INTRODUCTION

Weight loss, either by proper nutrition and exercise, surgery, or other forms of medical treatment has many benefits. However, some patients find that once they reach their weight goals their skin is still loose and saggy, particularly in the upper arm area. This often leaves patients feeling disharmonious about their body image.

Upper arm lift surgery can remove the extra skin and remaining fat of the upper arms to give greatly improved contours and enhanced self-confidence.

ANALYSIS

At your consultation we will present to you a comprehensive treatment strategy. We will discuss your recommended procedure in detail. We will also advise you of the potential risks and complications of surgery. We will outline your recovery period and make focused suggestions to make your surgery experience safe, easy, and as pleasant as possible.

PROCEDURE

The surgery can take anywhere from 2 to 3 hours to perform, depending how much surgery is performed. You will be totally asleep for the surgery to minimize anxiety and to maximize comfort.

There are two ways to improve the appearance of the upper arms. When the problem is minimal to mild, we usually treat the upper arm with aggressive liposuction. In carefully selected patients we will generate sufficient contouring and skin contraction to achieve a very good result without the need for additional skin scarring on the upper arm. When the problem is moderate to severe, it is necessary to remove the extra skin and fat via an incision placed on the inner aspect of the upper arm. Through this incision extra skin and fat is removed. The incision typically runs from the armpit above to the elbow below. Following surgery, you will be placed in a special elastic compression garment for support and protection.

AFTERCARE

Recovery from upper arm lift surgery is a “process” and will depend largely on the amount of surgery performed, your motivation for success, and your dedication in precisely following our written after-surgery instructions. Discomfort is minimal. Your “down time” will typically be about 2 weeks, but that will vary depending on the amount of surgery performed. You will need to wear your compression garment for 6 weeks. Final results appear in 2-4 months following surgery.