Arm Lift in New Jersey

As you age, the skin on the upper arms changes and may become saggier and looser. Significant weight loss can also lead to the undersides of the upper arms drooping, making you self-conscious about your appearance.

To address the problem, you can have an arm lift to enhance the appearance of the upper part of your upper arms.

What is Brachioplasty?

Arm Lift, also known as a brachioplasty, involves the removes extra fat and skin between your elbow and armpit. The skin that is left is draped over your new contours to make the arms look more toned. It also will boost your self-image, and you’ll feel more at ease about wearing short sleeves again.

Arm Lift Procedure

The general steps for an arm lift are:

ANESTHESIA

Your plastic surgeon will administer IV or general sedation, depending on your needs. You will be drowsy for the rest of the day when you wake up, so remember to have someone available to drive you home.

INCISION

The incision pattern and length during arm lift surgery depend on the amount and location of extra skin to be removed. Dr Smita will check your arms during the consultation to determine how much tissue should be removed.

Most surgeons place incisions on the inside or the back of the arm, depending on the situation. The incisions also may extend from the armpit to above the elbow. Extra fat may be cut out or removed with liposuction.

Depending on your anatomy, the surgeon may use fewer incisions. Next, underlying supportive tissue is reshaped and tightened with sutures, then the skin is tightened and smoothed over the arm.

CLOSING INCISIONS

The surgeon closes the incisions with stitches, or absorbable sutures are taken out one or two weeks after surgery.

You will see the tighter, smoother contours from arm lift surgery almost right away after the procedure.

However, there will be swelling and bruising, so it will take two or three months to see the final result.

SMITA R. RAMANADHAM, M.D. – Female Plastic Surgeon

Smita R. Ramanadham, M.D. – Female Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Smita Ramanadham, a native of New Jersey, possesses an understanding of the distinct aspirations of both women and men in the local area. Having accomplished an impressive academic journey at Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston, MA, she now rejoices in returning to her home state.

Dr. Ramanadham attained her plastic and reconstructive surgery training at the renowned University of Texas Southwestern in Dallas, TX, a program that holds the top national ranking in plastic surgery according to Doximity. During her training, she had the privilege of learning directly from the world’s foremost experts.

She actively contributes as a valued member of The Aesthetic Society, a highly esteemed organization that represents the most skilled cohort of aesthetic plastic surgeons. Moreover, she serves as an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), where she seizes the opportunity to advance the field of plastic surgery on a broader scale. Within the ASPS, she serves on various national committees, including Women Plastic Surgeons, Young Plastic Surgeons Steering Committee, Curriculum Committee, Social Media Subcommittee, Wellness Task Force, and Coding and Payment Policy Committee.

Arm Lift Before and After

Arm Lift Benefits

There are many benefits of having an arm lift that make it worthwhile for many men and women:

Reduces sagging skin and smooths and tightens supportive tissues under your arms.
Enhances your comfort after you lose a significant amount of weight.
Avoids rashes and inflammation because of extra skin folds that can cause infection.
Reduces hygiene problems.
Enhances self-esteem

Most patients enjoy seeing their sculpted, smooth arms, which gives them more self-confidence. You also feel freer to wear short sleeves or a bathing suit without worrying about how your arms look.

Ideal Candidates for Arm Lift

Several factors make patients good candidates for an arm lift:

Genetics: You can eat a healthy diet and exercise, but you still may have loose, sagging skin under the arms. Many women inherit this tendency from their mothers, and surgery may be the only option.
As we age, skin loses elasticity and tends to sag and droop in women’s upper arms.
If you lose weight, you may wind up with skin hanging on the upper arms.

You also should be near your ideal weight, not smoke, and have no bleeding or healing problems.

Surgery Preparation for Arm Lift

Before your arm lift, Dr. Smita will give you instructions to prepare for surgery:

Have a medical evaluation and possibly blood tests to determine you’re healthy enough for surgery.
Take certain medications to prepare for the arm lift, or stop taking certain medications.
If you smoke, you need to stop several weeks before and after surgery; tobacco use can interfere with the healing process.
Don’t take anti-inflammatory drugs, aspirin, or herbal supplements before surgery because they can increase bleeding.

Also, you will undergo IV or general anesthesia, so you won’t be able to drive home from surgery. Make sure you have a friend or family member available to take you home.

It also helps to have someone stay with you for a few days to help with things around the home.

Arm Lift Risks and Complications

Under the care of a board-certified plastic surgeon, most arm lifts go well with few severe complications. However, an arm lift is major surgery, so it’s essential to be aware of potential risks:

Excessive scarring: You will have incision scars on your arms, but they are usually where they cannot be easily seen. In a few cases, incisions may be raised and red after they heal. However, your surgeon may treat the problem by injecting corticosteroids to improve their appearance.
Asymmetry: Some patients may have one arm that looks bigger than the other, which can happen as the arms heal. While the surgeon will try to make the arms symmetrical, there will be slight differences between them.
Skin sensation changes: When you have the arm lift, the superficial sensory nerves may be affected, which can cause temporary numbness.
Stitch problems: Stitches the surgeon uses to sculpt the new shape of the arm may get under the skin surface and need to be removed. This can inflame the affected skin, and you may require revision surgery.

Also, arm lift surgery isn’t a good fit for every patient. Your surgeon may not recommend an arm lift if:

You’re seriously overweight
Change weights often
Have a medical problem that affects healing
You smoke – you should quit several weeks before and after surgery for proper wound healing

Arm Lift Recovery

Your upper arms will be covered with bandages and possibly a compression garment after surgery. This will help reduce swelling.

You should have a friend or family member available to help you at home for the first three or four days. For example, they may go grocery shopping for you and help prepare meals.

