“Doc, I hate these wings!” Many plastic surgeons hear this refrain from patients who have redundant, excess skin and fat of their upper arms. There are many reasons why patients develop this problem: weight loss, the aging process, after gastric bypass surgery, and various medical conditions. Patients will often say that the skin and soft tissues hang creating an unsightly appearance. Short sleeve shirts and blouses can leave people feeling embarrassed and constantly aware of the issue. A person can feel this way even when the arms are fully covered. However, there is hope! Arm lift surgery (also known as brachioplasty), or liposuction, or both, may be the answer.
Who is a Candidate for an Arm Lift?
Over time, the skin, muscle and soft tissues of the body begin to progressively lose their tone and the supporting ligaments begin to stretch. With age, people lose the elasticity of their skin. This process is accelerated by sun exposure and smoking. Additionally, the skin can stretch, lose elasticity, and sag if a person has gained weight over the years. Finally, due to gravity, skin tissues start to sag. This process cannot be reversed with exercise. Exercise only tones the muscles; it does nothing to improve skin tone.
Patients who are candidates for an arm lift plastic surgery include those who have:
- Loose skin of the upper arms
- Had significant weight loss
- Excessively full upper arms
- Embarrassment from redundant upper arm soft tissues
The Consultation
Patients should always begin with a thorough consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Warren Lent. Located in the heart of Beverly Hills, Dr. Lent will meet with you to examine and fully assess your needs. He will make a recommendation as to which treatment, such as an arm lift or liposuction, will serve you best.
The Arm Lift Procedure
Plastic surgeons usually perform an arm lift under general anesthesia. Dr. Lent will often perform this procedure in his Los Angeles office. Before the arm lift procedure, Dr. Lent will estimate how much skin and fat will be removed. He will place markings accordingly. Unlike most physicians, Dr. Lent places the incision on the underside of the arm. This makes the resulting scars as inconspicuous as possible. On some occasions, Dr. Lent will place the incision in the axilla (armpit). Prior to surgery, all patients are asked to avoid any medication which thins the blood, such as aspirin, for at least two weeks. Patients are told to avoid exercise and heavy lifting for at least six weeks after the arm lift surgery.
Like all medical treatment an arm lift is generally a safe procedure. However, there are risks including bleeding, infection, skin injury, and the risk of anesthesia. Under the care of a board certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Lent, every effort will be made to prevent and minimize risks. It is very important that smokers quit smoking and stop using nicotine products for at least one month before and for at least one month after surgery.
The Benefits of an Arm Lift
An arm lift or brachioplasty is an excellent way for men and women to tighten and lift their upper arms. Patients are usually thrilled to have their “wings” removed, giving them greater freedom to wear normal clothing again and participate in all physical activities. Most importantly, Dr. Lent’s patients comment on their renewed sense of self-image and self-confidence.
To best understand all of your options, a full plastic surgery consultation with Dr. Warren Lent is recommended. For further details on each aspect of an Arm Lift, Dr. Lent invites you to visit the Arm Lift: Before and After page.
Here at Dr. Warren Lent’s office, we show care for each patient from the initial consultation to the final post-surgery call. We look forward to hearing from you. For more information about the arm lift, costs, or questions, please contact us at:
150 North Robertson Blvd. Suite 140
Beverly Hills, Ca 90211