Arm Lift in Scottsdale, AZ

One big challenge when losing weight or getting older is dealing with excess skin. At Forma Plastic Surgery, we offer arm lift surgery (or brachioplasty) as an intervention for patients who cannot tone or tighten the arm with exercise and diet. Excess skin from the elbow to the upper arm is very common. Often called "bat wings," arm lift surgery effectively removes this hanging skin. At Forma Plastic Surgery in Scottsdale, AZ, our plastic surgeons have years of experience in performing skin tightening and fat removal surgeries. If you would like to hear more about how brachioplasty can shape your upper arms, please schedule an appointment with us.

A personalized arm lift in Scottsdale, AZ at Forma Plastic Surgery can redefine and rejuvenate your arms with a number of great benefits, including:

• It's an outpatient procedure
• Removes loose skin and excess fat
• Tightens and firms the arms
• Achieves a more youthful, toned look
• Enables better movement and mobility
• Opens up more wardrobe options
• Improves comfort
• Creates dramatic, long-lasting results
• Boosts confidence and self-image

An arm lift is an aesthetic surgery that uses innovative techniques to contour and remove excess skin. If you avoid sleeveless clothes because of your flabby arms and would prefer them to appear fit and healthy again, you are a great candidate for arm lift surgery. You need to be in good overall health so that you will recover properly. Some of the primary symptoms for an arm lift patient are excess, hanging skin on the upper arms, plus lost elasticity of the skin. It is critical that you are at or near your ideal weight before your procedure.

An arm lift uses advanced techniques to reduce the extra skin and contour the arms. If you avoid sleeveless clothing because of your flabby arms and you prefer them to look healthy and fit again, an arm lift may work well for you. You should be in overall good health so your skin can recover properly. We highly recommend being at or close to your ideal weight before undergoing this surgery.

Typically, your upper arm lift surgery will be performed as an outpatient treatment unless we combine it with other plastic surgeries, like a mommy makeover or tummy tuck. An upper arm lift is typically performed with the patient under general anesthesia and may require several hours to complete. The sagging skin is surgically excised, starting at the elbow up to the armpit. We try to conceal the incision as best as possible, but arm surgery will leave a visible scar. Sometimes, patients may need liposuction to achieve their desired results. After tightening the skin, our plastic surgeons suture it in place. You will need to keep the incisions clean, bandaged, and supported with compression garments.

Recovery takes around two weeks with lots of arm elevation and rest. During this time, you should let your body heal. You use your arms for more than you think so you will need to ease back into everyday activities. For at least a month (4 – 5 weeks), we recommend avoiding all exercise and strenuous activity except for frequent, short walks. As you heal, Forma Plastic Surgery offers an array of scar management options such as silicone sheeting, scar gels and microneedling treatments to assist in minimizing the appearance of the scars.

Can I combine an arm lift with other surgeries?
It is common for arm lift patients to create a custom treatment plan with another surgery. This is sometimes referred to as an upper body lift and can combine liposuction, a breast lift, and/or a tummy tuck. An arm lift is also commonly performed as part of after weight loss surgery for those who have lost a significant amount of weight and want full-body contouring. In your initial consultation with your plastic surgeon at Forma Plastic Surgery, each surgery will be discussed in detail so your unique treatment plan fits all your goals.

Will there be scars?
A surgical arm lift requires incisions in order to excise loose skin, which means there will be scarring from stitches. However, your plastic surgeon at our Scottsdale, AZ facility will make every effort to use small, thin incisions that are placed in less visible areas. Following your surgery, ointments to assist in scar healing will be recommended along with other tips for scar care management. The Forma Plastic Surgery team also recommends you avoid significant UV exposure for at least one year to minimize scar discoloration. Most patients consider the overall benefits of an arm lift to outweigh the minimal scars created.

Are there nonsurgical treatments to improve my arms?
Although there are several great noninvasive skin tightening treatments, most usually give you small improvements. To remove moderate to severe amounts of loose skin, a surgical arm lift is your best option. In addition to eliminating loose skin, your plastic surgeon will also liposuction small amounts of fat and smooth the remaining skin and tissue. If you are interested in nonsurgical procedures, the Forma Plastic Surgery team can tell you about these during your consultation and then help you choose what fits your goals.

How much does arm lift surgery cost?
Your cost for an arm lift will be based on several things. Before we can determine your costs, a consultation will need to take place so our team can listen to your concerns and goals. Once this is complete, a custom treatment plan will be created along with a breakdown of your costs. Forma Plastic Surgery accepts several payment methods. We can also help you find low-interest medical financing.

What results can I expect from an arm lift?
A surgical arm lift is performed to treat loose skin and stubborn pockets of fat. You should maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet to avoid a dramatic change in your weight, which might compromise your surgical results. Following your lift, as soon as you are fully healed, and our team has cleared you, you can begin weight training. This is a great way to improve the shape of your arms by toning the muscles.

How do I prepare for my arm lift surgery?
Preparing for an arm lift surgery involves multiple steps to ensure the best possible outcome. During your consultation, your plastic surgeon will provide you with a comprehensive list of pre-operative guidelines. These could include quitting smoking, avoiding certain medications that could increase bleeding, and obtaining medical clearance from your general physician. You may also be asked to complete certain lab tests. Proper preparation can help minimize risks and contribute to a smoother recovery process. Follow all instructions carefully to set the stage for a successful arm lift.

No matter what you call your droopy skin or the "chicken wings" under your upper arms, our plastic surgeons look at it as an opportunity to improve your confidence and finish your final weight loss goal. If you're at or close to a healthy, stable weight and still can't lose the skin and flab that hangs on your upper arms, please contact us and schedule a private consultation with the team at Forma Plastic Surgery. Arm lift surgery can help you feel fitter and younger.