Arm Lift
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Santa Rosa and Sonoma County, CA
At Plastic Surgery Associates of Santa Rosa, we offer upper arm lift surgery (also called brachioplasty) as an intervention for people who cannot manage to tone or tighten the arm with natural methods.
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Before and After Photos
About Arm Lift Surgery
One big challenge when getting older or losing weight is dealing with excess skin.
Excess skin from the elbow to the shoulder is very typical, particularly for patients who have lost significant amounts of weight. An upper arm lift removes this excess, hanging skin, sometimes known as “bat wings.” Dr. Francisco Canales, Dr. Heather Furnas, and Dr. Culbertson are seasoned plastic surgeons in Northern California who are very knowledgeable in fat removal and skin tightening procedures. If you want to hear more information about how brachioplasty can change the appearance of your upper arms, please contact us for an appointment at Plastic Surgery Associates of Santa Rosa.
Ideal Candidates
Learn About Arm Lift In Northern California
An upper arm lift is a plastic surgery using advanced methods to contour and eliminate unwanted skin.
If you are tired of hiding your “bat wings” and would prefer them to appear healthy and fit again, you are a great candidate for an arm lift. You need to be in overall good health so that your skin will recover properly. Some of the key indicators for potential arm lift patients are loose, hanging skin on their upper arms, plus minimal tautness of the skin. It is critical that you are at or close to a healthy, stable weight before your surgery.
How It Works
Surgical Technique
Learn more about our surgical technique.
In most cases, your upper arm surgery will be performed in an outpatient facility, except in cases where several cosmetic surgeries are to be performed at one time. An upper arm lift may be done with other surgeries, including a tummy tuck, thigh lift, or mommy makeover — as long as Dr. Canales, Dr. Furnas, or Dr. Culbertson considers it appropriate. An upper arm lift is typically done with the patient under general anesthesia and can require a few hours to finish. The excessive skin will be surgically removed, starting at the elbow and continuing to the armpit. The incision will be placed to be as hidden as possible, although it will become a visible scar. In cases where liposuction is wanted to eliminate stubborn pockets of fat, this can be completed also. After the skin is pulled taut, it will be stitched together. You will have to care for the incisions by keeping them cleaned, covered, and supported with compression garments.
What to Expect
Here’s what to expect when you get an arm lift in Northern California.
After the Treatment
A typical recovery timeframe may take an estimated two weeks with lots of rest. Give your body time to heal. You use your arms for almost everything so most patients should slowly make their way back to their daily activities. If needed, a suture removal appointment will be scheduled about ten days following surgery. Compression garments must be kept on until you receive permission from Dr. Canales, Dr. Furnas, or Dr. Culbertson.
Recovery
For at least one month, all exercise and strenuous activity must be eliminated, except frequent, short walks. If you experience uncontrolled bleeding, excessive swelling, fluid buildup (hematoma), signs of infection, numbness in the hands or arms, or unusual scarring, please contact Plastic Surgery Associates of Santa Rosa for answers.
FAQ
How much does arm lift surgery cost?
The total cost for an arm lift will be based on several things. Before he can estimate your costs, Dr. Canales, Dr. Furnas, or Dr. Culbertson will start with a consultation to understand your concerns and goals. Following this, he will develop your unique surgical plan and break down your costs. Arm Lift pricing generally ranges between $8,000 and $12,000. In order to make it easier to choose an experienced plastic surgeon, like Dr. Canales, Dr. Furnas, or Dr. Culbertson, and get the results you want, Plastic Surgery Associates of Santa Rosa accepts several payments. We will also give you information on low-interest financing.
Can I combine an arm lift with other surgeries?
It’s normal for patients who want an arm lift to create a custom treatment plan with another surgery. This is often known as an upper body lift and can combine liposuction, a breast lift, or tummy tuck. Arm lift surgery is also frequently included in an after weight loss surgery for those who have lost a significant amount of weight and need contouring throughout their body. In your initial consultation, complementary surgeries can be talked about so your personal treatment plan matches all your needs and goals.
Will there be scars?
A surgical arm lift needs incisions in order to cut away excess skin, which leads to scars from sutures. However, we will make every effort to place the small incisions in inconspicuous areas. Following your arm lift, creams that help with healing will be suggested along with our tips for minimizing scarring. We also suggest you limit UV exposure for at least one year to protect the scar from becoming discolored. In general, patients consider the overall benefits of an arm lift are worth the minimal scars created.
What results can I expect from an arm lift?
A surgical arm lift is used to remove loose skin and small amounts of fat. You should follow a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet to avoid a dramatic change in your weight, which might undo your results. After your lift, as soon as you are recovered and Dr. Canales or Dr. Furnas has given permission, you should start strength training. This is a good way to improve the shape of your upper arms by toning and strengthening the muscles.
Are there nonsurgical treatments to improve my arms?
Although there are a lot of noninvasive skin tightening options, they can only give you small improvements. To correct moderate to severe skin laxity, arm lift surgery is your best choice. In addition to treating loose skin, Dr. Canales, Dr. Furnas, or Dr. Culbertson also use liposuction on small pockets of fat and smoothes the tissue and remaining skin. If you’re interested in learning about nonsurgical procedures, we can tell you about these in your consultation and then help you choose which fits your goals.
Schedule an Appointment
Get back your arm
No matter what you call your droopy skin or “bat wings” under your upper arms, plastic surgeons Dr. Canales, Dr. Furnas, or Dr. Culbertson see it as a way to improve your appearance with cosmetic surgery. This innovative surgery provides physical and emotional benefits as well. If you’re at or close to a healthy, stable weight but still can’t get rid of the skin and flab that hang off your arms, please contact us to plan a consultation at Plastic Surgery Associates of Santa Rosa. Look and feel fitter and younger with upper arm lift surgery.