Arm Lift Surgery: Address Your Upper Arm Fat

The upper arms can be one of the most troublesome spots for droopy skin, especially for those who have experienced dramatic weight loss. It can lead to frustrations in self-image and can wear on self-confidence. Many people with loose skin under their arms try to hide the condition with long sleeve blouses or shirts, but this solution offers far less choice in style and fashion, and does not address the underlying issues of embarrassment. An arm lift can be a good solution for those looking to eliminate droopy and loose skin on their arms – and the discomfort the condition causes -- whether due to weight loss, genetics, or age. You’ve worked hard to lose weight and to achieve better health, but further steps may be needed to help you reach your ultimate goals. Our arm lift in Long Island can be just the thing for you.

What is an Arm Lift?

An arm lift, also known as a brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure for removing excess sagging skin that droops downward from the upper arm. The arm can lose skin elasticity when fat deposits build up during weight gain and are then lost during dieting or after a bariatric procedure.

As the skin under the arms tends to hang with gravity, it is often one of the first areas of your body to sag. This can also cause local pockets of fat to stick under the skin, causing more stretching. This tendency of the upper arm to host droopy skin and fat deposits is the reason “bat wing” underarms are so common in older people and those people who are overweight or recently lost a lot of weight. Following a healthy diet and an exercise program, while beneficial for the body and overall health, will not correct loose skin and stubborn fat deposits.

You can reduce your body fat percentage and improve muscle tone with strength training, but skin elasticity has its limits and, when it is lost, plastic surgery is often the best solution. Our arm lift in NYC can tighten underlying support tissue, giving your arms an immediately firmer and more slender appearance. The procedure is often done in conjunction with liposuction as fat deposits under the arms are resistive to even major weight loss.

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Arm Lift Before & After Arm Lift in Long Island

Who Is A Candidate For Brachioplasty?

The best candidates for an arm lift in Westchester, NY are those who meet these general criteria:

  • You are of normal weight but have underarm sag from age or genetics.
  • You have lost a dramatic amount of weight and the skin’s natural elasticity has been compromised.
  • You are close to your proper/goal weight and your weight is stable.
  • You are in good overall health and committed to a healthy lifestyle.
  • You have no medical conditions that could complicate the procedure or your healing.
  • You should not be a smoker.

An arm lift will generally result in a better look in form-fitting clothes and you will be able to wear short sleeves with confidence. Some scarring can be expected, but with proper care and recovery, the impact is usually minimal and scarring tends to lighten over time. Many of our Long Island Brachioplasty patients report a boost in self-confidence after undergoing an arm lift procedure.

What Can I Expect from my Arm Lift Surgery?

Arm lift surgery can be performed under general anesthesia or twilight sedation. You will discuss your choice with your doctor thoroughly during your private consultation. Surgery is performed on an outpatient basis and typically takes 2-4 hours, depending on the extent of the changes required. Your surgeon will create an incision on the underside of the arm, excising excess fat, skin, and tissue to create a more youthful shape. The length of the incision will depend on the amount of skin laxity present. Liposuction may be employed as well to sculpt the upper arms further. Afterward, you will be placed in our recovery suite, where a licensed nurse will ensure your comfort. You will then go home the same day with a friend or family member who will assist you for the first 24-48 hours of your recovery.

A Quick Glance at the Benefits

An arm lift provides a number of benefits for patients, including the following:

  • Improved proportions from reduced excess fat and skin
  • Tighter, firmer skin on the arms
  • Contoured underarm tissue
  • No more rashes, inflammation, or hygiene concerns from excess skin and rubbing
  • A more defined, toned shape 
  • A well-deserved completion of your transformative weight loss journey
  • Better self-esteem and confidence

What Are Your Arm Lift Options?

Your best options can depend on many factors, such as skin quality, age, the degree of sag and presence of underlying fat deposits, and what your goals are. Our NYC brachioplasty doctors can help answer your questions and will develop a customized plan for you. Some procedures that may be recommended, depending on your unique condition, include:

Liposuction

If your skin has sufficient elasticity to shrink tight around underlying tissues after fat is removed, this procedure may be right for you. Without sufficient elasticity, however, removing fat will cause your upper arms to hang even more.

Brachioplasty with minimal incision

If your droop is close to the armpit, your surgeon may be able to fold most of the skin into the armpit without a lengthy scar.

Combination procedures

When loose skin is prevalent in several areas of the body, brachioplasty can be performed simultaneously with other procedures such as liposuction, breast lift, body lift, skin removal surgery, or others.

Brachioplasty, full arm

This is the standard arm lift that slims the upper arm along its full length.

Extended brachioplasty

To handle loose skin along the chest wall down the side of the arm, the incision is extended.

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How much does a Arm Lift Cost?

The cost of an arm lift surgery varies depending on the needs of each patient and the extent of the surgery required. The treatment plan to sculpt and contour your arms in order to achieve your aesthetic goals is determined during your consultation, and this will provide the exact cost of your arm lift procedure. This cost will also include other necessary fees for anesthesia and operating room facilities. On average, the cost of an arm lift ranges between $4000 and $7000.

What Will My Recovery Entail?

After arm lift surgery, patients can expect mild swelling in the arms that lasts for several weeks. Discomfort can be moderated with prescription medications provided by your surgeon. You will also receive a detailed aftercare plan that goes over caring for your incisions, bathing, sleeping, resuming exercise, and returning to work. Our team understands that your care doesn’t stop once you walk out the door. We will continue to monitor your recovery and ensure your results are satisfying and that your expectations are met.

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Contact Us To Schedule A Consultation

NYBG Plastic Surgery is conveniently located in New York City, New Jersey, Long Island, and Westchester, NY. Our team of experienced surgeons and their knowledgeable support staff will take you through every step of the process, from start to finish. Our goal is to provide outstanding, compassionate, whole body care and to help you achieve your aesthetic goals. Take the first step in your journey - contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Kevin Small Md Publications (Arm Lift)

Liposuction-Assisted Short-Scar Brachioplasty

Upper arm contouring is based on the location and amount of excess skin and fat. The short-scar brachioplasty addresses minimal to moderate skin laxity and lipodystrophy in the proximal arm in patients with appropriate skin tone and quality.

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