Brachioplasty (Upper Arm Lift)

Loose, flabby skin on your upper arms doesn't just look bad – it can be uncomfortable and make finding attractive clothes a struggle. Thankfully, there's help: our surgeons can perform upper arm lift for Long Beach and Newport Beach residents who are tired of the "bat wings" that can be a source of embarrassment and can detract from the appearance of your entire upper body.

An upper arm lift tightens skin and reduces the appearance of fat to provide a firmer, more toned upper arm appearance through cosmetic surgery. At the Newport Beach and Long Beach locations of CosmetiCare, our plastic surgery specialists understand that achieving the look you want can help you live the life you want. Learn more when you request a Complimentary Consultation with one of our surgeons.

What Do I Need to Know about Upper Arm Lift?

Most patients undergo general anesthesia during their upper arm lift surgery in Newport Beach. An incision is made in the inside part of the arm from the elbow to the armpit. Through this incision, your surgeon is able to eliminate excess skin, tighten skin and muscle, and remove excess fat. The incision is then closed with sutures and a pressure garment, made of an elastic material, is placed on the arms and worn to help reduce swelling. Liposuction is often used in conjunction with arm lift to help reduce some fat and provide better contour.

Some surgeons will use a small incision in the armpit and pull much of the excess skin up toward the underarm. This procedure is referred to as the "inner arm tuck" and can avoid the incision made from the elbow down to the armpit. There can be drawbacks to this technique, however, if the incision area doesn't heal well within the armpit.

Am I a Candidate for Brachioplasty in Long Beach or Newport Beach?

The best candidates for an upper arm lift procedure have a desire for a more youthful appearance of their arms. Patients should be in good physical and mental health and have realistic expectations about the results they may expect from the upper arm lift procedure.

Arm lift can help many people, especially those who have achieved significant weight loss following bariatric surgery or a rigorous diet plan. Click here to learn about post weight loss plastic surgery options. People who are primarily concerned with excess fat in their arms but have an overall good skin tone may benefit from a Newport Beach liposuction procedure, which removes fat tissue with fewer incisions than an upper arm lift.

How Will I Look and Feel after Upper Arm Lift?

Together you and your surgeon will devise a course of action that will help you achieve the best possible outcome following your Newport Beach cosmetic surgery procedure. Upper arm lift is permanent and can last many years. However, age and additional weight loss in the future may alter your original results. The primary drawback to this type of cosmetic surgery is the scars. However, most patients find the scars to be a good exchange for eliminating the unsightly appearance of hanging arm skin.

• You will have mild to moderate discomfort during the first few days after surgery and will need some assistance.
• You will be required to wear an elastic support garment or wrap to compress and reduce swelling as well as to reinforce the new arm shape. The compression garment is typically worn for up to 2 weeks. Swelling will have improved at this time.
• Initially, use of your arms will be limited and you should avoid heavy lifting or fully extending your arms for 1 to 2 weeks.
• Some movement is encouraged, including light exercise, so that range of motion is maintained while healing.
• Sutures are removed in a couple phases: a few days after surgery and then again after two weeks.
• Once the garment is removed it is normal for the arms to still be bruised and swollen.
• Remaining sutures and staples come out after another week or so, and final swelling is gone after another two months, revealing the final enhanced look.
• Although swelling is apparent, most patients will be ready to return to work or school within two weeks.
• After a month or two, many patients will feel more comfortable and able to see the results of their surgery.
• Scars may take one to two years to fade. However, some people return for additional options available to help reduce the appearance of their scars.

Request your Complimentary Consultation online with one of the plastic surgeons at CosmetiCare who will discuss your plastic surgery options in more detail. Or, if you'd prefer, call us at 800-95-IMAGE (800-954-6243) to schedule your appointment. With convenient locations on Atlantic Avenue in Long Beach and Bayside Drive in Newport Beach, CosmetiCare makes it easy to look your best in Southern California.

Remember that all medical procedures carry some risk. Specific risks associated with this procedure will be discussed with you during your consultation. Major complications are rare, but minor complications not affecting your surgical outcome may occasionally occur.