An arm lift is a plastic surgery procedure that contours and removes excess skin on the arms. If you avoid sleeveless clothes because of your “bat wings” and want them to look healthy and fit again, you are probably a good candidate for an arm lift. Those seeking an arm lift should be in overall good health, have loose or excess skin on your upper arms, and have skin that is minimally tight.

It is important to note that you should be at your goal weight before surgery. Excessive weight gain or loss after an arm lift could compromise the results of the outcome, leaving you with skin or an appearance that you’re unhappy with.

Typically, your arm lift surgery will take place as an outpatient procedure, except in cases where multiple cosmetic surgeries are to be performed at the same time. An arm lift can be added to other surgeries, including a mommy makeover, tummy tuck, or thigh lift — as long as Dr. Hanz considers it safe. Arm skin removal is typically performed while you are under general anesthesia and can require several hours to complete.

The sagging skin will be surgically removed, starting at the elbow moving up to the armpit. If liposuction is needed to eliminate stubborn fatty deposits, this can be completed as well. Once the skin is pulled taut, it will be stitched back into place. The incision will be placed to be as hidden as possible, but it will become a visible scar.

Your recovery timeframe will likely take about two weeks with lots of arm elevation. Permit your body time to rest and heal. You use your arms for more than you think so most patients are encouraged to ease their way back into their normal activities. A suture removal appointment will be scheduled about ten days after surgery. Compression garments must be worn until you are released by Dr. Hanz.

For at least 4 – 5 weeks, all exercise should be avoided, except taking short walks. If you have excessive swelling, uncontrolled bleeding, fluid buildup (hematoma), infection, numbness in the arms or hands, or unusual scarring, please call Kevin R. Hanz, M.D. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery for answers.

Your cost for arm lift surgery will depend on several things. Before he can determine your costs, Dr. Hanz will start with a consultation to understand your needs and goals. Once this is complete, he can create your unique surgical plan and break down your costs. In order to make it easier to afford a skilled, board-certified plastic surgeon, like Dr. Hanz, and get the results you want, Kevin R. Hanz, M.D. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery accepts several payment options. We will also give you information on low-interest financing.

It is common for patients who want an arm lift to combine this surgery with another procedure. This is often referred to as an upper body lift and can include liposuction, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), or breast surgery (breast lift).

Arm lift surgery is also commonly performed as part of an after-weight loss surgery for patients who have lost a significant amount of weight and want contouring throughout their body. In your initial consultation with Dr. Hanz, other surgeries can be discussed so your personal surgical plan matches all your needs and goals.

An arm lift needs incisions to remove loose skin, which leads to scars from sutures. However, Dr. Hanz will make every effort to ensure that your incisions are small and placed in inconspicuous areas. After your arm lift, ointments to assist in scar healing will be recommended along with other tips for scar care management to make them as light as possible.

Dr. Hanz also recommends you avoid UV exposure for at least one year to protect the incisions from any additional discoloration. Most patients consider the benefits of a more toned arm are worth the appearance of scars.

Although there are several, noninvasive skin tightening treatments, they will only give you mild improvements. To address moderate to severe amounts of loose skin, arm lift surgery is your best choice. In addition to eliminating excess skin, Dr. Hanz also uses liposuction on small pockets of fat and smoothes the tissue and remaining skin.

If you’re interested in learning about nonsurgical treatments, Dr. Hanz can explain all possible treatments in your consultation and then help you decide which is best for your goals.