Arm Lift
in Grand Rapids, MI
An arm lift, or brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure in which excess skin and fat is removed from the upper arm area. The upper arms can be particularly prone to excess sagging and drooping that cannot be corrected with diet and exercise. This condition of the arms is commonly referred to as “bat wings.” At the Centre for Plastic Surgery in Grand Rapids, MI, our board-certified plastic surgeons are prepared to help you discover if an arm lift is the right procedure for you. They will walk you through the details of the procedure, show examples of completed brachioplasty surgeries, and establish realistic expectations.
Why Consider an Arm Lift?
Patients who have dramatic fluctuations in their weight, or significant changes in the shape of their arms due to heredity may want to consider an arm lift. It is not uncommon for this part of the body to be prone to fatty deposits and sagging skin that is particularly resistant to diet and exercise. An arm lift is like an arm sculpting surgery and can create a more toned and proportionate looking upper arm.
What to Expect with an Arm Lift
During your initial consultation, your surgeon will advise you on all the components of an arm lift procedure. For some patients, only one surgery is required to achieve the look they desire. For others, an arm lift is completed in stages for best results.
Your arm lift (brachioplasty) will be performed in our relaxing, private, fully accredited surgical facility. You will be made comfortable with anesthesia administered by one of our board-certified anesthesiologists. Incisions are generally made in the area that extends from the underarm to just above the elbow, so your arm lift scar is hidden. The excess skin and fat will be removed, and the underlying tissues will be tightened. Liposuction is sometimes used in combination to remove additional arm fat, giving the arms a more toned and sculpted look. A garment will be placed on your body to reduce swelling and aid in healing.
Recovering from an Arm Lift
Immediately following your arm lift, you will feel very sleepy from the anesthesia. You will need a responsible caretaker to accompany you to the office during surgery and stay with you for at least the first 48 hours. Your arms will be quite sore, and it’s likely that you will need help completing basic tasks for the first week. You will also need to keep your arms and head elevated above your heart for the first few days, and refrain from lifting more than 5 lbs.
Most patients begin to notice an improvement in discomfort after the first week of healing from arm lift surgery. It is common to experience intermittent swelling, numbness, and tingling for several weeks. Your scars will be quite noticeable for several months but improve over time. Most patients begin to see their final results 6-12 months after surgery.
The Ideal Candidate for Arm Lift Surgery
The best candidates for arm lift (brachioplasty) surgery are healthy, non-smoking adults who are maintaining a stable weight. These candidates have excess skin and fat in the upper arm area that has not improved with exercise. It’s important that those who wish to undergo this procedure have realistic expectations. They understand that each patient is different and that this surgery may result in visible scars and may require more than one procedure for an optimal outcome.
Arm Lift in Grand Rapids, MI
Before & After
Arm Lift Patient 14
This 66-year-old woman (5'10") was concerned about skin laxity in her upper arms. To address this, she underwent a bilateral upper arm brachioplasty, which included underarm excision (skin removal) and liposuction around the elbow area. A total of 87 grams (0.2 pounds) of tissue was removed from her right upper arm and 85 grams (0.18 pounds) from her left upper arm. The 'after' photos, taken 8 months post-surgery, showcase her impressive transformation and the improved contour of her arms.
Arm Lift Patient 15
This 57-year-old woman (5'6", 156 pounds) achieved an impressive 75-pound weight loss following gastric bypass surgery. Despite becoming very active, she found the excess skin on her upper arms to be a hindrance. To address this, she chose to undergo a bilateral brachioplasty. A year after her initial procedure, she had a minor revision under local anesthetic to address residual fullness in her elbows. She was very pleased with her final results. The 'after' photos, taken 18 months post-procedure, highlight the improvement in the contour and appearance of her upper arms.
Arm Lift Patient 27
This 50-year-old woman (5'5", 174 pounds) achieved an impressive weight loss of over 90 pounds but was dissatisfied with the skin laxity and contour of her upper arms. To address these concerns, she underwent a bilateral arm lift with minor liposuction. The procedure significantly improved the contour of her upper arms, leaving her much more satisfied with her appearance. The 'after' photos, taken four months post-procedure, showcase her transformation.
How Much Does an Arm Lift Cost?
The total cost of an arm lift is somewhat variable based on the extent of the correction needed, and the number of procedures it will require to achieve the desired result. The best way to get an idea of how much it will cost is to schedule a consultation where one of our surgeons can evaluate your specific needs. However, we understand that cost is a concern for most. Use our price estimator to learn what the average patient pays for an arm lift.
