Brachioplasty

Am I a Good Candidate for Arm Lift Surgery?

Arm skin can become significantly loose and sag over time. Sometimes patients have lost a significant amount of weight and are left with hanging skin. Often there may be excess fat accumulation as well. The area of the lifting procedure is the part of the arm that sags when you hold your arms out to the side and people sometimes make reference to their “bat wings” or the area that says hello after they wave goodbye. If you have a significant amount of loose, hanging or sagging skin, you might be a candidate for arm lifting – Brachioplasty.

What are Alternatives to Arm Lift – Brachioplasty Surgery?

If upper arm skin has good elasticity and is not very loose or sagging then while-awake local tumescent anesthesia (not general) liposuction with the addition of laser tightening may be all that is necessary to obtain a nice result. In that case there are no incisions and no sutures. Patients return to normal activity quickly.

How is Brachioplasty Arm Lifting Surgery Performed?

Arm lift procedures are performed in the MilfordMD AAAHC nationally accredited surgical suite. During the arm lift procedure the upper arm is anesthetized with while-awake (not general) local tumescent anesthesia. An incision is made and the loose skin on the inside of the arm is removed in a manner to be well hidden. Typically all of the stitches are under the skin. A compression garment is worn for a period of time after the procedure.

What is the Down Time After Brachioplasty?

We ask patients to reduce the amount of weight they lift during the healing process. One can immediately return to light activities such as office work.

What Will the Scars Look Like After Arm Lift Surgery?

A scar will be present on the inner aspect of the arm and is usually well hidden.

What Does Arm Lift Surgery Cost?

There is a range of cost for arm lift surgery depending on the size of the arm, the amount of fat and the amount of skin to be removed. Commonly prices may range between $5,500 – $7,500.

Who is a Good Candidate for Arm Lift Surgery?

In general, it is important for surgical patients to be in good health. They should be non-smokers. Patients should be off of any agents that might thin the blood such as NSAID anti-inflammatories, steroids and anti-coagulants. If they have diabetes, it should be well controlled with an A1C less than 6.5 – 7 and preferably 6 or less. Weight should be stable. Patients should have appropriate expectations of the results.