Arm Lift

An arm lift, also known as brachioplasty, removes excess hanging skin from the underarm and reshapes the under portion of the upper arm – from the armpit area to the elbow. By addressing excess skin that has lost elasticity or underlying weakened tissues and localized fat deposits, an arm lift can enhance and reshape your arms offering a more toned appearance.

Am I a candidate for an arm lift/brachioplasty?

If the underside of your upper arms are sagging or appear loose and full due to excess skin, this procedure may be right for you. Thin people may also have sagging upper arms due to the effects of prior weight loss, aging and genetics. Even regular exercise and strength training cannot get rid of excess sagging skin in this area; exercise can tone and tighten muscles but can not tighten skin.

Good candidates for an arm lift include:

• Adults with significant upper arm skin excess and laxity
• Adults of any age whose weight is relatively stable and who are not significantly overweight
• Healthy individuals who do not have medical conditions that can impair healing or increase risk of surgery
• Individuals with a positive outlook and realistic expectations.

How do I prepare for an arm lift/brachioplasty?

Preparing for your arm lift at TANDONZ- The Cosmetic Clinic  will include discussing a number of questions about your health, desires and lifestyle with your plastic surgeon, including:

• Why you want the procedure, your expectations and desired outcome
• Your medical conditions, drug allergies and medical treatments
• Your use of current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drugs.
• Evaluate your general health and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors
• Examine and measure your body, recording detailed measurements and taking photos for your medical record
• Ask you to stop taking aspirin-containing products for two weeks before surgery
• Ask you to stop smoking for at least two weeks before surgery.

How is an arm lift/brachioplasty performed?

An arm lift at our centre is generally performed as an inpatient procedure. The procedure typically takes two to three hours, but may take longer depending on the extent of the surgery and any additional procedures, such as liposuction, that are performed at the same time.

To perform the surgery, your plastic surgeon will make incisions on the inside or back of your arm. Incisions may span from the underarm to just above the elbow, depending on the amount of excess skin.

Some people who have lost a significant amount of weight following bariatric surgery may have more excess skin and will need an incision that runs from the elbow, along the arm pit, and onto the side of the chest.

Before the incision is made, your plastic surgeon may use liposuction to remove excess fat. Excessive skin is then removed, tightened and sutured into place with deep sutures that are absorbable. Your surgeon may also use sutures in the skin that will need to be removed within one to two weeks after surgery.

What results can I expect?

The results of arm lift surgery will be long-lasting, provided that you maintain a stable weight and general fitness. As your body ages, it is natural to lose some firmness in your arms, but most of your improvement from surgery should be relatively permanent.