Many are embarrassed to raise their arms because of all the extra hanging skin that swings back and forth like “bat wings.” Excess arm skin comes with aging and a decrease in the skin’s elasticity. This is worse after weight loss. The disproportionate amounts of extra skin and fat in the upper arms may interfere with many activities. Furthermore it may limit clothing options.
The Brachioplasty or Arm Lift improves the appearance of the upper arm.
Typically, the Arm Lift candidate has:
To start Brachioplasty surgery an incision is made on the inside of the arm from the arm pit to the elbow. Some modifications of the incision may be determined on an individual basis. The excess skin and fat are freed from the underlying arm structures while muscle nerves and vessels are protected. The excess skin and fat are removed and the arm is closed, leaving the scar in a natural groove. Your sutures are placed beneath the skin, where they will be gradually absorbed by your body. A sterile dressing and a compression garment will be applied over the dressings.
Younger patients may just need Liposuction of the arms since they have the elasticity of the skin that allows the upper arm to shrink down without the excess flabby skin.
After an Arm Lift, there will be some form of discomfort. However, this improves daily. Pain medications will help. The overall recovery of an Arm Lift depends on the patient’s health. One to two weeks off from work for recovery is suggested. A compressive garment is used after the Brachioplasty surgery to decrease swelling. Strenuous activities, exercise and sports are discouraged for the first 6 weeks while the healing tissues have a chance to become stronger. The scars will be red to begin with and fade over the next year.
Results vary with each patient. An active and healthy lifestyle will help to better maintain this new upper arm appearance. This procedure will help with form-fitting clothes. In addition, it may provide for a better self-image.
Our friendly staff is eager to help you set up a consultation and answer any questions that you have.
Our friendly staff is eager to help you set up a consultation and answer any questions that you have.
Call us to set up your consultation at (801) 951-8099
See what patients have to say about Fairbanks Plastic Surgery.
Dr. Fairbanks has patients from all over the world fly in to Utah.
Dr. Grant A. Fairbanks is a graduate of Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, Virginia. He completed an internship in El Paso, Texas at William Beaumont Army Medical Center. Thereafter Dr. Fairbanks served as a General Medical Officer in the U.S. Military at Raymond W. Bliss Army Community Hospital at Fort Huachuca, Arizona. His training in both General Surgery and Plastic Surgery was completed at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown, Pennsylvania, affiliated with Penn State University. He is a board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties.
To further his training he accepted a fellowship in Craniofacial Surgery at Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University in Indianapolis, Indiana. [Read More]
*All post-operative pictures are of real patients of Fairbanks Plastic Surgery. Identifiable images are used with patient permission.