WHAT IS ARM LIFT SURGERY?
Oftentimes as we age or lose weight, we gain loose skin. At Chua Plastic Surgery we offer upper arm lift surgery (also known as brachioplasty) as a method for men and women to tone and tighten their upper arms. Loose skin from the elbow to the shoulder is very common and can prevent a lot of people from wearing certain clothing or feeling comfortable in their own skin. An upper arm lift removes this excess, hanging skin often known as "bat wings." Plastic surgeon Dr. Charleston Chua is very knowledgeable in skin tightening and fat removal methods and is happy to help his Las Vegas, NV patients correct these problem areas. If you would like to learn more about how brachioplasty can enhance the physique of your arms, please contact us for an appointment at Chua Plastic Surgery.
AM I A CANDIDATE FOR ARM LIFT SURGERY?
An arm lift is a procedure that uses innovative methods to contour and eliminates extra skin. If you are tired of hiding your "bat wings" and want them to appear trim and toned again, you are a good candidate for arm lift surgery. You should be in good overall health so that you will heal properly. Some of the top symptoms for an arm lift patient are excess, hanging skin on the upper arms, and minimal elasticity of the skin. It is important that you are at or near your ideal weight prior to surgery.
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HOW IS ARM LIFT SURGERY PERFORMED?
Your arm lift surgery will likely take place in an outpatient setting. In some cases, however, your arm lift can be added to other surgeries, like a mommy makeover, tummy tuck, or thigh lift — in these cases, you may have your procedure in an inpatient setting. Arm lift surgery is typically done under general anesthesia and can require a few hours to complete. The excessive skin will be surgically removed from the elbow up to the underarm. The incision will be made as inconspicuously as possible, but it will leave a visible scar. If liposuction is required to remove stubborn pockets of fat, this can be completed as well. Once the skin is tightened, it will be sutured in place. You will have to keep the incisions cleaned, covered, and in compression garments for a period determined by Dr. Chua. A typical recovery period should take about two weeks with lots of arm elevation and rest. You use your arms for many things so most patients should slowly make their way back into their usual activities. A suture removal appointment will be made approximately ten days after surgery. For at least 4 – 5 weeks, all strenuous activity should be avoided with the exception of short walks.
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ARM LIFT FAQ
How much does arm lift surgery cost?
The total cost for an arm lift will depend on several factors. Before he can estimate your costs, Dr. Chua will perform a consultation to understand your needs and goals. Once this is complete, he can create your surgical plan and estimate your costs. In order to make it easier to choose an experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Chua and get the results you want, Chua Plastic Surgery takes several payment methods. We will also help you find low-interest medical financing.
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Can I combine an arm lift with other surgeries?
It's common for patients who want an arm lift to combine this surgery with another procedure. This is sometimes called an upper-body lift and can include liposuction, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), or breast surgery (breast lift). Arm lift surgery is also commonly included as part of an after weight loss surgery for patients who have lost a significant amount of weight and want contouring throughout their body. In your consultation with Dr. Chua, complementary surgeries can be discussed — so your unique surgical plan fits all your goals.
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Will there be scars?
An arm lift uses incisions to cut away excess skin, which leads to scars from sutures. However, Dr. Chua will make every effort to ensure that your incisions are small and placed in inconspicuous areas. Following your surgery, ointments that help with healing will be suggested, along with other tips for minimizing scarring. Dr. Chua also suggests you limit UV exposure during the first year to protect the incisions from any additional discoloration. Most patients consider the benefits of a more toned arm outweigh the appearance of scars.
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What results can I expect from an arm lift?
Arm lift surgery is performed to correct hanging skin and stubborn pockets of fat. You should maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes diet and exercise in order to avoid a significant change in your weight, which may affect your surgical results. After your lift surgery, once your arms are fully healed, and Dr. Chua has given permission, you should begin strength training. This is a good way to add shape to your arms by toning and strengthening the muscles.
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Are there nonsurgical treatments to improve my arms?
Although there are a lot of great noninvasive skin tightening options, they can only give you mild improvements. To address moderate to severe amounts of loose skin, a surgical arm lift is your best option. Along with treating excess skin, Dr. Chua also uses liposuction on small pockets of fat and smoothes the remaining skin and tissue for a better result. If you are interested in nonsurgical options, Dr. Chua can explain all possible treatments in your consultation and help you choose which fits your needs and goals.
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GET RID OF YOUR BAT WINGS
If you have droopy skin under your upper arms, or "bat wings" as many call them, plastic surgeon Dr. Charleston Chua can help you improve your appearance with an arm lift at Chua Plastic Surgery. This advanced procedure provides emotional benefits, as well as physical benefits. If you're at or close to your goal weight but still cannot get rid of the skin and flab that hang from your upper arms, please contact us to plan a private consultation at our Las Vegas, NV office. Feel fitter and younger with upper arm lift surgery.