar extending down toward their elbow; liposuction may be included with mini brachioplasty.
- Regular brachioplasty is reserved for those with more skin laxity of the upper arms and want majority of the excess skin removed. The incisions for regular brachioplasty start from the armpit and extend down towards the elbow on the inner aspect of the upper arms.
- Extended brachioplasty is reserved for patients who have excess skin of the upper arms and sides of the chest. Such patients end up with a scar starting from the elbow area and extending through the armpit and down the side of the chest. This procedure is ideal for patients with massive weight loss.
Liposuction of the Upper Arms
Deposits of fat in the upper arms are treated with ultrasound assisted liposuction and suction assisted lipectomy. In patients with good skin tone, skin retraction is likely. In these situations liposuction alone will provide excellent results.
Treatment at a younger age has been shown to prevent the gradual development of the so called “batwing” deformity of the arms, that can be seen with advanced age.
Patients with poor skin or loose skin will also require a mini-brachioplasty. This procedure “tucks in” the loose skin at the expense of a hidden scar in the arm pit.
Why choose Dr. Aboolian for your arm lift?
Dr. Aboolian is a recognized expert in body contouring, including procedures designed for patients who have undergone massive weight loss. Arm lift surgery is frequently performed for these patients, as well as others who present different reasons for surgery. If you are interested in this procedure and capable of traveling to southern California or Beverly Hills, contact plastic surgeon Dr. Aboolian for a consulation. He can explain the risks, benefits, cost and expected results of arm lift surgery -- in your specific case.
