Arm Lift

Significant weight loss and aging can result in arm skin laxity that simply cannot be remedied with diet and exercise. People who wish to have slender, sculpted arms and feel confident wearing sleeveless tops might want to consider arm lift surgery. Arm lift surgery tightens loose skin and trims stubborn fat deposits to improve the appearance of the upper arms. Patients who undergo this procedure often experience improved quality of life and a boost in confidence as they become comfortable in a wider variety of clothing options, including arm-baring and tight-sleeved styles.

Arm Lift Candidates

Candidates for arm lift surgery may have excess skin and fat on their arms because of weight fluctuations, genetics, or aging. The ideal candidate for an arm lift can relate to the following:

• Loose, sagging skin on the arms
• Excess arm fat
• Good physical health
• Stable body weight
• Realistic expectations about the results

Arm Lift Procedure

An arm lift is performed using either general anesthesia or intravenous sedation. The following strategies may be used to reshape the arms based on your individual needs:

• Standard Arm Lift: This technique is used to remove excess tissue from the underarm to the bend of the arm to create a pleasing contour.
• Extended Arm Lift: This technique involves removing excess tissue along the arm and down the side of the chest for optimal results.
• Liposuction: Liposuction removes stubborn fat from the arms to improve their shape. Sometimes liposuction is performed alone, but it is recommended to combine it with an arm lift to tighten loose skin.

Recovery From Arm Lift Surgery

After an arm lift, you may be instructed to wear compression garments to minimize swelling, improve circulation, and help your arms maintain their new contours. During recovery, it is common to experience some swelling, bruising, redness, and slight discomfort that can be controlled with pain medications. You should try walking as soon as possible after your arm lift surgery to promote healing and blood circulation. Plan to take at least one or two weeks off work. It is also important to avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for six weeks. You can ensure the best results and the shortest recovery time by carefully following your surgeon’s postoperative instructions.

Arm Lift Results

Patients who undergo arm lift surgery will be able to see their results improving as the postoperative swelling diminishes. After a few months, the final results will be revealed and the arms will have noticeably slimmer and more defined contours. If you maintain a stable body weight and follow a healthy diet and exercise routine, your results are likely to be long lasting.

Risks and Side Effects of Arm Lift Surgery

As with any surgery, there are some risks involved with arm lift surgery. These include:

• Reactions to anesthesia
• Infection
• Bleeding or blood clots
• Poor wound healing
• Nerve damage
• Changes in skin sensation or color
• Asymmetry
• Scarring
• Contour irregularities
• Damage to deeper structures
• Persistent swelling

Arm Lift Consultation

Dr. Thompson can help you determine whether arm lift surgery is right for you during your personal consultation. If you are considering this procedure, please request your consultation with us by calling (732) 410-4789 or by completing our online contact form today.