Arm Lift
Get rid of skin excess around your arms
Key facts
An arm lift, also known as brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure to improve the appearance of the upper arms by reducing excess skin and fat and tightening the underlying tissues. It is an effective solution for patients who have sagging or loose skin in the upper arm area, often caused by factors such as aging or significant weight loss.
How it works: removing excess skin and fat from the upper arms
Anaesthesia: general anaesthesia
Recovery time: 6 weeks
Results: immediately
Lasts: permanent if weight is maintained
What is an arm lift?
An arm lift, also known as brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to improve the appearance of the upper arms by reducing excess skin and fat and tightening the underlying tissues.
It is an effective solution for patients who have sagging or loose skin in the upper arm area, often caused by factors such as aging or significant weight loss.
The arm lift addresses the tissues on the underside of the upper arm, from the elbow to the armpit. It resolves the sagging, drooping skin and fat pockets that appear in this area due to age or other massive weight loss, and cannot be corrected with diet or exercise. The result is a tighter, more toned appearance of the upper arms.
Should I undergo an arm lift?
An arm lift is a good procedure for anyone who has fat and skin excess on their upper arm, and would like to improve their body contours.
During your consultation, Dr. Gino Vissers will assess your body composition, soft tissue excess, and overall physique to determine whether you are a good candidate for an arm lift.
An arm lift can treat any of the following issues:
- Excess skin and fat on the upper arms ("bat wings")
- Hygiene problems due to skin excess
- Rubbing and irritated skin
- Low self-esteem and body image
For younger patients who have resilient, flexible skin, other options such as liposuction or Bodytite may be indicated.
What happens during the procedure?
An arm lift is typically performed under general anaesthesia to ensure your comfort and safety during the procedure.
During the procedure, Dr. Gino Vissers will combine a combination of a skin excision along the inner side of the upper arm with liposuction, to remove excess skin and fat from the upper arm. This combination allows excellent results with minimal risk to important structures like vessels and nerves.
The underlying supportive tissues of the arm are tightened and sutured together to provide better arm shape and definition. One drain is inserted in each arm to allow removal of excess fluids after the operation. The incisions are then meticulously closed with dissolvable sutures, and surgical dressings are applied to support the healing process.
If needed, Dr. Gino Vissers can extend the surgery to correct the lateral chest wall or forearms as well.
What to expect after an arm lift?
After arm lift surgery, you can expect some swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which are common and can be managed with pain medication and post-operative care. The drains are usually removed on the first day after surgery. Most patients can return to light activities within a few weeks, although strenuous activities and heavy lifting should be avoided for 6 weeks as the wounds mend.
The results of an arm lift are visible immediately after surgery, but the full results become more apparent as the swelling subsides and the body heals.
Dr. Gino Vissers will provide detailed post-operative instructions to promote optimal healing and ensure a smooth and comfortable recovery process.
