ARM LIFT
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Both aging and significant weight loss can leave you with excess skin under the arms. This loose skin can make it difficult to feel confident in your appearance.
And any situation where your arms are visible can be filled with anxiety and a loss of confidence. With an arm lift, or brachioplasty, you can take care of this skin finally. With tighter, firmer arms you will be looking for chances to show off your body.
Dr. Linville, a double board-certified plastic surgeon, will evaluate a patient’s arms and determine the optimal treatment. We at Linville Plastic Surgery in Houston work with you to achieve the goal of a leaner, more contoured arm.
What Is an Arm Lift?
Brachioplasty surgery, also known as an arm lift, removes excess skin and fat from the arms. Even after the effort and dedication you put into weight loss, the skin might have lost its elasticity. Loose skin may hang beneath the arms, stubbornly resisting all efforts. Or you may have developed loose skin as part of aging. Either way, a lift could be for you.
You have put in the work, and now it might be time to take the next step. After all that effort, you deserve to achieve a body that you can be proud of.
A variety of different arm lift techniques exist. The type performed depends on the amount of skin and fat to be addressed according to the patient’s needs. Some, such as BodyTite, don’t even require an incision!
What Are the Different Types of Arm Lifts?
The technique used will be selected to meet your individual needs and goals. During your consultation, Dr. Linville works closely with you to develop a treatment plan that perfectly matches your needs. Dr. Linville performs nearly all arm lifts with liposuction to contour the arms and help protect sensory nerves.
Full Brachioplasty
Full Brachioplasty is the classic lift. The incision is from the armpit to the elbow. Removes skin and fat and tightens the skin.
Extended Brachioplasty
Usually, Extended Brachioplasty extends past the elbow and also up to the armpit.
Short Scar Brachioplasty
Short Scar Brachioplasty is for when stubborn fat pockets or extra skin affect mostly just the upper arm. Desired results, shorter scar.
BodyTite Brachioplasty
BodyTite Brachioplasty is for patients with only small amounts of excess skin. BodyTite tightens the skin without an incision. All that is needed is a small entry point in the armpit and another near the elbow. Excellent for patients who want minor skin tightening. You can add BodyTite to any of the other arm lift procedures for extra skin tightening.
Brachioplasty with Axillary Extension
Occasionally, the excess skin extends into the armpit. This targets that skin, sometimes even down the chest wall, to achieve maximum effect.
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Arm Lift Recovery
Since this is a surgery, there will be some time to spend in recovery. While most patients can go home the day of the surgery, it is important to take care of yourself in the coming weeks.
Limiting upper arm activity for at least two weeks is vital while the incisions heal. You will use compression garments to help keep down swelling and edema.
Overall, it takes 4-6 weeks to complete the healing process. Full activity is not allowed until that time, and daily movement should be minimal.
Recovery from BodyTite is even more straightforward. Still, recovery requires compression garments for several weeks. Resting the treated area (or avoiding strenuous arm activity) is also advised for this time.
Will I Have Scarring?
Incisions are placed on the inner arm, usually between the biceps and triceps muscles so that it’s hidden. We use short-scar techniques whenever possible to minimize scarring on the arms. So while there can be scarring, we take every measure to keep it out of sight.
The length of the incision will determine the scar left behind. In all cases, scars fade considerably in the year following surgery. During your consultation, Dr. Linville will provide you with a good idea of what you can expect after the surgery.
If we don’t change, we don’t grow. If we don’t grow,
we aren’t really living.
– GAIL SHEEHY
Am I A Candidate?
While diet and exercise can reduce fat and increase muscle, your arms’ skin may not snap back. This can be disheartening after the efforts you made to lose the weight. However, a brachioplasty can quickly address this.
There are a few factors in determining whom this procedure is right for.
- Patients who have experienced significant weight loss.
- Patients still in the process should wait until they are at a stable, durable weight.
- You must avoid smoking before and after the procedure.
- We usually ask that patients have a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 32 or below.
We can occasionally wave the BMI qualification if Dr. Linville believes the patient’s weight stable enough to be a candidate.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
It is time to take that final step in achieving your ideal body. Schedule your consultation today to get started on reaching the body you have worked so hard towards. Every step of the way, we work closely with you, providing a personalized professional experience. Call us today to learn more about how you can reach your aesthetic goals at Linville Plastic Surgery.
