Arm

Lift

Arm Lift in Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter, and Port St. Lucie

Weight fluctuations and the natural effects of aging can cause loose, sagging arm skin due to a loss of elasticity. Fat deposits often accumulate in the upper arms as well. The board-certified plastic surgeons at Lickstein Plastic Surgery in Palm Beach Gardens offer upper arm lift surgery, also called brachioplasty, to reshape the upper arms to produce more slender and toned contours.

How Does Arm Lift Surgery Work?

Arm lift surgery is a body contouring procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the upper arms. Liposuction may be incorporated into the procedure if there is a significant amount of excess fatty tissue on the arms.

Preparing for Arm Lift Surgery

At your initial consultation appointment, Dr. David Lickstien or Dr. Craig Forleiter will meet with you to review your medical history, perform a physical exam, and discuss your concerns and aesthetic goals. If you are a good candidate for brachioplasty and you decide to move forward with surgery, you will receive detailed pre-surgical instructions.

What to Expect During Your Arm Lift Procedure

Arm lift surgery is an outpatient procedure performed with general anesthesia. Your surgeon will review your surgical plan with you prior to sedation. The incision and surgical technique used for your brachioplasty procedure can vary depending on your desired result. Typically, an incision is made on the underside of the arm, between the armpit and the inner elbow. Patients with mild to moderate sagging may be candidates for a “mini arm lift” with a smaller incision. The surgeon will remove excess fat, excise any extra skin, and tighten the underlying tissue before using sutures to close the incision.

Recovery and Results After Arm Lift Surgery

After surgery you will be provided with a compression garment to wear on your arm to aid the healing process and your surgeon will advise you on pain medication. You will need to avoid lifting your arms over your head or performing strenuous activities for several weeks.

Once swelling subsides you will be able to enjoy slimmer, tighter upper arms. Arm lift results are permanent, though you will continue to experience the natural effects of age. You can prolong optimal results by maintaining a healthful diet and exercise routine.

Benefits of Arm Lift Surgery

  • Increased self-esteem
  • Confidence to wear sleeveless tops and other clothing that shows off the arms
  • Loose skin is removed and underlying tissues are tightened so patients no longer worry about “bat wings”
  • Freedom from the physical discomfort that excess skin can cause.
before arm lift
after arm lift

Frequently Asked Questions About Arm Lift Surgery

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Am I a good candidate for an arm lift?

Ideal patients for arm lift surgery are in good general health and are bothered by extra skin on the upper arms. Patients who have undergone significant weight loss should be at a stable weight for at least one year before surgery. Cosmetic surgery patients should be free from medical conditions that inhibit proper wound healing.1

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Will I have scarring from an arm lift?

Yes, there will be a scar from the incision, but it will be on the underside of the arm and our plastic surgeons will use their expertise to minimize any scarring.

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Are there any risks associated with an arm lift?

Any surgical procedure carries some risk of complications or side effects, but you can minimize your chance of risks by choosing a qualified, board-certified plastic surgeon. Most common risks, such as pain and swelling, are temporary. While rare, more serious potential side effects include infection, inflammation, or temporary numbness.2

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Can other cosmetic procedures be combined with an arm lift?

We are happy to create a custom-tailored treatment plan to address a variety of aesthetic concerns. Many women incorporate arm lift surgery into breast surgery such as breast augmentation or breast lift, or as part of a mommy makeover that also includes a tummy tuck. Patients who have lost weight may seek an arm lift as part of a comprehensive body lift plan.

Contact Us

Our board-certified and award-winning plastic surgeons are here to help you look and feel your best. Contact us with any questions or to schedule your consultation appointment.

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1 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Arm lift. Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/arm-lift/candidates Accessed December 20, 2022.

2 Sisti A, Cuomo R, Milonia L, Tassinari J, Castagna A, Brandi C, Grimaldi L, D’Aniello C, Nisi G. Complications associated with brachioplasty: a literature review. Acta Biomed. 2018 Jan 16;88(4):393-402. doi: 10.23750/abm.v88i4.5609. PMID: 29350652; PMCID: PMC6166161. Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6166161/ Accessed December 20, 2022.

The Doctors at Lickstein Plastic Surgery have either authored or reviewed and approved this content.
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