San Jose Morgan Hill A brachioplasty, also called an arm lift, is a procedure for removing unwanted excess fat and loose, sagging skin from your upper arms for a slimmer, more defined appearance. Sagging skin on the arms can result from a combination of aging, genetics, and dramatic weight gain and loss. An arm lift is typically performed to create a more dramatic transformation than liposuction, non-surgical treatments, or diet and exercise alone. After an arm lift, Palo Alto and San Jose patients may notice that clothing fits better around the arms and may feel more confident wearing sleeveless clothes.
TREATMENT TIME
2 Hours
PATIENT DOWNTIME
2-4 Weeks
TREATMENT SERIES
1
PROCEDURE TYPE
Outpatient
An arm lift is most suitable for people with low skin elasticity that causes excess fat or skin to hang from underneath the upper arms. The amount to be removed can generally be visualized by pinching the skin to determine the degree of laxity in the skin and fat. People with low skin elasticity who address excess upper arm fat with liposuction alone may be left with more loose, hanging skin. Dr. Boudreault’s comprehensive arm lift procedures include both excision of the skin and liposuction of fat in order to create an optimally defined and contoured shape.
During our Palo Alto or San Jose arm lift procedure, you’ll be fully asleep under general anesthesia. Dr. Boudreault will prescribe pain medication for you at the time of your pre-operative visit, so you can manage any initial discomfort after your surgery. You’ll be asked to wear a compression garment for up to 24 hours a day for at least the first week to reduce swelling as you heal. This procedure can be done as a standalone procedure, but can also be performed in combination with other breast or body procedures.
An arm lift involves the removal of skin and fat from the upper arm. An incision is made along the inner part of the arm, resulting in a scar that rests in a line between the elbow and the armpit, where it can be more easily concealed. The length of the scar is determined by the amount of skin laxity. If there is more laxity, Dr. Boudreault will make a thorough assessment to determine whether he may extend the incision past the armpit and along the upper side of the torso to remove more skin and fat in that region, also known as the “side boob.” After removal of excess skin and reshaping of fat with liposuction, the incision is closed, leaving the arms with a slimmer, more toned appearance.
You may initially experience some post-operative discomfort from an arm lift, as well as bruising and swelling. Because you may have difficulty moving your arms normally for a few days after surgery, you may wish to have assistance with your recovery. After the procedure is complete, Dr. Boudreault will be there throughout your aftercare process to help support a smooth recovery. Most Palo Alto and San Jose arm lift patients begin feeling more like themselves again after 2-3 weeks. We recommend avoiding strenuous activity for about one month after the procedure to support optimal healing.
When the procedure is complete, your arms will be wrapped in a compression support garment to reduce swelling and aid healing, so you may not be able to see the results immediately afterward. However, the bandages come off about one week later, and you should begin to notice a significant difference, with a tighter and more toned appearance to your arms. There may be minor swelling present for 6-9 months post-procedure, but most of the before-and-after photos we take are at 3-6 months post-procedure.
Every arm lift plan is custom. Pricing depends on your needs, your anatomy, and the technique chosen — which can vary in operative time and complexity. We'll walk through it all at your consultation.
We at Illuminate are happy to offer convenient payment options so there is no need to pay for your arm lift procedure all upfront. Talk to us about options like CareCredit for easy monthly payments, so you can enjoy the results sooner and pay over time.
Trust is our Best Feature
At Illuminate we’re with you during every step of your journey toward greater self-confidence. Schedule a consultation with us today and let Illuminate’s expert team listen to your concerns and guide you through treatments and procedures to help you reach your individual goals. We look forward to seeing you and celebrating your renewed appearance and realized potential.
