Arm Lift
ACHIEVE MORE TONED AND SCULPTED-LOOKING ARMS
ARM LIFT TECHNIQUES AND SURGICAL APPROACH
ARM LIFT RECOVERY AND EXPECTED RESULTS
Changes in weight and the natural aging process can leave excess skin and tissue along the upper arms that does not respond to diet or exercise. At Cross Medical Group, Dr. Kevin Cross and Dr. Jackie Lyons offer arm lift surgery, also known as brachioplasty, for Philadelphia and Villanova patients who want to address loose upper-arm skin and achieve a more defined contour.
During an arm lift, excess skin is removed and the remaining tissue is reshaped to create a smoother, firmer appearance from the underarm toward the elbow. The procedure can be customized to each patient’s anatomy and aesthetic goals and may be performed alone or combined with other body contouring procedures for more comprehensive results.
CAUSES OF UPPER ARM SAGGING AND HOW AN ARM LIFT CAN HELP
Changes in weight, aging, and genetics can contribute to loose or sagging skin on the upper arms. The skin in this area has fewer strong connections to the underlying muscle than skin in many other areas of the body, which can make it more prone to loosening over time. Changes in the underlying fat layer can also contribute to a heavier or less defined appearance, and this fat may not respond significantly to diet and exercise alone.
An arm lift, also called brachioplasty, is a body contouring procedure designed to address excess skin and tissue along the underside of the upper arm, from the armpit toward the elbow. During surgery, the underlying soft tissue is reshaped and excess skin is removed to create a smoother, firmer, and more defined upper-arm contour. An arm lift can be particularly beneficial for patients with significant skin laxity who want to improve the overall shape and appearance of their arms.
CANDIDATES FOR AN ARM LIFT
Adults of many ages may be candidates for arm lift surgery, particularly those who are bothered by excess or loose skin along the upper arms or underarm area. This skin laxity may develop after significant weight loss, with natural aging, or due to individual factors such as genetics. Even patients who maintain a healthy, stable weight may find that loose upper-arm skin does not improve with diet and exercise alone.
Good candidates for an arm lift typically have significant upper -arm skin laxity, a relatively stable and healthy body weight, and good overall physical health. Candidates should be non-smokers and should not have medical conditions that could interfere with healing or increase surgical risks. It is also important to have realistic expectations about the procedure and its results and to be committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle before and after surgery.
During a consultation, Dr. Kevin Cross or Dr. Jackie Lyons can evaluate your upper-arm anatomy, discuss your aesthetic goals, and determine whether an arm lift is an appropriate option for you.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR AN ARM LIFT
To prepare for an arm lift, patients may be required to take a number of steps, including getting lab testing or a medical evaluation, starting to take certain types of medication or adjusting how they’re taking their medications, quitting smoking, abstaining from drinking alcohol, and stopping taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, or certain types of herbal supplements that thin the blood—if it is medically safe to do so. Be sure to arrange for transportation to and from the practice and have a friend stay with you for at least the first night after arm lift surgery.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION
Learn more about arm lift surgery in Philadelphia or Villanova at Cross Medical Group. Contact our office to discuss your goals, explore your options, and schedule a consultation with Dr. Kevin Cross or Dr. Jackie Lyons. Call (215) 561-9100 (Philadelphia) or (610) 688-9100 (Villanova), or send a message online.
ARM LIFT TECHNIQUES AND SURGICAL APPROACH
Arm lift surgery has evolved to offer several techniques based on the amount and location of excess skin and fat. Depending on your anatomy and goals, Dr. Cross or Dr. Lyons may recommend liposuction, a limited-incision arm lift, or a traditional arm lift with an incision extending from the armpit toward the elbow.
- Liposuction: For patients with minimal skin laxity but excess fullness, liposuction can help sculpt and define the arms.
- Limited-incision arm lift: When excess skin is concentrated in the upper portion of the arm, an incision can often be concealed within the natural crease of the armpit.
- Traditional arm lift: For significant skin laxity extending along much of the upper arm, a longer incision allows for greater skin removal and contouring.
The surgical approach is customized to each patient's anatomy and desired outcome. Dr. Cross and Dr. Lyons use refined skin-healing and suturing techniques designed to help arm lift scars heal as discreetly as possible, including placing incisions within natural contours when appropriate.
