UPPER ARM LIFT

Salt Lake City Practice offering Upper Arm Lift

Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)

Firm, well-defined arms can be symbolic of youthful strength and beauty. But many people develop loose and sagging skin in their upper arms that droops and jiggles in all the wrong places. Sagging skin in the upper arms can result from the natural aging process, as skin loses its elasticity and becomes subject to the forces of gravity. In other cases, loose arm skin can be a by-product of significant weight loss. Sometimes skin that had been stretched over heavier arms simply can't tighten to accommodate a new, smaller frame after weight loss. This condition can be particularly disappointing for women and men who have worked so hard to achieve a healthier weight. The numbers on the scale may make you smile, but the image in the mirror is discouraging.

For many people, flaccid excess skin on the arms cannot be eliminated through diet and exercise. Men and women who are unhappy with the appearance of their arms may resort to wearing long sleeves, even in warm weather, to hide their arms. For some people, comfortable and stylish clothing is left hanging in the closet, and bathing suits are out of the question. But, it doesn't have to be that way.

If you are unhappy with loose and sagging skin in your arms, there are surgical options that you might want to consider. Brachioplasty, or an "Arm Lift," can surgically remove excess skin on the upper arms, giving you the well-contoured, attractive arms you desire. Of course, surgery is not right for everyone. Dr. Constantine will discuss the Arm Lift options with you so that you can make the most informed decision.

Before Surgery	After Surgery
Before Surgery	After Surgery
Before Surgery	After Surgery

There are several types of Arm Lift procedures that can help eliminate loose and sagging skin in the upper arms. The procedure that will work best for you will depend on the amount of excess fat and skin on your arms. If you have a small amount of fat and slightly loose skin, a simple liposuction procedure can remove the fat and tone the skin. For patients with moderate amounts of excess skin, a "Short Scar Brachioplasty" might be the best option. In this procedure, short incisions are made, and scars can often be limited to the armpit area. For more significant cases (as you might see with dramatic weight loss after bariatric surgery), a "Full Brachioplasty" might be appropriate. Dr. Constantine will discuss with you the benefits and limitations of each procedure so that you can choose the procedure that's right for you.

Arm lift procedures are not simple operations, and as with any surgery, there is always a risk of complications. However, arm lift operations are normally safe when performed by a qualified surgeon. Operative risks include, but are not limited to, excess bleeding, infection and poor skin healing. As with any type of surgery, whenever there is an incision, there will be scars. Care is taken to minimize the scars as much as possible, and most scars heal well. However, some scars can be red, raised and unsightly. It's impossible to predict how your scars will heal. Because smokers are at higher risk for many of these complications, it is important to stop smoking at least 1 month prior to your surgery.

Operative risks include, but are not limited to, excess bleeding, infection, poor skin healing, poor breast healing. Because it is necessary to make incisions, all patients will have scars. Most scars heal well, but some can be red, raised, itchy, and unsightly. It is impossible to tell who your scars will heal prior to surgery. Smokers are at higher risk for many of these complications. It is important to stop smoking at least 1 month before surgery.

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