Many people struggle with the appearance of their upper arms due to loose skin tissue and stubborn fat pockets. An arm lift, or brachioplasty, is designed to reduce that sagging skin and provide a smoother, tighter arm contour. Dr. Donald Hause is a board-certified plastic surgeon who can eliminate the “batwing” appearance with an arm lift.
What Causes Loose Skin in the Upper Arms?
Our bodies change in countless ways as we age, and some people are genetically predisposed to drooping or sagging upper arm skin.
Weight fluctuations combined with decreasing skin quality with age can lead to “batwings.” Your body creates less elastin over time, which is responsible for the elasticity that allows skin to snap back after weight loss or when you pinch or pull the skin.
No amount of exercise or over-the-counter creams can tighten and tone this area. Brachioplasty removes the excess skin and fat for a thin, youthful arm shape.
Is an Arm Lift Right For Me?
If you have significant loose skin in your upper arms, you may be a good candidate for an arm lift. Candidates for brachioplasty should generally meet these criteria:
- At a healthy, stable weight and not substantially overweight.
- Do not have a medical condition that could interfere with healing or increase risk of surgical or post-operative complications.
- Nonsmoker or willing to quit for the time required before and after the procedure.
- Have realistic goals for arm lift results.
Your Arm Lift Consultation in Sacramento
During your consultation at Sacramento Aesthetic Surgery, you will meet one-on-one with Dr. Hause. He will evaluate your upper arms and discuss your cosmetic goals and medical history. You may need to have lab testing and/or a medical evaluation and adjust your current medications before your brachioplasty. Certain herbal supplements and over-the-counter medicines, including anti-inflammatories, must be avoided to prevent excessive bleeding.
Brachioplasty Procedure
Dr. Hause will explain your brachioplasty procedure during your consultation and prior to surgery to ensure you know what to expect during recovery. The extent of skin and fat removal may require general anesthesia or local anesthesia with IV sedation.
During surgery, Dr. Hause will make an incision inside the arms, on the back of the arms or from the underarms to the elbow, depending on the extent of excess skin and fat.
He will then remove the skin, tighten the underlying tissues and contour the upper arms using internal sutures. The fat cells in the area may be surgically removed or treated with liposuction. Your skin tissue is then smoothed over and bandaged for recovery.
What is Brachioplasty Recovery Like?
A close friend or family member should accompany you on the day of your brachioplasty to drive you home and help you for at least the first one to two days.
After your brachioplasty, you will have dressings and bandages over the incisions. To reduce post-surgical swelling, you may have a compression bandage or garment wrapped around your upper arms. Excess fluid or blood in the area may be drained with thin tubes.
Dr. Hause and our Sacramento team will provide specific instructions for your recovery period, including how to care for the area and medications you may take or that may be prescribed. They will also outline symptoms and signs of complications that warrant a call to our office.
You will need to take some time away from work and may have to avoid some of your regular activities for several weeks.
What Can I Expect After Brachioplasty?
While you will have some swelling, you should notice a smooth, tight contour right after your arm lift. The swelling and bruising will take some time to dissipate, and any scars from the incisions should fade nicely with time and proper care.
If you maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle with regular exercise, you can enjoy your arm lift results for many years.
However, brachioplasty does not stop the aging process, and it’s normal for your skin to lose firmness with age.
Why Choose Dr. Donald Hause in Sacramento
Dr. Hause is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and is a diplomate of the organization. ABPS is the only board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties for plastic surgery.
Dr. Hause is an active contributor to clinical research in aesthetic procedures and has guest-lectured nationwide.
Schedule your arm lift consultation with Dr. Hause today by calling Sacramento Aesthetic Surgery at (916) 646-6869 or emailing us.
