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Arm Lift Overview

Tighten and Tone Your Upper Arms With an Arm Lift in Austin

Age, weight loss, and heredity are all factors that can contribute to the appearance of flabby, sagging skin on the upper arms. This can create an unfortunate “bat wing” appearance and make it nearly impossible to attain firm, toned arms. Typically, excess skin in this area is stubborn and extremely difficult to eradicate. At Austin Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, we offer a procedure called an arm lift, which can eliminate your loose, droopy skin and help you achieve youthful, well-defined upper arms.

What Is an Arm Lift?

An arm lift, also known as brachioplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure performed to remove excess skin and fat from the upper arms, recontouring the remaining skin and tissue to give it a tighter, more toned appearance. Most commonly, brachioplasty in Austin is used to help patients restore their firm upper arms after losing a significant amount of weight.

What Are the Benefits of an Arm Lift in Austin?

An arm lift is a powerful body contouring procedure that can offer all of the following benefits:

  • Firmer, more toned upper arms
  • Removal of saggy excess skin
  • Improved bodily proportions
  • Elimination of “bat wing” appearance
  • More visible muscle definition
  • Increased wardrobe options
  • Improved self-confidence and self-image
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How Should I Prepare for an Arm Lift?

Preparing for an arm lift involves several important steps to ensure a smooth process and optimal results. Here’s how you can get ready for your procedure:

  • Medical Evaluation: Before surgery, you’ll undergo a full medical evaluation to ensure you’re healthy enough for the procedure. This may include lab tests and a review of your health history.
  • Quit Nicotine: Smoking and the use of any nicotine products can impact your body’s ability to heal, so it’s recommended to quit at least four weeks before surgery.
  • Avoid Certain Medications: Blood-thinning medications, such as aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs, should be avoided as they increase the risk of bleeding.
  • Arrange for Support: After the procedure, you’ll need someone to drive you home and assist you with daily tasks for the first week or so after surgery.
  • Prepare Your Recovery Area: Set up a comfortable recovery area at home with essential items such as pillows, water, snacks, medications, and entertainment options. Having this space ready will make the initial recovery days easier.
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What to Expect During Your Brachioplasty in Austin

Before you undergo brachioplasty, you’ll first sit down for a one-on-one consultation with one of our expert plastic surgeons. They’ll take a close look at your upper arms, answer any questions you may have about the procedure, and ask you a few questions to ensure that you’re a good candidate. If you decide to proceed, you and your provider will work together to create a personalized treatment plan.

On the day of your arm lift in Austin, you’ll be administered either general anesthesia to keep you peacefully sleeping during the surgery. Your surgeon will then make an incision along your inner arm, between your elbow and armpit. This will allow them to begin carefully excising loose, excess skin. If necessary, they may also use liposuction to remove excess fat from your upper arm. Finally, they will redrape the remaining skin and close the incision with sutures. If you’re having the procedure done on both arms, this process will then be repeated on the other arm. We’ll need to keep you monitoring for a couple of hours after your brachioplasty procedure. After that, you can head home with a friend or family member driving you.

What Is the Brachioplasty Recovery Like?

After your arm lift surgery in Austin, you can expect to need between one and two weeks of rest before easing back into your normal routine and returning to work. During this time, you’ll experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising in the treated area. To reduce the swelling and promote proper healing, you’ll likely need to wear a special compression garment.

While recovering, be sure to maintain a nutritious diet, stay hydrated, and get plenty of rest. You should also start taking light walks around the house as soon as you feel up to it, but it’s best to refrain from more strenuous exercise for around four to six weeks.

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Who Is a Good Candidate for an Arm Lift in Austin?

If you are bothered by excess skin or fat on your upper arms, an arm lift may be a good option for you. Most commonly, the procedure is performed on individuals who have developed loose, sagging skin after losing a significant amount of weight. However, anyone dealing with excess upper arm skin could potentially be a good candidate.

To be an ideal candidate for brachioplasty in Austin with our team, you should meet the following criteria:

  • Be in generally good health
  • Have maintained a stable weight for at least six months
  • Be relatively close to your ideal weight
  • Not be currently pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Be a non-smoker or willing to temporarily quit
  • Have realistic expectations for the procedure
  • Be willing to maintain a healthy lifestyle going forward
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Why Choose Austin Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery for Your Brachioplasty in Austin?

When you go with Austin Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery for your brachioplasty procedure, you’ll be working with our team of compassionate, award-winning plastic surgeons. Our highly skilled surgeons employ a personalized, patient-centric approach to cosmetic care. We firmly believe that everyone deserves to feel confident and attractive in their own skin, and we’ll go above and beyond to provide you with the guidance, support, and high-quality treatment that you need on your aesthetic journey. If you’re interested in learning more or scheduling your initial consultation, just contact us at (512) 815-0123 today.

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Arm Lift FAQ

How long does an arm lift take?

How painful is arm lift surgery?

Are the results of an arm lift permanent?

Will I have scarring after my arm lift?

How toned will my arms look after the procedure?

Should I get an arm lift or liposuction?

How long does an arm lift take?

The duration of an arm lift surgery depends on the extent of the procedure. On average, though, the surgery takes around two to three hours to complete.

How painful is arm lift surgery?

Arm lift surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia, so you won't feel any pain during the procedure. After the surgery, you will experience some discomfort, but your surgeon can prescribe pain medication as needed.

Are the results of an arm lift permanent?

The results of an arm lift surgery are long-lasting, but they are not always permanent. Aging, weight fluctuations, and lifestyle factors can affect the appearance of your arms over time. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and a stable weight can help you maintain the results of your arm lift for many years.

Will I have scarring after my arm lift?

Yes, scarring is a part of any surgical procedure, including an arm lift. However, our skilled surgeons carefully place the incision along the inner arm to minimize its visibility. Over time, the scar will fade and become less noticeable, especially with proper aftercare. We also provide recommendations for scar care, such as specialized creams and treatments, to help reduce its appearance as much as possible.

How toned will my arms look after the procedure?

An arm lift removes excess skin and, if needed, excess fat, giving your upper arms a more contoured and toned appearance. While the procedure significantly improves the shape of your arms, it’s essential to remember that the final result depends on factors like skin quality, muscle tone, and individual anatomy. Many patients report feeling more confident wearing sleeveless clothing and enjoying a more defined look after recovery.

Should I get an arm lift or liposuction?

Choosing between an arm lift and liposuction depends on your specific needs. Liposuction is ideal for those with good skin elasticity who are looking to remove stubborn fat without addressing loose skin. An arm lift, or brachioplasty, is best for individuals dealing with sagging, excess skin, often due to significant weight loss or aging. During your consultation, we’ll assess your goals and recommend the best procedure to help you achieve your desired outcome.

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