arm lift surgery

Brachioplasty, also known as arm lift, is a plastic surgery procedure designed to remove redundant, flabby, and sagging skin folds of the upper arms. Hanging arm skin folds are not only unsightly, but also interfere with one’s ability to fit in sleeved tops, as well as causing underarm skin rash and irritation.

The majority of candidates for brachioplasty are those have lost massive weight following Bariatric Surgery, also known as “stomach stapling” or “lap banding.” While these patients reap many health and psychological benefits from this weight loss, one of its after effects is sagging skin that hangs from the arms and other parts of the body. Because the skin has lost its elasticity no amount of diet or exercise can restore firmness and tone to the arms.

Another group of candidates for this procedure are those who have developed upper arm flabbiness, simply due to the loss of elasticity that accompanies aging. Fortunately, brachioplasty or arm lift can help restore a person’s ability to wear blouses and shirts comfortably, to show their arms without feeling self-conscious, and to conduct their lives with greater freedom and confidence.

Men and women who are not good candidates for brachioplasty include those who predominantly have excess fat, which are better served with first undergoing liposuction.
The type of brachioplasty performed by Dr. Attaran depends upon the amount and location of your excess skin. If excess hanging skin is located within two inches from the armpit, he may be able to pull up and tuck this excess skin into the armpit with an axillary brachioplasty or mini arm tuck. For those whose excess skin extends from the armpit to the elbow, the only option is the complete removal of the arm flab in a standard brachioplasty or standard arm lift.
An important consideration for brachioplasty patients is the resulting scars. With a mini arm tuck, the scar is limited to a semi-circular line hidden in the armpit. Standard brachioplasty, however, results in a permanent scar extending the length of the upper arm, from the armpit to the elbow. This scar is either placed on the inner side of the arm, which is hidden in a normal pose; or at the bottom of the arm just, like the seam of a shirt. The severity of the scar’s appearance varies from patient to patient and cannot be predicted. Therefore, it is extremely important to decide whether having a permanent scar is a good “trade off” for having smaller and firmer upper arms.

During your consultation, Dr. Attaran will discuss not only the surgery and your options but also your expectations from the surgery. He will discuss your complete medical history, including any past medical conditions and surgeries. He will also discuss the use of intravenous sedation or general anesthesia and will decide which is best for you. Depending on the areas to be corrected, Dr. Attaran will go over where he can place the incisions to minimize healing time without compromising aesthetics.