Arm Lift

Offered at our convenient location in Baltimore, Maryland

An arm lift, also known as brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms. This procedure helps to contour and shape the arms, resulting in a more toned and youthful appearance. If you have sagging skin or excess fat on your upper arms due to aging, weight fluctuations, or genetic factors, you may want to consider an arm lift.

At Valley Plastic Surgery & Medi-Spa, Dr. Alyson Wells is a double-board-certified plastic surgeon who has extensive experience performing arm lifts. She offers a personalized approach to each patient, taking into consideration their unique goals and concerns. During your consultation, Dr. Wells will discuss the different options and techniques available to achieve your desired results.

If you are interested in learning more about arm lifts and how they can benefit you, contact Valley Plastic Surgery & Medi-Spa at (410) 628-8200 or reach out online to schedule a consultation with Dr. Wells. Our office is located in Cockeysville, Maryland, and we look forward to helping you achieve your aesthetic goals.

Before and After Photos

About Arm Lifts

The upper arms can be a source of concern for many people, especially those who have lost a significant amount of weight or have experienced changes in their body due to aging. Sagging skin, excess fat, and loss of muscle tone can all contribute to the appearance of “bat wings” or “arm flab,” which can be frustrating and difficult to address through diet and exercise alone.

Fortunately, arm lift surgery can help to reshape and contour the arms, removing loose skin and excess fat. This can improve the overall symmetry and definition of the arms, enhancing their appearance and restoring confidence. Like so many body contouring procedures, brachioplasty has gained attention in recent years. In fact, arm lift surgery is increasing in popularity year on year. In 2019, roughly 20,000 arm lift procedures were performed – a 20% increase from 2015. (1)

Arm lift surgery is most commonly chosen by patients after bariatric surgery to improve appearance and functionality. (2) It is typically performed under general anesthesia and takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Recovery time varies depending on the extent of the procedure and the individual patient’s healing process, but most patients can return to work and light activities within 1-2 weeks. 

During a consultation, Dr. Wells will assess your candidacy for the procedure and discuss your goals and expectations in detail, helping you to determine whether an arm lift is the right choice for you.

Benefits of an Arm Lift

The arm lift procedure is designed to rejuvenate and tighten the skin of the upper arms, providing you with a more youthful, contoured appearance. Dr. Alyson Wells at Valley Plastic Surgery & Medi-Spa is an expert in this procedure, and her approach is tailored to each patient’s unique anatomy and goals. Here are some benefits you can expect from Dr. Wells’ arm lift procedure:

A customized treatment plan that meets your individual needs

  • A more toned and defined look to your arms
  • Elimination of sagging or drooping skin in the upper arms
  • Improved overall appearance of the arms
  • The ability to wear sleeveless clothing confidently
  • Incisions are carefully placed to minimize visible scarring
  • Increased body confidence

Dr. Wells understands that every patient is unique, and she will work closely with you to ensure that your arm lift procedure results in natural-looking, beautiful results. Contact Valley Plastic Surgery & Medi-Spa today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how Dr. Wells can help you achieve your aesthetic goals.

Candidates

You may be a suitable candidate for this procedure if you have:

  • Excess skin and fat on your upper arms
  • Sagging/hanging arm skin due to aging or weight loss
  • Difficulty fitting into clothing due to arm size

It is important to note that candidates should be in good overall health, maintain a stable weight, and have realistic expectations about the outcome of the surgery. 

Consultation

During your consultation with Dr. Wells, she will assess your medical history and examine your arms to determine if an arm lift is right for you. If there are other parts of your body you wish to remove excess skin from because of massive weight loss, please use this opportunity to discuss other body contouring procedures with her. Do not hesitate to contact us today to schedule your appointment and take the first step toward achieving your desired look.

Preparing for Arm Lift Surgery

To prepare for your arm lift surgery, you may need to discontinue certain medications or supplements as instructed by our team. We may also advise you to stop smoking or using nicotine products several weeks before the procedure and throughout the recovery period to reduce the risk of complications.

It’s important to arrange transportation to and from the surgical facility on the day of your procedure, especially if you will be under sedation or general anesthesia. You should also fill your prescriptions for pain medication and antibiotics in advance to avoid any inconvenience during recovery.

