What Exactly IS Arm Lift Surgery?

Submitted by Dr. Bernabe Vazquez on November 14, 2020

For many of us, the mission to perfect our bodies — both inside and out— is a lifelong endeavor. Some people crave curves that turn heads, others wish for their wrinkles to disappear, and some of us long for beautifully toned arms. However, in certain situations, no amount of cardio, wrinkle cream, or push-ups is enough to change the genetic situations we were born into. When it comes to improving the look of the upper arms, sometimes an arm lift can make all the difference. 

As we age, or sometimes after dramatic weight loss, our arms bear the biggest burden of these changes. Skin in the upper arm region often becomes less elastic as the years wear on, or as the pounds wear off — leaving us feeling self-conscious and making us look older and/ or heavier than we are. In cases like these, arm lift surgery with a skilled plastic surgeon can help you achieve the look you’re longing for. 

What is an arm lift?

An arm lift (brachioplasty) is a simple cosmetic procedure that removes excess sagging skin and upper arm flab from the upper and lower parts of the arm that have fallen victim to gravity over time. Arm lifts tighten and smooth out both wrinkles and unsightly loose skin while simultaneously maintaining and strengthening the existing underlying tissue of the upper arm. The end result is the more toned version of your existing arm’s muscle, one more step closer to your ideal image.

What does the procedure involve?

Depending on the technique you and your board-certified plastic surgeon decide on, you can expect either an incision the length of the underside of your upper arm or a smaller incision inside of your arm pit. Upon making the incision, your surgeon will remove the excess fat and an elliptical segment of skin from the inner back side of your arm while you are under general anesthesia.

What does post-op look like?

The procedure generally lasts roughly two hours. You will almost immediately notice more defined arms and toned musculature. After the procedure, you will be instructed to wear a compression garment for the purpose of controlling any post-op swelling. Patients will experience mild discomfort for a few weeks after surgery, with swelling often taking up to three months to fully subside.

If you feel like you’re fighting an uphill battle with unsightly, albeit natural, sagging of your underarm skin, talk to your board-certified plastic surgeon today to see if a brachioplasty is right for you. Dr. Bernabe Vazquez is one of Miami’s safest and most experienced plastic surgeons in all of South Florida and has performed hundreds of arm lifts for hundreds of satisfied patients. Call our office today to set up a free consultation and let us help you greet 2021 with open arms!