Does your upper arm skin hang down in folds? Perhaps you have the dreaded “bat wings”. This flabbiness can be fixed through an arm lift with double board-certified plastic surgeon Nathan Eberle, M.D., D.D.S., F.A.C.S. at the Weston Center for Plastic Surgery. The goal of this plastic surgery procedure is to make the contour of the arm look more toned for the residents of Fort Lauderdale and Broward County. Excess skin and fat are removed during this surgical technique, known medically as brachioplasty surgery, leaving the arms looking younger and more streamlined.

WHAT IS AN ARM LIFT?

An arm lift is a surgical procedure that removes the excess fat and skin that often accumulates in the triceps region of the upper arm and that creates a flap of hanging fatty flesh. An arm lift is typically performed in conjunction with liposuction techniques to diminish localized pockets of fat in the upper arm region, resulting in a leaner, more streamlined appearance.

BENEFITS OF AN ARM LIFT

For many patients, an otherwise youthful appearance is marred by unsightly upper arms that make them look aged and out of shape. An arm lift can achieve the following improvements in the appearance of the upper arm:

Reduces excess sagging skin and fatty tissue that hangs down when arms are extended away from the body.
Tightens and tones the underlying supportive tissue that defines the shape of the upper arm, creating a leaner appearance.
Following the arm lift procedure, many patients report feeling a tremendous boost in self-esteem and confidence once they are able to wear sleeveless tops and short sleeves without embarrassment.

IS BRACHIOPLASTY RIGHT FOR ME?

Many patients find that aging or weight loss results in skin that hangs in folds from the underside of the arm. They may be uncomfortable wearing sleeveless shirts or other attire that reveal their upper arms. If you are dissatisfied with the appearance of your upper arms, Brachioplasty surgery may be right for you. This procedure is available for both women and men who are adults and in good general health.

HOW INVOLVED IS THE BRACHIOPLASTY PROCEDURE?

The goal of this surgery is to reshape the upper arms, especially the underside of the arm, where excess tissue hangs loosely and causes a flabby appearance. Since this surgical treatment focuses on a specific, relatively small body area, it is not considered as involved as other body contouring procedures. This surgery requires general anesthesia and can usually be completed in two hours or less.

First, your surgeon creates an incision in the armpit. Extensive arm lift surgeries may also require an incision running the length of the underside of the arm. Then, excess fat and skin are trimmed away. The natural tissue is sculpted to provide a toned, natural-looking appearance. Finally, sutures are used to close the incision lines.

HOW LONG IS THE RECOVERY AFTER ARM LIFT SURGERY?

Following arm lift surgery, most patients take one to two weeks off from work, though this varies greatly depending on the patient’s need to move their arms or lift heavy objects while on the job. During recovery, a compression garment supports the arm tissue as they heal. The arms should be kept elevated whenever possible and heavy lifting should be avoided for up to two months. Common post-surgery side effects include soreness, tenderness, swelling, and bruising. Some patients also report temporary sensations of skin numbness or tightness.

HOW MUCH DOES AN ARM LIFT COST?

The cost of an arm lift varies, but, in general, procedures involving the more extensive surgical reshaping of the arms tend to be more expensive than those involving the removal of a relatively minor amount of excess skin. Financing is available.

WHAT SHOULD I DO NEXT?

If you are in the Fort Lauderdale or Broward County area and are considering Brachioplasty surgery as a way to make your arms appear more toned, contact double board-certified plastic surgeon Nathan Eberle, M.D., D.D.S., F.A.C.S. at the Weston Center for Plastic Surgery today for your consultation.