Arm Lift
BRACHIOPLASTY
Reduce excess skin and fat in the upper arm
Arm lift surgery, also known as brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure that can help reduce excess skin and fat in the upper arm region, revealing a smoother, more toned contour.
During an arm lift, Dr. Cho will make an incision on the inside or back of the upper arm, extending from the armpit to the elbow. Excess skin and fat will then be removed, and the underlying supportive tissue will be tightened and smoothed. Sometimes, arm lift surgery is combined with liposuction to remove additional fat deposits.
The resulting scar is typically well hidden along the inner or back of the upper arm.
Arm lift surgery is a good option for adults who:
- Have excess skin in the upper arm region due to weight loss, aging, or genetics
- Want to improve the appearance of their upper arms
- Are in good health and have realistic expectations for surgery
Benefits
- Surgically remove excess upper arm skin and fat
- Improve the tone and contour of the upper arms
Ideal Candidate
- Adults with significant upper arm skin laxity
- Adults of any age whose weight is relatively stable and who are not significantly overweight
- Healthy individuals without medical conditions that impair healing or increase risk of surgery
- Nonsmokers
- Individuals with a positive outlook and realistic expectations
For those who are not a candidate and want a less invasive surgery and no scarring an alternative procedure would be Vaser liposuction with Renuvion skin tightening.
Consultation
- During your consultation, Dr. Cho will assess your current medical history, including medications, vitamins and herbal supplements you take, alcohol, tobacco, and drug use.
- Review prior surgeries you’ve had.
- Discuss your surgical goals.
- A full physical examination including assessing excess skin and fat or the upper arms.
- A motor and sensory nerve examination.
- Your safety with all procedures will always be the first priority.
- Photographs may be taken.
- Discuss risks, benefits, and alternatives of all your options.
- Discuss potential complications.
- Have time to review and sign a surgical consent form.
Recovery
- After surgery, there will be specific dressings and bandages to be left in place.
- You may have one or two small clear silicone tubes (“drains”) which may help drain excess fluid following your arm lift. You will be taught how to maintain and empty these and keep an accurate record of the drainage.
- You may have arm wraps or additional compression garments that are designed to help minimize swelling following surgery.
- You will be given specific instructions for medications to take to both control your pain and aid in healing or reduce the risk of infection.
Pre- and Post-Op Care
- Do not take any blood thinning medications for 1 week before surgery: these include aspirin, NSAIDs, ibuprofen/motrin, naproxen. Also avoid any herbal supplements or vitamins which can prolong bleeding.
- Do not smoke or vape or take nicotine-containing products before or after your surgery as they can impair the healing process.
- You will typically be allowed to sponge bathe, but do not shower until the drains come out or until cleared by Dr. Cho
- Wear your binder/compression garments at all times if possible.
- Keeps arms elevated as much as possible to reduce swelling
- Take medications as directed.
- Avoid heavy lifting as directed by your surgeon.
- Come to all postoperative visits as scheduled.
Surgery is a big decision.
We are here to answer any questions you have and help you determine the right choice for you. If you are considering arm lift surgery, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Cho today. She would be honored to discuss your goals and help you achieve the look you desire.