Brachioplasty
For many individuals, an undesirable arm appearance may be caused by weight loss or the natural aging process, leading to discomfort or self-consciousness about the way they look. To address excess skin and fat that creates a “batwing” effect, brachioplasty can be performed to reshape and enhance the upper arms. Also known as arm lift surgery, brachioplasty is a surgical procedure that can help refine arm contours and improve both the look and comfort of a patient’s arms.
Board-certified plastic surgeon Robert Rothfield, MD performs arm lift surgery with precision and is dedicated to providing each patient with quality care during their brachioplasty journey. He develops tailored treatment plans to help his patients achieve natural-looking results and renewed confidence about the appearance of their arms.
- Brachioplasty Benefits
- Brachioplasty Candidates
- Brachioplasty Procedure
- Brachioplasty Recovery
- Brachioplasty Cost
What Are the Benefits of Brachioplasty?
Brachioplasty offers several benefits for individuals looking to improve the appearance of their upper arms. This procedure involves removing excess skin and fat, which often results from significant weight loss or natural aging. Brachioplasty also tightens loose skin that can contribute to discomfort and chafing, improving both the aesthetic appeal of the arms as well as physical comfort. Arm lift surgery can help patients achieve a more toned and contoured arm shape and even enhance the overall body profile. Additionally, this surgery can boost self-confidence, allowing individuals to wear a wider variety of clothing styles.
Who Is a Candidate for Brachioplasty?
Candidates for brachioplasty typically include:
- Adults with Significant Upper Arm Skin Laxity: Those with drooping or sagging skin due to aging or significant weight loss.
- Individuals with Stable Weight: Ideal candidates should be at or near their goal weight, as weight fluctuations can affect the results.
- Non-smokers: Smoking can impair healing and increase the risk of complications during and after surgery.
- Those with Realistic Expectations: Patients should understand the potential outcomes and limitations of the procedure.
- Healthy Individuals: Ideal candidates should have no medical conditions that may affect the healing process or increase the risk of surgery.
- Motivated for Personal Reasons: Candidates should pursue brachioplasty for personal satisfaction, not due to external pressures.
How Is Brachioplasty Performed?
Brachioplasty is typically an outpatient procedure. After anesthesia is administered, incisions will be made on the underside or back of the arm, often extending from the underarm to just above the elbow. The pattern and length of the incision depend on the amount and location of the excess skin to be removed. After making the incisions, Dr. Rothfield will tighten and reshape the underlying supportive tissue with internal sutures and remove excess fat using liposuction if necessary. Excess skin is then trimmed away, and the remaining skin is smoothed over the new arm contour. The incisions are closed with sutures, and the arms are often wrapped in elastic bandages to minimize swelling. The procedure typically takes one hour and a post-operative visit will occur the next day.
How Is Recovery from Brachioplasty?
Recovery from brachioplasty typically involves several stages. Initially, patients may experience swelling, mild bruising, and discomfort, which can usually be managed with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication. It may also be recommended that patients wear compression garments to help reduce swelling and support the healing tissues. Most patients can return to light activities and certain types of work within three to five days, but exercise should be avoided for at least two weeks (or as recommended by Dr. Rothfield) to ensure proper healing. It is crucial to follow post-operative instructions closely, including keeping the arms elevated and attending follow-up appointments.
How Much Does Brachioplasty Cost?
The cost of brachioplasty can vary widely based on factors such as:
- A surgeon’s experience
- The specific technique used
- Anesthesia fees
- Pre- or post-operative care
Once your personalized treatment plan has been developed, a member of our team will provide you with a customized quote. In addition to a variety of accepted payment methods, we also offer financing options for qualified applicants through reputable third-party lending companies. This makes it possible for the cost of arm lift surgery to be paid in a series of installments over time.
For more information about arm lift surgery, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Rothfield, contact our office today.