Lose the Jiggle… Arm Lift Surgery Tones and Shapes the Upper Arm

One of the most difficult areas of the body to tone and shape is the upper arm. Exercise will not restore tone and elasticity to sagging skin, no matter how many hours one clocks at the gym. Additionally, people who have lost a substantial amount of weight are particularly prone to having a large amount of sagging skin in the upper arms. This severe skin laxity can be rather unsightly and embarrassing.

Dr. Joshua Lampert, a leading Miami plastic surgeon, has seen a surge of patients who want to remedy this problem by undergoing arm lift surgery, or brachioplasty. This procedure tones and shapes the upper arms, restoring a youthful and flattering shape that enhances overall appearance and self-esteem.

Arm Lift Basics: Dr. Lampert Explains the Pros and Cons of Brachioplasty

Gravity, aging, weight loss and genetics play a role in whether or not a person will experience much sagging under the arms. People who have remained relatively thin throughout their lives may only experience minimal sagging of the skin as they age. For others, the amount of loose skin may be so prominent that wearing sleeveless tops or swimwear is out of the question.

Arm lift surgery, also called brachioplasty, removes excess fat and skin and tightens the underlying soft tissue structure. The incision length depends on the amount of correction needed. For significant skin excess, the typical incision runs from just near the armpit, along the underside of the arm, to the elbow. For a smaller amount of skin resection, the incision may be limited and well hidden within the armpit only. Liposuction is often used in conjunction with either procedure to further tighten and refine. For the most mild cases who also have good skin elasticity, liposuction alone may be all that is needed.

For most brachioplasty procedures, there will be a scar of varying length once the incision has healed. While any scar will substantially fade over time, the thin skin of the upper arm can result in more visible scarring than skin in other areas. The decision to have a brachioplasty must take this scar into account. Patients must decide if the improvement in tone and shape is worth having a potentially more visible scar.

In patients who have good skin elasticity and minimal sagging, liposuction may be all that is needed to restore firm, smooth upper arms. In these cases the incisions will be much smaller; only large enough to allow the thin cannula to be inserted.

After an arm lift, patients become less inhibited about their arms and do not feel they need to hide behind loose-fitting clothing. According to Dr. Lampert's glowing brachioplasty patients, the boost in morale and self-confidence is worth the price of a well-placed scar.

Recovery

An arm lift will take several hours and is usually done on an outpatient basis under general anesthetic. Patients will wear a compression garment after surgery, which helps reduce swelling. In the case of liposuction patients, the compression garment assists the skin and soft tissue to adhere down to the deeper musculature. In some patients, there may be a drainage tube placed to allow accumulating fluid to drain. This also helps minimize bruising and swelling.

During the recovery period, incisions should not be subjected to mechanical stress or impact caused by over-exerting muscles. Dr. Lampert gives comprehensive instructions to his patients. He asks that patients follow post-operative instructions exactly to ensure the best possible outcome regarding scarring. Post-operative care is as much an important part of the process as the surgery itself.

Returning to Work

Many patients can return to work a week after surgery, provided the type of work is not strenuous. Exercise and strenuous activity should be postponed for 4-8 weeks. Each patient heals at a different rate. Dr. Lampert will make his recommendations on when to resume strenuous activities based on the individual's healing results.

Find out if arm lift surgery is right for you – talk to Dr. Lampert

Dr. Lampert takes his time with each and every prospective patient. Dr. Lampert believes that understanding what his patients want to achieve is critical for a successful final outcome. A consultation in his Miami office is the first step in solving a problem that for many is hindering their social activities.

During your consultation, Dr. Lampert will listen carefully to your concerns and goals for the surgery and will recommend ways of achieving them. He enjoys the challenge of restoring his patients’ self-confidence by removing the physical barriers to their happiness. Contact his office to arrange for a consultation and find out how you can confidently wear any sleeve length you like.