Arm Lift in Los Alamitos, CA

One big challenge when getting older or losing weight is the loosening of skin. At Ocean Plastic Surgery Center, we offer upper arm lift surgery (brachioplasty) for those whose upper arms aren't responding to natural toning methods. Excess skin from the elbow to the shoulder is very typical, particularly for people who are getting older or have lost significant amounts of weight. An upper arm lift excises this loose, hanging skin sometimes known as "bat wings." Board-certified plastic surgeon William P. Aiello in Los Alamitos, CA is very knowledgeable in fat removal and skin tightening surgeries. If you want more information about how brachioplasty can improve the look of your upper arms, please contact us for an appointment at Ocean Plastic Surgery Center.

An upper arm lift is a plastic surgery that uses advanced methods to contour and eliminate unwanted skin. If you are tired of hiding your "bat wings" and would prefer them to appear fit and healthy again, you are a great candidate for an arm lift. You need to be in overall good health so that your skin will recover properly. Some of the main indications for potential arm lift patients are hanging, loose skin on their upper arms, plus minimal tautness of the skin. It is critical that you are at or close to a healthy, stable weight before your surgery.

An upper arm lift may be done with other surgeries, including a tummy tuck, thigh lift, or mommy makeover — as long as Dr. Aiello considers it appropriate. An upper arm lift is typically done with the patient under general anesthesia and can require a few hours to finish. The loose skin will be surgically removed starting at the elbow and continuing to the armpit. The incision will be placed to be as hidden as possible, although it will become a visible scar. In cases where liposuction is necessary to eliminate stubborn pockets of fat, this can be completed also. After the skin is pulled taut, it will be stitched together. You will have to care for the incisions by keeping them cleaned, covered, and supported with compression garments.

A typical recovery timeframe is two weeks with lots of rest. Give your body time to heal. You use your arms for almost everything so most patients should slowly make their way back to their daily activities. If needed, a suture removal appointment will be scheduled about ten days following surgery. Compression garments must be kept on until you receive permission from Dr. Aiello to remove them. For at least one month, all exercise and strenuous activity must be eliminated, except frequent, short walks. If you observe uncontrolled bleeding, excessive swelling, fluid buildup (hematoma), signs of infection, numbness in the hands or arms, or unusual scarring, please contact Ocean Plastic Surgery Center.

How much does arm lift surgery cost?
The total cost for an arm lift will be based on several things. Before he can estimate your costs, Dr. Aiello will start with a consultation to understand your concerns and goals. Following this, he will develop your unique surgical plan and break down your costs. In order to make it easier to choose an experienced surgeon, like Dr. Aiello, and get the results you want, Ocean Plastic Surgery Center takes several payment types. We will also give you information on low-interest financing.

Can I combine an arm lift with other surgeries?
It's normal for patients who want an arm lift to create a custom treatment plan, including another surgery. This is often known as an upper body lift and can combine liposuction, a breast lift, or a tummy tuck. Arm lift surgery is also frequently included in an after weight loss surgery for those who have lost a significant amount of weight and need contouring throughout their body. In your initial consultation with Dr. Aiello, complementary surgeries can be discussed so your personal treatment plan meets all your needs and goals.

Will there be scars?
A surgical arm lift requires incisions in order to cut away excess skin, which leads to scars from sutures. However, Dr. Aiello will make every effort to place the small incisions in inconspicuous areas. Following your arm lift, creams that help with healing will be suggested along with our tips for minimizing scarring. Dr. Aiello also suggests you limit UV exposure for at least one year to protect the scar from becoming discolored. In general, patients consider the overall benefits of an arm lift worth the minimal scars created.

What results can I expect from an arm lift?
A surgical arm lift is used to correct loose skin and small amounts of fat. You should follow a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet to avoid a dramatic change in your weight, which might undo your results. After your lift, as soon as you are recovered and Dr. Aiello has given permission, you should start strength training. This is a good way to improve the shape of your upper arms by strengthening and toning the muscles.

Are there nonsurgical treatments to improve my arms?
Although there are a lot of noninvasive skin tightening options, they can only give you small improvements. To correct moderate to severe skin laxity, arm lift surgery is your best choice. In addition to treating loose skin, Dr. Aiello also uses liposuction on small pockets of fat and smoothes the tissue and remaining skin. If you're interested in learning about nonsurgical procedures, Dr. Aiello can tell you about them in your consultation and then help you choose what fits your goals.

No matter what you call your droopy skin or "bat wings" under your upper arms, Dr. Aiello can improve your appearance with plastic surgery. This innovative surgery provides physical, as well as emotional benefits. If you're at or close to a healthy, stable weight but still can't get rid of the skin and flab that hang off your arms, please contact us to plan a consultation with plastic surgeon William P. Aiello at Ocean Plastic Surgery Center. Look and feel fitter and younger with upper arm lift surgery.