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    Arm Lift Plastic Surgery Associates

    Arm Lift

    About Arm Lift

    Conveniently located to serve the areas of Santa Rosa and Sonoma County, CA

    An arm lift, or brachioplasty, is a cosmetic procedure that removes skin from the mid-to-upper arm to improve its contour and restore its shape. Patients who experience massive weight loss are often left with large amounts of excess skin and tissue once they reach their goal body weight. Arm lift surgery strategically recontours the arm to greatly increase a patient’s overall confidence and self-esteem. Surgeons can also perform this procedure with other surgeries during an upper body lift.

    At Plastic Surgery Associates of Santa Rosa, we offer upper arm lift surgery as an intervention for people who cannot manage to tone or tighten their arms with natural methods. Dr. Francisco Canales, Dr. Heather Furnas, and Dr. Eric Culbertson are seasoned plastic surgeons in Sonoma County who are highly 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 by calling (707) 537-2111. We look forward to meeting you!

    Schedule a Consultation

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    Benefits of an Arm Lift

    Look and feel fitter and younger with upper arm lift surgery. This procedure:

    • Contours and tones the upper arms
    • Removes extra, sagging skin
    • Restores the overall shape of the arm
    • Reduces or completely removes “bat wings”
    • Decreases under-arm irritation caused by loose skin
    • Accentuates a patient’s weight loss progress
    • Increases a patient’s body confidence
    • Combines easily with other body contouring surgeries

    Brachioplasty Surgical Technique

    For a standard arm lift, our surgeons place incisions along the underside of the arm to remove skin from the area. They mark this area with long ellipses to approximate the amount of skin to remove and to ensure the final sutures and remaining scars are concealable. Depending on the patient, these incisions may extend past the elbow or lower into the armpit to address loose skin in these areas. The surgeon then carefully removes the skin and loose tissue, reshapes and restores the upper arm, and sutures the incision with precision. (2)

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    What is an Arm Lift?

    One big challenge when getting older or losing weight is dealing with excess skin. It typically collects along the elbow and up toward the shoulder, particularly in patients who have lost significant amounts of weight. An upper arm lift removes this hanging skin, sometimes known as “bat wings.”

    The popularity of medical weight loss strategies including bariatric surgery and semaglutide/weight loss injections has risen hugely in recent years. This has also led to a rise in body contouring procedures. Massive weight loss patients seek body contouring surgery like arm lifts, thigh lifts, abdominoplasty, and liposuction (1) to reach their body contouring goals.

    Arm Lift Plastic Surgery Associates

    Ideal Candidates

    If you are tired of hiding your “bat wings” and would prefer your arms to appear healthy and fit again, you may be a great candidate for an arm lift. You need to be in good overall 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. You should be at or close to a healthy, stable weight before your surgery. You should also have reasonable, yet optimistic expectations about your results.

    Initial Consultation at Plastic Surgery Associates

    Every arm lift journey begins with a personal consultation. This initial meeting allows you to discuss your concerns, desired outcomes, and expectations with Dr. Canales, Dr. Furnas, or Dr. Culbertson. Your surgeon will conduct a thorough examination of your upper arms, evaluating the quality of your skin, the amount of excess fat, and the overall arm contour.

    Our surgeons believe in a patient-centered approach, collaborating closely with individuals to create a customized treatment plan tailored to their specific needs and desires. We will explain the arm lift procedure, outline potential risks and complications, provide before and after photos of previous patients, and answer any questions or concerns you may have.

    As you await your surgery date, you may read our blog to learn more about cosmetic body contouring.

    How Can I Prepare for Surgery?

    Before an arm lift, patients should avoid:

    • Anti-Inflammatory Medications
    • Tobacco & Nicotine
    • Herbal Supplements
    • Alcohol

    They should:

    • Schedule time off of work
    • Prepare healthy meals
    • Stay hydrated and active
    • Create a comfortable space at home
    • Ask for personal assistance during recovery
    • Acquire transportation from a trusted friend on the day of surgery

    Arm Lift Procedure

    In most cases, we perform your upper arm surgery in an outpatient facility, except in cases where we combine and execute several cosmetic surgeries at one time. An upper arm lift can complement other surgeries like a tummy tuck, thigh lift, or mommy makeover when Dr. Canales, Dr. Furnas, or Dr. Culbertson considers it appropriate. An upper arm lift typically requires general anesthesia and often takes 2 to 3 hours to complete. Your surgeon will surgically remove the excess skin, starting at the elbow and continuing to the armpit. They position the incision as discreetly as possible, although it will become a visible scar. In cases where liposuction can eliminate stubborn pockets of fat, your surgeon performs this during your arm lift to improve your results. After pulling the skin taut, they place sutures. Keeping them clean, covered, and supported with compression garments will be an important part of the recovery process.

