An arm lift results in a more toned and proportionate appearance, enhancing your self-confidence and expanding your fashion choices. The trade-off to your improved image is a resulting scar on the inside of your upper arm. This page presents an overview of arm lift, technically called Brachioplasty. The best way to learn how an arm lift can help fulfill your personal goals is through a consultation with Dr. Baker.
Fluctuations in weight, aging and even heredity can cause changes in appearance that you might not expect. One such change that can occur in the upper arm results in a droopy, sagging, batwing-like appearance. Fitness may strengthen and improve the underlying muscle tone of the upper arm, but it cannot address excess skin that has lost elasticity or underlying weakened tissues and localized fat deposits.
If the underside of your upper arms has developed sagging, droopy skin, or appears loose and full due to excess skin and fat, an arm lift may be right for you. In general, an arm lift reduces excess skin and underlying fat that occurs between the underarm region in the elbow, reshaping the arm to result in smoother skin and more normal contours.
Inner Arm Incision
Back of Arm Incision
Minimal Arm Lift Incision
This page presents an overview of arm lift, technically called Brachioplasty. The best way to learn how an arm lift can help fulfill your personal goals is through a consultation with Dr. Baker.
A consultation with Dr. Baker is the first step to learning how and what can help you achieve a smoother and more normal contour of the arm. A consultation is designed to fully educate you about Brachioplasty in a non-pressured environment, and will include:
An arm lift is a surgical procedure that reshapes the under portion of the upper arm, and the underarm region to the elbow. This procedure is performed to:
In addition, any localized pockets of fat in the upper arm region may be reduced through Brachioplasty, most commonly in conjunction with liposuction techniques. The conditions treated with an arm lift may develop in both men and women, most often due to a loss of elasticity in the skin and underlying tissue of the upper arm. This may be the result of significant weight loss and skin that has been so stretched it loses the ability to retract. Conditions may also result from the natural changes that occur with aging, heredity, or a combination of these conditions.
An arm lift cannot correct weakened muscles of the upper arm; in fact, many individuals who seek surgery are relatively fit individuals who are bothered by a condition that cannot be corrected through exercise. In general, good candidates for an arm lift are:
An arm lift is a safe and satisfying procedure that can greatly improve the appearance of your upper arm. The procedure begins with an incision placed on the inside of the upper arm. The incision may extend from the underarm to the elbow, or be more limited in length. Incision length and pattern depend on the amount and location of excess skin to be removed, as well as the preferences and surgical judgment of Dr. Baker.
If fat will be reduced during your arm lift, it will be excised or treated with liposuction techniques. The underlying supportive tissues are tightened and reshaped with internal sutures. The overlying skin is then smoothed over the new contour of your arm, with excess skin reduced. Your incisions will be closed with absorbable sutures.
The trade-off to an improved body contour and image through an arm lift is a resulting scar on the inside portion of your upper arm. In addition, uneven contours can develop in the arm after surgery. In some cases, skin elasticity is so poor that relapse of the skin is possible.
Whole Hearted Thanks“Please pass on my whole hearted thanks to Dr. Baker for the outstanding work he has done on Ilene over the last 2 plus years. I thank God he was on call the night they brought Ilene into Fairfax Hospital. I know it was his skills and understanding that have given me back a beautiful you woman she is today.”
Dr. Baker will carefully explain the technique for your arm lift. Prior to any surgery, you will be given specific instructions that may include:
In addition, you will be asked to sign consent forms to assure Dr. Baker that you fully understand the procedure or procedures you will undergo and any associated risks and potential complications.
Whether Dr. Baker performs your arm lift at Georgetown University Hospital (Washington D.C.), Inova Fairfax Hospital (Falls Church, VA), or an ambulatory surgical facility (McLean, VA), you should arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery, and to help you out for a day or two.
Brachioplasty may be performed in an ambulatory surgical facility or a hospital. Procedures are most commonly performed under general anesthesia, although local anesthesia with sedation may be used. These decisions will be based on the requirements of your specific procedure and considerations of patient preference.
Possible risks of an arm lift include bleeding, infection, fluid accumulation, delayed or poor healing, skin loss, blood clots, excessive or widened scars, numbness and other changes in skin sensation, and irregular or asymmetric contour or scars. Any surgery carries risks associated with anesthesia. These risks and others will be fully disclosed prior to your consent.
It is important that you address all your questions directly with Dr. Baker. It is natural to feel some anxiety, whether excitement for the anticipated outcomes or preoperative stress and these feelings can be discussed with Dr. Baker prior to surgery.
Once your arm lift is completed, dressing or bandages will be applied to your incisions, and your arms may be wrapped in an elastic bandage to minimize swelling and to support your new contours as you heal. Small, thin tubes may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain excess fluid or blood that may collect. Before you are released following surgery, you and an accompanying responsible family member, friend or caregiver will be given specific instructions that may include:
Following your arm lift, your arms will be swollen and bruised, and you will experience some discomfort. Discomfort is common and can be controlled with medication. You will be instructed to keep your arms elevated for several days following surgery and return to light walking as soon as possible to minimize the potential for blood clots and other complications.
You will also be instructed to avoid lifting or bearing any weight on your arms for several days to weeks. Dr. Baker may also advise you to limit your range of motion until internal healing is complete. You will be ready to return to work and light, normal activities within a few days, as long as you do not engage in any lifting or vigorous exercise. Follow all instructions carefully – this is essential to the success of your outcome.
Your incisions will heal within 7 to 14 days, after which time sutures will be removed if necessary. Additional healing will continue for many weeks as swelling resolves and incision lines continue to improve. Numbness and a firm feeling over the skin’s surface will resolve over time. You must practice diligent sun protection until the healing process is fully completed or skin in the treated area may develop irregular pigmentation and scars may become raised, red or dark. It may take a year or more following a given procedure for incision lines to refine and fade to some degree. Continue to follow Dr. Baker’s instructions and attend follow-up visits as scheduled.
The dramatic improvement in arm contour following arm lift surgery can greatly enhance your body image. A smooth, toned arm that matches your body image and personal goals does, however, come with visible scars. This is a fair trade-off to achieving a body contour that matches your body weight and proportion.
The results of an arm lift will be long-lasting, provided that you maintain a stable weight and general fitness. As your body ages, it is natural to lose some firmness. However, most of your improvement should be relatively permanent.
The cost of an Upper Arm Lift will depend on several factors. The price can be affected by body type, type of technique performed, surgical complications, and even allergies. Find out more by scheduling a consultation.
If you have any questions about Upper Arm Lift in Washington DC or would like to book a consultation with Dr. Baker, please contact Dr. Baker today. Our skilled team can help you get the sculpted body you have always desired.
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