Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)

Arm lift surgery, also known as brachioplasty, is done to improve the appearance of the arm above the elbow. Fluctuations in weight, growing older and heredity can cause the upper arms to have a drooping, sagging appearance, or the dreaded flabby arm look. This is a condition that cannot be corrected through exercise.

*Individual results may vary

Arm contouring can be done via liposuction or a brachioplasty. Liposuction may be an option if your skin is smooth and tight and there is only excess fat. An arm lift may be recommended when there is excess or sagging skin as well as excess fat. This procedure will usually reduce excess sagging skin and tighten and smooth the underlying supportive tissue that defines the shape of the upper arm.

This is a very common procedure done on patients who have lost massive amounts of weight and have loose, hanging skin that becomes very difficult to manage. Dr. Greenberg has extensive experience in handling the unique problems of massive weight loss patients. Candidates should be in excellent health, nonsmokers, and have realistic expectations for their procedure.

At the initial arm contouring consultation, your goals and expectations about arm contouring surgery will be discussed in detail. Different brachioplasty, as well as liposuction techniques, will be discussed and an individual decision as to the most appropriate technique(s) to be used will be selected.

Brachioplasty is performed at our accredited in-office surgical facility on an outpatient basis. Several types of anesthesia are available, including local (which gives the fastest recovery time) and general. These options will be discussed at the consultation. Though other types of anesthesia are available, Dr. Greenberg feels general anesthesia usually gives the greatest degree of safety and comfort and allows for the most effective treatment.

The incisions are made in the arm groove in the mid portion of the arm so as to be as inconspicuous as possible. Liposuction may also be done as an adjunctive procedure if additional contouring is felt to be necessary.

You’ll see immediate results from your arm lift procedure; however, most swelling and bruising won’t dissipate until after about a month or so. Your results should be long-lasting, but they might change as a result of aging and/or weight gain.

Compression garments are worn for several weeks after brachioplasty surgery. The arms will be swollen and bruised in the early postoperative period. Most of this will resolve within the first 3 weeks, but it may be several weeks longer before the swelling completely resolves and normal sensation returns to the area. You should expect to be able to return to work after one week and resume all normal activities, including exercise, after 3 weeks.

If you’d like to learn more, schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Scott A. Greenberg at Winter Park Plastic Surgery & Laser Center in Winter Park, FL (serving the Central Florida area). (407) 644-3137

*Individual results may vary