We recommend that you plan enough time off from work and social commitments to allow for adequate rest and recovery after your arm lift surgery. Our team will provide specific guidelines on post-operative care, including movements, exercises, and activities to avoid during the recovery period.

Procedure

After administering anesthesia, Dr. Wells will make incisions on the underside of your arms, which may extend from the armpit to the elbow, depending on the amount of skin that needs to be removed. In some cases, she may also use liposuction to remove stubborn pockets of fat.

Once the skin and fat have been removed, Dr. Wells will use sutures to tighten and reshape the underlying tissue. The incisions will then be closed, and you will be fitted with compression garments to help reduce swelling and promote healing.

Recovery

We will give you specific instructions regarding the wearing of your compression garment that will be designed to promote proper healing. You may experience some bruising, swelling, and discomfort for the first few days after the surgery, but this can be managed with medication prescribed by Dr. Wells. It’s essential to avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for at least six weeks to allow your body to heal properly.

Dr. Wells will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and ensure that you’re healing as expected. In around two weeks, the sutures will be removed, and you’ll gradually begin to see the results of your arm lift. You’ll notice smoother, more toned arms that complement your body’s natural contours. Any scarring will be carefully placed to minimize visibility and will fade over time.

With a successful arm lift and proper post-operative care, you’ll enjoy a boost in confidence and self-esteem. Dr. Wells’ goal is to help you achieve your desired aesthetic while ensuring a safe and healthy recovery. Contact us at Valley Plastic Surgery & Medi-Spa to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help you achieve your goals.

Complementary Procedures

Breast Lift

Mastopexy, or breast lift surgery, is a surgical procedure that raises and reshapes sagging breasts. It involves removing excess skin, repositioning the nipple and areola, and lifting the underlying breast tissue to create a firmer and more lifted appearance. The procedure can also improve breast symmetry and contouring, as well as resize and reshape the areola if desired. 

Body Lift

Body lift surgery is designed to improve midsection contours and functionality following massive weight loss. It is a transformative procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from various areas of the body. Candidates for this procedure are typically individuals who have lost a significant amount of weight, resulting in loose, sagging skin that cannot be tightened through diet and exercise alone.

Thigh Lift

With thigh lift surgery, patients can achieve a more slender leg contour following weight loss. A thigh lift removes excess skin and fat from the inner, mid, or outer thigh. Dr. Wells begins by making an incision in the groin area, which may extend down to the knee depending on the extent of the procedure. Through this incision, she removes excess skin and fat, tightens the underlying tissue and muscles, and re-drapes the skin over the newly contoured thighs. Liposuction may also be used to remove stubborn fat deposits.

Cost of an Arm Lift in Baltimore

At Valley Plastic Surgery & Medi-Spa in Cockeysville, we understand that the cost of an arm lift is an important factor to consider when making your decision. The price of the procedure may vary depending on the complexity of the surgery and anesthesia used. During your consultation with Dr. Alyson Wells, she will evaluate your unique case, discuss your goals, and provide you with a personalized treatment plan along with an accurate estimate of the cost.

If you’re interested in learning more about arm lift surgery in Baltimore, do not hesitate to give us a call at (410) 628-8200 to schedule a consultation.

Read the Valley Plastic Surgery and Medi-Spa blog to find more information about our services.

FAQ

Can I combine arm lift surgery with other procedures?

Yes, arm lift surgery can be combined with other procedures such as liposuction, breast lift, or tummy tuck to achieve overall body contouring. Your plastic surgeon can recommend the best combination of procedures based on your individual goals and needs.

How long will arm lift results last?

The results of an arm lift are long-lasting but can be affected by factors such as aging, weight fluctuations, and lifestyle habits. Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine can help prolong the results of the procedure.

References

  1. Nagrath N, Winters R. Brachioplasty. PubMed. Published 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK585115/ 
  2. Di Pietro V, Colicchia GM, Cervelli V, Gentile P. Arm Contouring After Massive Weight Loss: Liposuction-Assisted Brachioplasty Versus Standard Technique. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery. 2018;11(2):73-78. doi:https://doi.org/10.4103/JCAS.JCAS_102_17