Arm lift surgery typically takes about one hour and focuses on removing excess skin and, when needed, sculpting underlying fat. The procedure may be performed with local anesthesia or IV anesthesia, depending on the patient's preferences and surgical plan.
*Results May Vary
Before & After Photo Gallery
See for yourself the patient transformations that can be achieved by Dr. Cross and his team, Dr. Lyons, and their team.
ARM LIFT RECOVERY AND EXPECTED RESULTS
After an arm lift, the arms are typically placed in a compression garment for about two days to help minimize swelling and promote comfort during the early stages of recovery. The incisions are sealed with a watertight surgical glue, and dissolvable sutures are used, eliminating the need for stitch removal.
Most patients experience only minor discomfort and can return to many normal daily activities within a few days. Gentle use of the hands and arms, including reaching for items, washing your hair, and brushing your hair, can typically resume immediately after surgery. More strenuous arm exercises are generally restricted for the first two to three weeks, although many patients can resume other forms of exercise in less than a week, depending on their individual recovery.
The improved contour of the upper arms is visible soon after surgery, while swelling gradually subsides and the results continue to refine. Arm lift incisions also fade progressively over the first several months as the skin heals.
Arm Lift FAQs
Yes. An arm lift can remove excess, loose skin that remains after significant weight loss. The procedure reshapes the upper arms by removing unwanted skin and, when appropriate, contouring underlying fatty tissue.
An arm lift primarily addresses excess skin, but liposuction may be incorporated when excess fat contributes to upper-arm fullness. The appropriate combination of skin removal and fat reduction depends on your anatomy and aesthetic goals.
Liposuction removes excess fat but does not address significant loose skin. An arm lift removes excess skin and reshapes the upper-arm contour. Patients with good skin elasticity and excess fullness may be candidates for liposuction alone, while those with substantial skin laxity may benefit from an arm lift.
The incision depends on the amount and location of excess skin. For some patients, the incision can be limited to the armpit area. When skin laxity extends along much of the upper arm, a longer incision toward the elbow may be necessary. Incisions are strategically positioned to make scars as discreet as possible.
An arm lift typically takes approximately one hour, although the surgical time can vary depending on the technique used and whether additional procedures are performed.
Most patients experience mild discomfort and can return to many normal activities within a few days. A compression garment is typically worn for about two days to help reduce swelling.
Strenuous arm exercises are generally restricted for the first two to three weeks, while swelling and incision lines continue to improve during the following months.
Improved upper-arm contours are noticeable soon after surgery. As swelling subsides, the arms develop a smoother and more defined appearance. Incisions also gradually fade as they heal.
Yes. Because an arm lift requires an incision, some degree of scarring is expected. The location and length depend on the amount of skin being removed. Surgical and suturing techniques can help position and camouflage scars as discreetly as possible, and scars typically fade over time.
Yes. An arm lift may be combined with procedures such as a tummy tuck, thigh lift, buttock lift, or lower body lift, depending on your goals, anatomy, and overall health. Combining procedures can address multiple areas of excess skin and tissue as part of a comprehensive body contouring plan.
Arm lift results are designed to be long-lasting. Maintaining a stable weight and healthy lifestyle can help preserve your improved arm contours. However, natural aging and significant future weight fluctuations can affect the appearance of the arms over time.
BODY CONTOURING PROCEDURES THAT COMPLEMENT AN ARM LIFT
Patients who are considering an arm lift after significant weight loss or due to age-related skin laxity may also benefit from body contouring procedures that address other areas of excess skin and tissue. Dr. Cross and Dr. Lyons offer several options, including:
- Thigh, Buttock, and Lower Body Lift: Addresses loose skin and tissue across multiple areas of the lower body to improve overall body contours.
- Tummy Tuck: Removes excess abdominal skin and fat while tightening weakened or separated abdominal muscles to create a firmer, flatter-looking midsection.
Combining procedures may allow patients to address multiple areas of loose skin and achieve more comprehensive body contouring results. The appropriate treatment plan depends on your anatomy, goals, and overall health.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION
If you are considering an arm lift in the Philadelphia or Villanova area to address loose upper-arm skin and achieve a more defined contour, Cross Medical Group can help you explore your options . Call our office in Philadelphia (215) 561-9100 or Main Line's Villanova (610) 688-9100 or send a message online to request a consultation.
