Dr. Hootan Daneshmand

Brachioplasty (Arm Lift Surgery)

Brachioplasty in Bakersfield, CA

brachioplasty arm lift orange co

Sagging skin is one of the most prevalent symptoms of aging. As you get older, your skin produces less collagen (the protein that tightens the skin). This often has a number of negative consequences throughout the body. Your upper arms are one of the areas where drooping skin can cause problems. Even if you eat well and exercise often, your upper arms may begin to look flabby. This is related to extra skin that sags off your arms, rather than fat deposits or muscular weakness (though both can occur in certain people). Luckily, brachioplasty is an option. If muscle definition is your goal, we also offer bicep implants for both men and women.

While diet and exercise help some people with sagging skin, others can’t seem to get rid of it. That’s why, at the Silhouette Plastic Surgery Institute, we offer a brachioplasty procedure for those looking to get rid of sagging skin. For some people, the only way to treat skin laxity is to simply get rid of it. Arm lift surgery is a perfectly safe and viable option. You can also opt for a more comprehensive procedure that will target multiple areas, called body contouring. If you have sagging skin that you’d like to get rid of, contact Silhouette Plastic Surgery today. Call 949-359-8397 today, or fill out our online intake form to schedule your consultation.

What Is a Brachioplasty?

A brachioplasty, or arm lift surgery, reshapes the upper arm by tightening loose skin and removing fat that causes a “bat wing” look beneath the arm. Excess skin from weight loss or natural aging can be removed to tighten loose skin that runs from the underarm to the elbow. Arm liposuction is frequently performed in conjunction with other procedures to obtain the greatest results. Thousands of patients get effective upper-arm lift surgery each year and are happy with the results.

If you find that diet and exercise do nothing for the sagging skin on your arm, a brachioplasty might be the best alternative. Some patients develop excess skin after losing a lot of weight either through lifestyle changes or through gastric bypass surgery. This excess skin often leads to some patients feeling self-conscious in form-fitting clothes. Skin removal surgery helps with this issue.

What Are the Benefits of Arm Lift Surgery?

Like many other cosmetic procedures, the benefits extend far beyond aesthetic enhancements. Not only do they improve the appearance of your arms, they also boost your confidence and even have health benefits sometimes. We list the benefits of brachioplasty arm lift surgery below.

  • Tightens and smooths the skin of the upper arm, reducing sagging and evening out the supportive tissue
  • After weight loss surgery, improves your comfort level with the upper arm area
  • Prevents both rashes and inflammation that sometimes accompany excess folds of skin
  • Helps reduce the chance of infection
  • Improves overall hygiene
  • Helps promote a more positive self esteem
  • Overall improvements in tone, shape, and contours
  • Improved proportions
  • Hidden scars
  • Expanded clothing options
  • More visible workout results

What Is the Procedure Like?

First, it’s important to understand how to prepare for brachioplasty. During the initial consultation, Dr. Daneshmand will likely ask specific questions and perform a physical exam.

  • We will review your medical history, including current and past medical conditions you might have. Additionally, we ask about any and all medications you currently take or have taken recently. This includes over the counter medications and even herbal supplements. Lastly, we’ll discuss any past surgeries you’ve had.
  • In order to determine the available treatment options, we perform a physical exam of the upper arm area. This ensures that the treatment we recommend will have the best chance of success for your particular situation.
  • Explain to your doctor your reasons for wanting a brachioplasty. It’s important to explain your personal expectations for the outcome of the procedure. Your doctor will explain the likelihood of success, the risks, benefits, and expectations for scarring.
  • Stop smoking tobacco products. Before most surgeries, doctors recommend that you stop smoking, as it decreases the blood flow in the skin. Because of this, it tends to slow the healing process. In some cases, doctors won’t perform surgeries unless the patient stops smoking due to an increase in the risk of complications.

Before the Procedure

We recommend avoiding certain medications. Usually, we advise that our patients stop taking aspirins, anti-inflammatory medications, and herbal supplements. These tend to increase bleeding.

Speak to a family member or friend about helping out with your recovery. After surgery, you’ll need someone to drive you home and monitor the initial recovery.

During the Procedure

Your surgeon makes incisions on the undersides of your arms. They determine the length and pattern of incisions by the amount of skin that they intend to remove.

Then, your surgeon will tighten the tissues in the arm, securing them in place with stitches. Sometimes we also use liposuction to remove unnecessary fat cells from the area. This helps with contouring and shaping.

Excess skin will be removed once your skin is wrapped over the new contours. The incisions will be closed with stitches or surgical tape.

What Should I Expect After My Brachioplasty?

Your wounds will be covered in bandages after an arm lift. To reduce swelling, your arms will be lightly wrapped in elastic bandages. To drain any extra blood or fluid, little tubes may be inserted into your arms.

After your brachioplasty, you’ll most likely see someone from your plastic surgery team within a day or two. If you have bandages or a drainage tube, he or she may remove them. To keep swelling down, some plastic surgeons may recommend wearing a compression sleeve for a few weeks.

During the first few days post-surgery, we recommend the following.

  • Do not lift your arms over shoulder level for at least three to four weeks if possible.
  • For the first four to eight weeks following surgery, avoid strenuous and athletic activity with your arms that might damage the incisions.
  • To avoid wound infections, use pain medication as needed and use topical or oral antibiotics as prescribed.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Brachioplasty?

Those who have extra skin hanging from their upper arms and only a small amount of fat are the ideal candidates for an arm lift. This is frequently caused by weight reduction, since the remaining skin loses flexibility as fat is removed. Inelastic skin, which is less able to keep its form as people age, affects them as well. In other situations, individuals may simply be predisposed to looser skin or excess tissue in the area due to genetics.

Candidates are urged to reach their optimum weight before undergoing surgery since weight increase or reduction might affect the contour of their body and the quantity of skin and fat present. This will assist the plastic surgeon in producing outcomes that best fit the rest of the patient’s body, as well as preventing results from being lost due to weight fluctuations. Likewise, ideal candidates should understand that an arm lift – or any other body sculpting operation – is not a replacement for a healthy diet and exercise routine.

How Long Do Arm Lift Results Last?

Brachioplasty produces long-lasting and semi-permanent effects. They will improve the existing condition of your arm, but they will not prevent future skin drooping that may occur as a result of age or more weight increase. There will be a natural loss of firmness in your arms when the aging process starts or continues after your surgery, but there are several strategies to preserve your results over time.

  • Exercise, specifically weekly weight training
  • Healthy dieting
  • Maintaining contact with your surgeon

How Much Does Brachioplasty Cost?

According to 2020 figures from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of an arm lift is $4,861. This is only a portion of the overall cost; it excludes anesthesia, operating room facilities, and other associated costs. To calculate your final price, please contact the office of your plastic surgeon. Generally, brachioplasty costs include the following.

  • Anesthesia costs
  • Facility costs
  • Medical testing
  • Garment for post-surgery
  • Medications
  • Surgeon’s fees

Contact Silhouette Plastic Surgery Today

When searching for a board-certified plastic surgeon in Orange County, the most important aspect is your level of personal comfort. Their experience and knowledge is essential to achieving the best possible results. Dr. Daneshmand with the Silhouette Plastic Surgery Institute is an extremely passionate, board-certified professional. With his expertise on your side, you’re in good hands. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, please call our office at 949-359-8397 today.

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