Arm Lift
Boston Cosmetic Surgery Specialist - Dr. Moss
Arm lift, also known as armplasty or brachioplasty, is used to remove excess skin and fat from underneath the arms. People who have sagging or drooping skin on the upper arms due to weight loss, aging, or genetics are good candidates for arm lift surgery. After brachioplasty, the arms appear significantly more trim, firm, and smooth. Please note that Dr. Moss does not perform liposuction of the arms, because he feels the risk of sagging is too great.
The arm lift procedure is usually done under general anesthesia (you're asleep). In order to remove the unwanted skin, an incision is required that runs from near the elbow into the armpit. The incision is placed in the most inconspicuous location (inner arm toward the back), but some scarring will always be visible. Therefore, any patient considering an armplasty has to weigh the benefit of having loose skin against the drawback of a permanent scar. Usually, the patient who chooses to have an armplasty performed is one who has lost a considerable amount of weight and has what they often refer to as "bat wings." Patients with just a little sag often find that the lengthy scar deters them from having the surgery.
Most patients are able to go home the same day of surgery, unless they are having additional surgery that requires an overnight. Although patients report to Dr. Moss that the pain and discomfort is only of a moderate amount, all armplasty patients are provided with a pain medication post-operatively to make them comfortable.
Post-operatively, there will be dressing changes that are required. Dr. Moss will always replace the dressings at post-operative visits; however, patients may need some assistance with changing the dressings on the days that they are required to do so at home.
Patients should plan on taking two weeks off from work. Patients can start mild exercise such as a short walk at about 5 days and gradually return to full exercise at 6 weeks. Exercises involving the arms should be resumed closer to the 6 week period. Patients should also consider that many everyday activities of even a low level which require the arms and hands may be difficult for armplasty patients during the first few weeks of recuperation.
Arm Lift Photos
Click on the photos below to see additional, larger photos for each patient.
Or, learn more about Body Contouring:
Return to main Procedures page or click on a link below to learn about other Body Contouring plastic surgery procedures:
- Tummy Tuck
- Cosmetic Surgery of the Abdomen
- Abdominoplasty Surgery & Your Weight
- Liposuction
- Thigh Lift
Call us at 508.747.1322 or 781.337.2421
