Arm Lift Techniques

Aug 10, 2012 @ 05:55 AM — by Dina Eliopoulos

For many of our Chelmsford plastic surgery patients, the upper arms are a source of frustration. The upper arms are among the most common problem areas among both men and women. Loose, hanging skin and accumulated fat of the upper arms affect many of our patients, especially those forty and above. While proper diet and exercise are essential to maintaining one’s health, no amount of diet or exercise can improve the appearance of hanging skin. Age, weight gain and weight loss, and genetics all play a role in the appearance of your upper arms. For patients who have lost weight, it can be especially frustrating to strengthen the muscles of the arms and still have excessive fat and droopy skin. Fortunately, the appearance of loose, hanging skin, weakened tissues, and localized areas of fat in the arms can be improved through arm lift surgery (brachioplasty).

Am I a Good Candidate for Arm Lift Surgery?

If you are in good health and of a normal weight with loose or hanging skin and isolated areas of fat in the upper arms, you are most likely a good candidate for arm lift surgery. Arm lift surgery significantly improves the appearance of the upper arms by eliminating excess skin and fat. After undergoing surgery, our Chelmsford arm lift surgery patients can expect to achieve a more toned, youthful, and proportionate appearance to their arms.

Arm Lift Techniques

While the ultimate goal of each and every arm lift surgery is to create an upper arm contour that is flattering to the patient, there are several techniques to choose from. Because there is more than one arm lift technique, your arm lift surgery will be customized to your unique needs and goals. During your confidential consultation, Dr. Dina Eliopoulos will explain your options in full detail so that you can make an informed, confident decision regarding your treatment. Arm lift techniques include:

• Liposuction: For our patients in Chelmsford, liposuction may be used to improve the contours of the upper arms, as well as other problem areas, such as the stomach, hips, and thighs. Patients who are at or near their ideal weight and who are in relatively good shape may still suffer from stubborn isolated deposits of fatty tissues on the upper arms. These patients may require only liposuction to achieve a more toned and pleasing contour of the upper arms. During the liposuction procedure, a cannula is used to suction out fat cells from the arms, leaving the skin smooth and toned.
• Traditional arm lift: During traditional arm lift surgery, excess skin and fat between the underarm and the elbow are removed. This is done by making an incision on the underside of the upper arm, which extends down to the elbow. After the excess fat and skin have been removed, the skin is pulled taut and sutured closed. The result (after the healing period is complete) is a beautifully defined contour to the upper arms.

Learn More about Arm Lift Surgery

If you would like to learn more about arm lift surgery and how it could benefit you, please contact the Center for Plastic Surgery today.