Arm Lift
in Midvale, UT

ABOUT ARM LIFT SURGERY

A frustrating side effect of losing weight or getting older is gaining loose skin. At Plastic Surgery Institute of Utah, we offer arm lift surgery (or brachioplasty) as an option for patients who cannot seem to tighten and tone their arms with diet and exercise alone. Lax skin from the elbow to the upper arm is very common, especially for men and women who have lost weight or are advancing in age. An arm lift effectively removes this hanging skin, commonly referred to as “bat wings.” Dr. Kirk Moore, a premier plastic surgeon in Midvale, UT, has spent over a decade perfecting and refining modern skin tightening and fat removal techniques. If you would like to learn more about how brachioplasty can correct the shape of your arms, please call and schedule a consultation at our plastic surgery facility.

IDEAL CANDIDATES

An arm lift is a cosmetic surgery that employs innovative techniques to slim and remove excess skin. If you are self-conscious about the flabby, loose skin on your arms and want them to look trim and contoured again, then you could be a good candidate for this procedure. It is important that you are in good overall health so your body heals well following this surgery. It is also necessary for you to be at your ideal weight prior to surgery. Some of the primary signs an arm lift patient typically experiences are loose, excess skin on the upper arms and lost elasticity of the skin.

SURGICAL TECHNIQUE

Your arm lift surgery will conveniently take place in our on-site operating room. An arm lift can be combined with other procedures, such as tummy tucks, mommy makeovers, and thigh lifts if Dr. Moore decides that the combination is safe and doable. An arm lift is usually performed under general anesthesia and may take several hours to complete. The unwanted skin will be excised from the elbow all the way up to the underarm. The incision will be made in as inconspicuously as possible, but it will most likely leave a visible scar. If liposuction is needed to remove stubborn fatty deposits, this will be performed as well. Once the skin is tightened, it will be sutured back into place. You will need to keep the incisions clean, bandaged, and wrapped with compression garments.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Your recovery period should last about two weeks and involve elevating the treated arms. It is pertinent that you allow yourself plenty of time to heal. The average person uses their arms for many things every day so patients should ease their way back into their normal routines. A suture removal appointment will be set approximately ten days after surgery. Compression garments should be worn until you are released by Dr. Moore. For at least a month (4 – 5 weeks), all exercise should be avoided with the exception of taking short walks. If you notice excessive swelling, uncontrolled bleeding, hematoma (fluid buildup), infection, loss of feeling in the arms or hands, or heavy scarring, please call Plastic Surgery Institute of Utah for assistance.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How much does arm lift surgery cost?
The cost for your arm lift surgery will depend on several things. Before he can determine your costs, Dr. Moore will see you for a consultation to listen to your needs and goals. After that, he will create your surgical plan and estimate your costs. To make it easier to afford a skilled, board-certified plastic surgeon, like Dr. Moore, and get your best results, Plastic Surgery Institute of Utah accepts many payment methods. We can also help you find low-interest medical financing.

Can I combine an arm lift with other surgeries?
It is common for arm lift patients to combine this surgery with another procedure. This is sometimes referred to as an upper body lift and may include liposuction, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), or breast surgery (breast lift). An arm lift is also commonly performed as part of an after weight loss surgery for patients who have lost a large amount of weight and require full body contouring. During your consultation with Dr. Moore, each surgery will be discussed individually so your unique surgical plan can be developed.

Will there be scars?
Arm lift surgery requires incisions to remove excess skin, which means there will be stitches and scarring. However, Dr. Moore makes every effort to ensure that your incisions are small and placed at inconspicuous areas. After your surgery, topical ointments to assist in scar healing will be recommended along with other tips for scar care management. Dr. Moore recommends that you avoid sun exposure during your first year post-surgery to protect the incisions from any additional discoloration. Most patients believe the benefits reaped from the procedure outweigh the appearance of scars.

What results can I expect from an arm lift?
An arm lift is performed to excise hanging skin and fat. You should maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes diet and exercise in order to avoid a dramatic weight loss or gain, which could compromise your surgical results. Once your arms are fully healed and Dr. Moore has authorized it, you can begin weight training. This is a great way to add shape to your arms by strengthening the muscles.

Are there nonsurgical treatments to improve my arms?
While there are many great nonsurgical skin tightening treatments, most will only provide mild improvements. To remove moderate to severe amounts of loose skin, an arm lift is your best option. Along with removing excess skin, Dr. Moore also performs liposuction on small amounts of fat and smoothes the remaining skin and tissue for a better result. If you are interested in nonsurgical options, Dr. Moore can explain all possible treatments during your consultation and help you decide which is best for your needs and goals.

TONE AND FIRM YOUR ARMS

Whether you have acquired excess skin on your arms due to age, weight loss or both, plastic surgeon Dr. Kirk Moore can perform an arm lift, allowing you to regain your shape. This exciting procedure offers emotional and physical benefits as well. If you are at your goal weight and still cannot lose the flab and skin that hang from your upper arms, please call and schedule a private consultation with Dr. Moore at Plastic Surgery Institute of Utah. Achieve a younger and firmer look with brachioplasty.