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Arm Lift

The arm lift (brachioplasty) is a body contouring procedure that Dr. Kramer performs to tighten loose arm skin and reshape the underlying supportive tissue of the arm for a slimmer, more youthful contour. Often loose skin and sagging tissue cannot be improved with just diet and exercise and may require surgery to achieve the desired outcome. Primary reasons to have an arm lift:
  • You are unable to tighten loose skin around your upper arms with just diet and exercise
  • You have lost a large amount of weight and need to surgically remove excess skin and tissue

How an Arm Lift is Performed

Dr. Kramer will make an incision beneath your arm, extending from near your armpit to the elbow. Depending on the location and severity of your excess arm skin, Dr. Kramer will make this incision either on the inner or outer portion of your arm. The underlying supportive tissue is tightened and reshaped using internal sutures. Dr. Kramer will remove excess skin and then smooth the remaining skin over the new contours of your arm, creating a tighter, more youthful appearance. Dr. Kramer most commonly performs this surgery for patients who have lost a large amount of weight and are left with sagging skin. Many patients combine their arm lift with other body contouring procedures for a full rejuvenation of the body. If you are also experiencing some stubborn fat in the area, Dr. Kramer can supplement your arm lift with liposuction. Some patients may be able to achieve their desired outcome with liposuction alone.

Dare to Go Sleeveless

Sagging skin along the arms can be an embarrassing problem for men and women who have lost a large amount of weight. Often called “bat-wings,” this excess arm skin can make it hard to feel comfortable wearing certain clothing and can not be easily improved with diet and exercise alone. The arm lift is an effective way for men and women to have the tight and well-toned arms they can feel confident showing off.

Healing After Arm Lift Surgery

Your arm lift recovery will vary based on the techniques used during your procedure with Dr. Kramer. Most patients are able to return to work within a week after their surgery. Of course, if your arm lift was performed in combination with other body contouring surgeries, you may need to spend some additional time healing. You will want to avoid any heavy lifting or high levels of activity for 4-6 months after your surgery in order to avoid any unnecessary complications. As your arm heals, you will notice a firm and even contouring of the skin.

Arm Lift Q&A  

Why can’t I just have liposuction on my upper arms? 

If the concern you have with your arms is just that they appear too full, liposuction can certainly help. However, most people who don’t like the appearance of their upper arms have some degree of loose, sagging skin. Liposuction alone will not remove or tighten this skin, and in fact could give the arms an even more deflated appearance. If you have loose skin, that skin must be removed surgically to achieve the result you want. 

How noticeable are the scars? 

Dr. Kramer places incisions for an upper arm lift on the inside of the arm. This means that there is no scarring on the outside of the arm following your procedure. With your arms at your side, the scars should not be easily visible. The scars on the inner arm should fade over time and their appearance can be improved by applying scar cream regularly.  

Is it painful? 

This surgery is performed under general anesthesia so you will sleep comfortably during the procedure. Some pain, bruising, and swelling can be expected for the first month following surgery. Over-the-counter medication is usually all that’s needed to manage discomfort. To help the tissue heal properly, you’ll be instructed to wear a compression garment on your arms, which may feel slightly uncomfortable.  

Getting Started with an Arm Lift in Boise

At Kramer Plastic Surgery, your arm lift will be approached in a personalized way to provide you with a tighter, natural looking contour of your arms. Years of board certified plastic surgery experience, top-level training, and life-enriching results are just a short drive away with Boise’s own Jonathan Kramer, M.D. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation and make life happen.

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