Arm Lift

Arm Lift Surgeon serving Dallas, TX

An arm lift or brachioplasty is a cosmetic procedure that contours or re-shapes the arm by excising excess skin and tissue +/- liposuction. A limited-incision arm lift addresses excess skin and tissue that is limited to the proximal, inner arm with a scar resulting at the arm crease. For patients with more extensive skin excess, the full arm lift results in a scar from the arm pit to the elbow area.

Who is a candidate for an arm lift?

Healthy, normal-weight patients who have excess skin and fat of their arms are candidates for an arm-lift, whether it is a limited incision or full arm lift. On occasion, patients may be good candidates for liposuction alone if they have moderate fatty tissue with very little excess skin. Those who are smokers and significantly overweight are poor candidates for the procedure.

How is an arm lift performed?

After you are marked by Dr. Farris, the procedure is performed under general anesthesia. If liposuction to the arms is also to be done, it is performed first. For limited incision arm lifts, the incision is placed at the arm crease near the armpit. For a full arm lift, the incision extends from the elbow area to the armpit. This is determined by the extent of excess skin and tissue that you have. The excess skin and fat is then removed and closure is performed with the sutures buried under your skin. A compression garment is then applied.

What to expect after surgery?

Dr. Farris and his staff at Farris Plastic Surgery will provide specific instructions regarding your surgery.
Expect to wear a compression garment for 2 weeks. You will be provided instructions on drains if they are used. Do not raise your arms above your shoulders for the first 2 weeks, as this would create tension on your incisions. Stitches are placed underneath the skin during surgery so there is nothing to remove in the office. Use moisturizer for your scars for 6 weeks. Avoid direct exposure of the scars to sunlight and consider sunscreen as necessary for the first 6 months. Scars change in appearance and improve over time up to 12 months.

Contact us today to schedule your consultation and discover the difference of Farris Plastic Surgery!

Arm lift before and after photos.

FAQs

• Where are the scars located for an arm lift?
  If you have excess tissue along your entire upper arm, the arm lift incision would extend on the inside aspect of your arm from your armpit to your elbow area. If the excess tissue is limited, you may be a candidate for a short scar arm lift where the incision is placed solely within the armpit.
• Will I have wide scars after an arm lift?
  There tends to be a higher risk for wide scars in this part of the body compared to other areas. However, if you wear your compression garment and restrict your arm movement to reduce the tension on your incision, you can certainly diminish the risk for this problem.
• What weight should I be before considering an arm lift?
  Although your arm contour is evaluated for suitability for surgery, you should generally have a body mass index (BMI) of less than 35 in order to optimize safety and aesthetic result.
• Can liposuction be used to treat my arms?
  If you have little to no excess arm skin and good tone, liposuction can be considered as a treatment alone for the excess fatty tissue in your arms. If you have excess arm skin, then an arm lift is required. Liposuction can be performed in conjunction with an arm lift in certain cases where there is both abundant fat and skin excess.
• When can I exercise after an arm lift?
  You should refrain from any strenuous activity, exercise or heavy lifting for at least four weeks.
• Do I need drains after an arm lift?
  In certain cases such as a full-length arm lift, you may need a temporary drain to help collect fluid from the surgical site. This would help prevent fluid collections. Drains are typically removed within one week after surgery.