Also known as brachioplasty, an arm lift is a cosmetic surgery procedure that targets loose or excess skin on the underside of the upper arms.

As we age, our natural production of collagen that keeps our skin taught and supple decreases, causing it to begin to sag and droop. Weight loss can also contribute to the appearance of sagging skin, as after being previously stretched it struggles to return to a tighter, more esthetically pleasing appearance. The upper arms are one of the areas of the body most commonly affected by loosening skin and people who are affected often try and cover them using their clothing.

An increasing number of people are turning to brachioplasty to help improve the appearance of their upper arms and restore their confidence.

Arm Lift Surgery in Oakland CA

Arm lift surgery is relatively straightforward and performed under a general anesthetic, which means that you won’t feel any pain or be awake for any part of the procedure. Most arm lift surgeries take less than two hours.

An incision will be made between your elbow and armpit, and excess skin and fat cut away. The skin is then pulled together and stitched together, creating a firmer, smoother appearance. A small drain will be placed into the wound so that we can drain away any excess fluid or blood, and your arm will be wrapped in a bandage.

Arm Lift Recovery

When you first wake up after your surgery you will probably be in some discomfort. We will provide you with pain relief to help keep you as comfortable as possible in the days after your procedure, and you will soon be able to switch to over-the-counter pain medications.

Most arm lift surgeries require the patient to stay in for 24-48 hours so that we can ensure that the wound has drained properly and there are no complications. Once we consider you able to return home, we will remove the drain from the wound and redress it before you leave.

You will be told to refrain from light lifting for at least a week, and heavy lifting for at least four weeks. Around two weeks after your arm lift, you will be asked to come back into our offices so we can check on the progress of your recovery and so we can remove your sutures and bandages.

Your arm will almost certainly be bruised and swollen for as long as four weeks after your brachioplasty. When this subsides, you will be able to see the final result of your procedure.

Our team will provide you with specific instructions for your aftercare in the weeks following your procedure, and these should be followed precisely to ensure you have the quickest and most straightforward recovery, and the best results from your arm lift surgery.

If you would like to know more about how arm lift surgery can improve the appearance of your upper arms, or if you would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Douglas Chin to assess your candidacy for the procedure, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our knowledgeable and experienced professional cosmetic surgery team today.