Are you bothered by the appearance of your upper arms? Do they appear overly heavy, or does the skin on the underside seem to sag? This is a normal part of the aging process, but it’s not something you have to live with. Burt and Will Plastic Surgery and Dermatology in Burr Ridge, IL can perform an arm lift that reshapes your upper arms so that they appear sleeker and more contoured.
How Does an Arm Lift Work?
An arm lift, referred to in medical terms as Brachioplasty, is a cosmetic treatment that removes excess fat and skin from the part of the arm between the armpit and elbow. The skin is then placed back over the recontoured arm. This treatment effectively treats the droopiness that can develop on the underside of the upper arms.
Why Is This Treatment Performed?
As we age, our skin becomes less elastic, and the upper arms are one area of the body where sagging skin can become apparent. Significant weight loss can also leave behind excess skin, and your family genetics are another contributing factor. Exercise, and in particular strength training, can tone the upper arms, but it usually can’t completely get rid of sagging skin that has lost its elasticity.
Many older adults are bothered by the appearance of aging arms and try to hide this part of the body with sleeved garments and scarves. But Brachioplasty can slim and contour your arms, giving you a more youthful appearance while also helping your clothes fit better.
What Happens During Treatment?
Brachioplasty is an outpatient treatment performed under general anesthesia. An incision will be made in the under part of your arm, starting around the armpit and reaching down as far as the elbow. The size of the incision will depend in part on how much fat we envision removing. Liposuction will then be performed to break down and siphon out fat deposits.
Any excess skin will also be removed, and the remaining skin will be tightened and repositioned. This treatment usually takes two to three hours.
What Type of Recovery Should I Expect?
Most patients spend about a week resting and recovering at home before returning to work. Consuming healthy foods, limiting your intake of processed foods, and staying hydrated can also help speed your recovery. You’ll be asked to wear a compression garment during your recovery, which will help the skin adhere to the new shape of the arms, speed the healing process, and help keep your arm comfortable.
How Quickly Will I See Results?
Most patients see their final results within six weeks.
Is This Treatment Ever Performed in Conjunction With Other Services?
Depending on the patient’s cosmetic goals, Brachioplasty can be performed on its own or in conjunction with a larger body contouring treatment or a mommy makeover.
How Does This Compare to a Traditional Liposuction Treatment?
Traditional liposuction is an effective fat removal treatment, but it’s not always the best option for addressing saggy underarms. That’s because liposuction won’t get rid of sagging or excess skin.
Will My Arm Lift Results Be Permanent?
Yes. Although your skin and body will continue to age and naturally evolve, an arm lift represents a permanent reshaping of the upper arm skin. As long as your weight does not fluctuate wildly, your results will last for a long time. If you gain and then lose a significant amount of weight, your loose skin may come back, although it probably won’t be as lax as it was before treatment.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
You’re in Good Health
The best candidates are nonsmokers in good physical and mental health. Individuals with medical conditions that slow wound healing may not be candidates for this treatment. Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding are also not considered suitable candidates.
You’re at a Stable and Healthy Weight
To best preserve their results, patients should have a stable weight that they can maintain. If you’re considering embarking on a significant weight loss program or becoming pregnant, we may advise you to schedule Brachioplasty at a later date. Patients should also be at a weight that is healthy for the age and height.
You Have Lax Upper Arm Skin
If you have a significant amount of loose or excess skin in the upper arms, either because of the aging process or a significant weight loss, you may be a good candidate for this treatment. Patients who have a healthy or normal weight, but who feel that their physique is not as appealing as it could be because of heavy arms, often turn to this treatment.
You’re Bothered by the Appearance of Your Upper Arms
Are you self-conscious about the look of your upper arms? Do you avoid tank tops and short-sleeved clothing because you feel like your upper arms are aging you? If you’re ready to shape and tone your arms and feel great about the way you look, Brachioplasty is for you.
What Benefits Does This Treatment Offer?
It Can Minimize Skin Irritation
Patients with excess skin in the upper arm area often experience inflammation and rashes in the folds of skin. Maintaining proper hygiene can also be difficult when the upper arms are heavy and sagging. Brachioplasty, because it eliminates those folds of extra skin, eliminates these problems for most patients.
It Can Help Your Clothes Fit Better
Individuals who have undergone Brachioplasty often find that their clothes fit better. In some cases, they’re even able to go down a size. Patients also say they feel more comfortable wearing sleeveless shirts and bathing suits.
It Can Boost Your Workouts
Once the excess skin has been removed from your upper arms, you may notice that your arms feel stronger. Lifting weights and other forms of upper body exercise may be easier, and you may see better results from those workouts, once you’ve undergone an arm lift. Many patients are motivated by their arm lift results to embark on an even healthier and more physically active lifestyle than before.
It Can Better Balance Your Figure
By slimming down the size of your upper arms, Brachioplasty can improve the overall balance of your silhouette. Your arms will be in better proportion to the rest of your body. This will give your figure a healthy and more youthful appearance.
It Can Boost Your Confidence
Patients who undergo an arm lift often experience newfound confidence in their bodies. They feel great about themselves, and they’re eager to show off their smooth, taut upper arms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Insurance Cover This Treatment?
Because this treatment is most often performed for cosmetic reasons, insurance usually does not cover it. Our practice offers flexible financing options that you can take advantage of.
What Is the Best Age for This Treatment?
Most Brachioplasty patients are over the age of 40. This treatment is also performed on younger patients struggling with sagging skin that’s the result of a notable weight loss. Brachioplasty is only performed on individuals who are at least 18 years of age.
What Type of Patients Seek Out This Treatment?
The reshaping and tightening of the upper arms is something that appeals to a variety of patients. Some Brachioplasty patients have healthy normal weights and simply want to improve the shape and appearance of aging upper arms. Other patients turn to this treatment because a significant weight loss has left them with sagging arms.
Do Men Ever Undergo Arm Lifts?
Yes. Although this treatment is most popular with female patients, it is also regularly performed with successful results on individuals of both genders.
How Can I Get Started With This Treatment?
If you’re interested in pursuing Brachioplasty, the first step is to schedule a consultation with our office. During this appointment, we’ll evaluate your upper arms and talk with you about your cosmetic goals. We’ll also review your medical history and any medications you are taking. We’ll work with you to determine if this treatment is right for you.
Take the First Step Toward Sleek, Youthful Arms Today
Are you tired of hiding behind long-sleeved shirts and scarves? Are you ready to finally get the slim, youthful arms you’ve long wanted? An arm lift is a straightforward and effective way of toning up the arms and eliminating sagging skin. Best of all, the results will last you a lifetime. What are you waiting for? Call Burt and Will Plastic Surgery and Dermatology in Burr Ridge, IL, and schedule your Brachioplasty consultation today!