Brachioplasty | Arm Lift

What is an Arm Lift?

An upper arm lift, also called brachioplasty, reshapes the upper arm, tightens the skin, and removes extra fat. Excess skin is often the result of weight loss or aging and is often referred to as a bat wing. An arm lift can be combined with other weight loss surgeries such as a breast lift, tummy tuck, or thigh lift.

Arm Lift Benefits

If you desire smooth, youthful-looking upper arms, an arm lift procedure at DiFrancesco Plastic Surgery may be right for you. Weight loss, aging, and heredity can cause changes to the lines of your arms, resulting in a droopy, sagging, batwing-like appearance. An arm lift, or a brachioplasty, reshapes the under-portion of the upper arm, extending from the underarm to the elbow. This procedure results in smoother, normal contours of the arms. If you want to increase your confidence and improve your appearance in clothing that shows your arms, an arm lift may be right for you.

Before and After Photos

View the before and after photos from arm lift procedures at DiFrancesco Plastic Surgery to see the results achieved by Dr. DiFrancesco.

Before & After Photos

Take a look at the results Dr. DiFrancesco can achieve!

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Good Candidates for Arm Lift

The ideal patient for arm lift surgery is at or near their ideal body weight. They also have sagging skin and excess fat in their upper arm, which can worsen with aging or after significant weight loss. Hanging skin can create the appearance of “bat wings” and lead to a loss of confidence. It’s essential to lead a healthy lifestyle with a good diet and exercise to be considered for an arm lift procedure. Atlanta arm lift patients who are healthy, at a stable weight, and nonsmoking may proceed with an arm lift. If you meet these criteria, an arm lift with Lisa DiFrancesco, MD, in Atlanta, is for you.

Arm Lift Incision Options

At DiFrancesco Plastic Surgery, we offer multiple incision options based on your needs:

Inner Arm Incision

An Inner Arm Incision for an arm lift, also known as a brachioplasty, is a common technique to remove excess skin and fat from the upper arms. This incision runs along the inner part of the arm, typically from the armpit down to the elbow, allowing for significant reshaping while keeping the scar less visible when the arms are at the sides. It is best suited for individuals with moderate to severe skin laxity who require substantial contouring to achieve a firmer, more sculpted look.

Back of Arm Incision

The back-of-arm incision approach places the incision along the back of the arm, which is less noticeable from the front or side view. This technique is often chosen when a patient has significant excess skin and needs dramatic reshaping but prefers an incision that may be more easily concealed in certain positions. While this method provides excellent contouring, the scar may be visible when the arms are raised or in certain clothing styles, making it essential to discuss placement options with a surgeon.

Minimal Incision

A Minimal Incision arm lift is ideal for patients with mild skin laxity and good skin elasticity, as it involves only a small incision hidden within the armpit. This technique offers a less invasive solution for those needing minor tightening rather than extensive skin removal. While it provides a subtler enhancement and results in minimal scarring, it may not be suitable for individuals with significant excess skin, as its ability to reshape the arm is more limited than other incision techniques.

Preparing for Arm Lift

Preparing for an arm lift with Dr. DiFrancesco involves following her pre-surgical guidelines to ensure a safe and successful procedure. Patients may be advised to stop smoking, adjust certain medications, and maintain a stable weight before surgery. Additionally, arranging for post-surgical care, such as assistance with daily tasks, is essential since arm mobility will be temporarily restricted during recovery.

What to Expect from an Arm Lift Consultation

During a consultation with Dr. DiFrancesco, you will discuss your medical history, arm concerns, and goals. Dr. DiFrancesco will discuss the best incision technique, review your medical history, and outline the expected recovery process. This consultation is also an opportunity to ask questions, view before-and-after photos, and develop a customized treatment plan tailored to your goals.

Arm Lift Procedure

An arm lift, or brachioplasty, performed by Dr. DiFrancesco, is a surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the upper arms. The surgery, typically completed in two to three hours under general anesthesia, involves making an incision along the inner or back of the arm. After tightening the underlying tissues and reshaping the arm, Dr. DiFrancesco closes the incisions with sutures and applies compression garments for optimal healing.

Arm Lift Recovery

During recovery after your arm lift, you must follow all aftercare instructions. Most patients experience swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed medications and compression garments. While light activities may be resumed within a few days, Dr. DiFrancesco recommends avoiding strenuous movements and heavy lifting for at least four to six weeks to ensure proper healing.

Results of Arm Lift

The results of an arm lift with Dr. DiFrancesco are noticeable immediately, revealing a more toned arm contour. As swelling diminishes over the next few months, patients will notice their results of smoother and firmer arms. While the results are long-lasting, maintaining a stable weight and healthy lifestyle will help preserve the outcome.

Risks of Arm Lift

As with any surgical procedure, an arm lift carries potential risks, including infection, scarring, and changes in skin sensation. Some patients may experience temporary numbness, fluid accumulation, or delayed wound healing. Choosing a highly experienced surgeon like Dr. DiFrancesco and carefully following aftercare instructions can significantly reduce the likelihood of complications.

The Expected Cost of Arm Lift

The cost of an arm lift with Dr. DiFrancesco varies based on the complexity of the procedure and individual patient needs. Since an arm lift is considered a cosmetic procedure, insurance does not typically cover it, but financing options may be available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Schedule A Consultation

To achieve your toned, sculpted arm appearance, contact Dr. DiFrancesco at our Atlanta office today for a consultation!