It’s essential to drink a lot of fluids and eat healthy foods after surgery. In addition, staying hydrated will improve your recovery time.

As you recover, you can expect mild pain for the first week or two, as well as swelling and bruising. You should plan fewer activities for the first one or two weeks, and it helps to use pillows to elevate the arms when you sit or lie down.

Wear loose clothing that is easy to put on and remove. Also, keep an eye on your incisions to look for any signs of redness or excessive swelling. If you see either, you should call Dr. Smita right away.

This surgery will leave scars, but they will fade with time. Remember to avoid exposing your arms to direct sunlight for the first year after your arm lift. This will prevent excessive discoloration of the scars.

You should avoid vigorous exercise for the first three or four weeks as you heal, but taking a daily walk improves circulation and healing.

Complementary Procedures

Patients with an arm lift may consider having other cosmetic procedures in the same session to save time and expense.

Some popular procedures patients have with an arm lift include a mommy makeover, liposuction, tummy tuck, and lower body lift.

Dr. Smita will do a medical evaluation before scheduling your arm lift procedure to discuss other options you may be considering.

Arm Lift FAQ

If you want an arm lift, you probably have plenty of questions. Below are the most common ones:

Why Do Some Women Get Flabby Arms?

Flabby upper arms happen for many reasons, including genetics and aging. For example, women who gain too much weight are at higher risk of developing sagging upper arms.

Can I Just Have Liposuction On My Upper Arms?

There are some cases where having liposuction alone can eliminate the extra fat in the upper arms. However, if you have loose skin, having liposuction will make it worse.

Dr. Smita will check your anatomy and tell you if liposuction is a good choice for you or if you need an arm lift, too.

Can I Wear Deodorant After An Arm Lift?

You will probably need to wear a compression garment for three or four weeks after surgery. It’s important to avoid strenuous exercise and lifting for about a month after surgery. Also, you shouldn’t wear deodorant for two weeks.

How Long Will My Arm Lift Last?

The surgery itself may take two or three hours, depending on the amount of skin and fat removed.

Arm lift results can last for many years. The fat and skin that are removed won’t come back. However, if you don’t maintain a healthy lifestyle, you can gain weight in the upper arms again.

Also, the aging process will continue, and you could have some sagging skin in the arms in the future.

Can I Move My Arms After An Arm Lift?

Yes, but you shouldn’t do anything other than walking for exercise for the first four to six weeks. And you shouldn’t lift your arms over your head for at least two weeks.

Will My Forearms Hurt After An Arm Lift?

Most of the discomfort will be in the upper arms. Some patients might have pain in the lower arms temporarily if nerves were affected by the surgery. Occasionally, nerves can be trapped in scar tissue and cause pain, which would require revision surgery.

How Long After Arm Lift Surgery Do I Have To Wait To Sleep On My Side?

You should sleep on your back with your arms elevated for the first three weeks. You shouldn’t sleep on your side or back during this time.

How Much Does An Arm Lift Hurt?

During your recovery, you will experience mild to moderate pain for a week or two. Also, there will be swelling and bruising.

It takes about two weeks to recover from the procedure. So if you feel like you have more pain than you should, talk to Dr. Smita right away.

How Safe Is An Arm Lift?

Arm lift surgery is usually considered low risk; minor complications arise in about 25% of cases.

What Is A Mini Arm Lift?

A mini arm lift is another procedure that removes less skin and tissue from the upper arms. Dr. Smita will conduct a medical examination to determine if you need a full or mini arm lift.

How Can I Sleep After An Arm Lift?

After surgery, you should sleep on your back instead of on your side or stomach. It helps to prop your arms on pillows while you sleep. Dr. Smita will tell you how long you should sleep this way.

Does An Arm Lift Leave Scars?

Yes. You will have scars from the armpit to your elbow. They are visible at first but will fade with time. Remember not to expose your arms to direct sunlight for the first 12 months so you don’t have discoloration of the scars.

Can I Tighten My Upper Arms Without An Arm Lift?

Some women have sagging skin in the upper arms that can only be eliminated with surgery. But there are several things you can try to improve the problem:

Swim every week to tighten the upper arm muscles
Do pilates and yoga
Drink plenty of water
Try chair dips to strengthen and tone the triceps muscles
Eat a healthy diet and exercise to lose weight

If you try these things and still have sagging upper arms, talk to Dr. Smita about arm lift surgery.

What Should I Wear After An Arm Lift?

Wear loose clothing on your upper body for the first two weeks, so you don’t need to lift your arms over your head. Dr. Smita also may have you wear a compression garment for several weeks to reduce pain and swelling.

How Long Will I Have Drains After My Arm Lift?

Drains may be placed in the upper arms to remove extra fluid. The drains usually are in place for one or two weeks before Dr. Smita removes them. Talk to your plastic surgeon about how to care for the drains and keep them clean.

How Should I Take A Shower After An Arm Lift?

If you shower, you shouldn’t lift your arms over your head to wash your hair; this can loosen the stitches. Instead, you should just cleanse your body and clean carefully around the bandages, and don’t get the incisions in the direct spray of the shower.

Arm lift surgery can make a dramatic difference in the appearance of your upper arms, so talk to Dr. Smita today about this popular procedure.

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Breast Augmentation gives women the chance to have more large perkier breast,

We can recommend various sizes for Breast Implants, depending on your individual struggles. We welcome you to contact our office in New Jersey and set up your personal consultation with Dr. Smita R. Ramanadham.

References

Arm Lift Procedure. (n.d.). Accessed at

https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/arm-lift/procedure

Arm Lift Overview. (n.d.). Accessed at

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/plastic_reconstructive_surgery/services-appts/arm_lift.html

Arm Lift Preparation. (n.d.) Accessed at

https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/arm-lift/preparation