    Recovery

    Typical Time Frame

    A typical recovery time frame takes 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, we schedule a suture removal appointment about ten days following surgery. You must wear your compression garments as directed.

    For at least one month, you should avoid all exercise and strenuous activity 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 immediately.

    Results

    A surgical arm lift removes loose skin, but only 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. As soon as your recovery period ends and your surgeon permits you, we encourage you to start strength training. This is a good way to improve the shape of your upper arms by toning and strengthening the muscles.

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    Combining Procedures

    Many patients combine an arm lift with other procedures. This is called an upper body lift and often includes liposuction and a breast lift. Our surgeons also frequently include an arm lift procedure during after weight loss surgery for those who have lost a significant amount of weight and need contouring throughout their body. At your initial consultation, your surgeon will discuss complementary surgeries with you so your personal treatment plan matches all of your needs and goals.

    Arm Lift Plastic Surgery Associates

    Testimonials

    "Truly an amazing experience! Dr. Culbertson and all the staff have been very friendly and incredibly helpful in making sure I was guided every step of the way through my procedure. I’m incredibly happy with the results of my surgery and the process as a whole. Thank you!!"

    -D.F.

    "As someone who is very nervous about any cosmetic procedures, I have to say: PSA’s medspa has been the best experience! The staff doesn’t push or try to influence your decision, they’re knowledgeable, friendly and listen to what you want. I’d recommend over and over!"

    - M.M.

    "I have been coming to Allegro Med Spa since 2018. I get lip filler as well as chemical peels and hydro facials. Not only do their services make you feel confident and fresh, but the staff is always welcoming, kind, and professional. I have been to other med spas I’m the past, but none compare to Allegro!"

    - A.B.

    "As someone who is very nervous about any cosmetic procedures, I have to say: PSA’s medspa has been the best experience! The staff doesn’t push or try to influence your decision, they’re knowledgeable, friendly and listen to what you want. I’d recommend over and over!"

    - M.M.

    What About Non-Surgical Arm-Toning?

    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 to smooth the tissue and remaining skin.

    Cost of an Arm Lift in Santa Rosa

    Before they estimate your costs, Dr. Canales, Dr. Furnas, or Dr. Culbertson starts with a consultation to understand your concerns and goals. Following this, they develop your unique surgical plan. Arm lift pricing generally ranges between $8,000 and $12,000. We accept several payments and can give you information on low-interest financing.

    Schedule An Appointment

    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 are at or close to a healthy, stable weight but still cannot get rid of the skin and flab that hangs off your arms, please contact us online or call (707) 537-2111 to book a consultation with us.

    "The results have been huge for my self-esteem and my self-image. I can now move my body in ways I couldn’t before with the loose skin I had after my weight loss. I love my body now. I love myself. Before I’d wear baggy clothes, and now I wear clothes that fit. For the first time in 20 years, I have a flat stomach. I’m so proud of the results. I do yoga, and my recovery was so easy, nothing like what I was expecting."

    Arm Lift

    Frequently Asked Questions

    A surgical arm lift needs incisions 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 to be worth the minimal scars created.

    Each procedure caters to that specific patient, therefore the amount of skin removal needed varies. Your surgeon will examine your arm closely before your procedure to correctly measure the amount of skin that requires removal.

    Sometimes surgeons use liposuction to remove fat from the area during an arm lift, but it is not always necessary. This depends on the patient’s circumstances and if there is a large amount of extra fat present.

    Depending on the surgeon and their preferences, you may have small drains on either arm that are typically removed after 4 or 5 days. Your surgeon will provide detailed instructions on how to maintain your drains if they use them.

    References

    1. Di Pietro V, Colicchia GM, Cervelli V, Gentile P. Arm Contouring after Massive Weight Loss: Liposuction-Assisted Brachioplasty versus Standard Technique. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery. 2018;11(2):73-78. doi:https://doi.org/10.4103/JCAS.JCAS_102_17
    2. Han HH, Lee MC, Kim SH, Lee JH, Ahn ST, Rhie JW. Upper Arm Contouring with Brachioplasty after Massive Weight Loss. Archives of Plastic Surgery. 2014;41(3):271-276. doi:https://doi.org/10.5999/aps.2014.41.3.271

    Interested to find out which treatment is right for you?