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FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About Arm Lift Surgery
What is an arm lift?
An arm lift (brachioplasty) removes loose, sagging skin and excess fat from your upper arms and tightens the tissue underneath for a firmer, more toned shape. It’s designed for the hanging skin often called “bat wings” that diet and exercise can’t fix. At the Centre for Plastic Surgery in Grand Rapids, our board-certified plastic surgeons will show you examples of their work and help you set realistic expectations for your own result.
Am I a good candidate for an arm lift?
You’re likely a great candidate if you’re a healthy, non-smoking adult at a stable weight with loose skin and fat on your upper arms that hasn’t improved with exercise. Many arm lift patients have lost a significant amount of weight, while others have inherited arm shape or skin changes with age. The best candidates understand that an arm lift leaves a visible scar and that some patients need more than one procedure.
Do I need an arm lift or liposuction?
It depends on your skin. If your main concern is extra fat and your skin is still firm and elastic, liposuction alone may be enough. If you have loose or hanging skin, an arm lift is the only way to remove it, and many patients get the best result with an arm lift plus liposuction. Your surgeon will examine your arms and recommend the right approach.
Can I get an arm lift after major weight loss?
Yes, and it’s one of the most common reasons patients choose an arm lift. After major weight loss, including after bariatric surgery, the skin on your upper arms often can’t shrink back on its own. Once your weight has been stable for several months, an arm lift can remove that excess skin, and it’s often paired with other body contouring procedures like a tummy tuck or thigh lift.
How much does an arm lift cost in Grand Rapids?
Your cost depends on how much correction you need and whether you combine your arm lift with liposuction or other procedures. To see what a typical patient at the Centre for Plastic Surgery pays, try our quick online cost estimator; your surgeon can give you the most accurate price at your consultation. We also offer financing through trusted medical lenders, so you can spread payments over time.
Is an arm lift safe?
Yes. An arm lift is a safe, well-established procedure for healthy patients when it’s performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon. At the Centre for Plastic Surgery, your surgery takes place in our private, fully accredited onsite facility, and your anesthesia is provided by a board-certified anesthesiologist.
What are the risks of an arm lift?
Most patients heal well, but it’s important to know the possible risks. The most common are related to anesthesia, plus infection, pain, changes in skin sensation and scarring. Some patients also have temporary swelling, numbness or tingling for several weeks. Our team explains every risk in detail before surgery and how we minimize each one.
Is an arm lift painful?
Most patients have moderate soreness for the first few days, which is well controlled with prescription or over-the-counter pain medication. Your arms will feel tender and tight at first, and most people notice a big improvement after the first week. Keeping your arms elevated and wearing your compression garment also help with comfort.
What is an arm lift recovery like?
Expect to feel drowsy and sore for the first few days, then steady improvement after the first week. Here’s what to expect:
- First 48 hours: A responsible adult must drive you home and stay with you.
- First few days: Keep your arms and head raised above your heart to reduce swelling.
- First week: You’ll likely need help with everyday tasks like dressing, cooking and washing your hair.
- During recovery: Wear your compression garment and don’t lift anything heavier than 5 pounds.
- Several weeks: Swelling, numbness and tingling come and go as you heal.
We’ll see you for follow-up visits to make sure you’re healing well.
When can I go back to work and exercise after an arm lift?
Many people with desk jobs return to work in about 1 to 2 weeks, while jobs that involve lifting or reaching need more time. Gentle walking is encouraged right away. Avoid lifting more than 5 pounds and hold off on upper-body workouts for about 4 to 6 weeks, until your surgeon clears you.
Where is the arm lift scar, and will it fade?
The incision usually runs along the inner or back of the upper arm, from the underarm to just above the elbow, where it’s least visible when your arms are at your sides. Your scar will be noticeable for several months, then gradually softens, flattens and fades over the first year or so. Most patients feel the trade-off of a scar for smoother, firmer arms is well worth it, and we’ll share scar-care tips to help yours heal well.
When will I see my arm lift results?
You’ll see a firmer, slimmer arm shape right away, but swelling hides your final result at first. Most swelling settles over the first few months, and your final results typically appear 6 to 12 months after surgery as your scars mature. Some patients elect to undergo more than one arm lift surgery to achieve their desired final result.
Are arm lift results permanent?
Yes, the skin removed during an arm lift is gone for good, so your results are long-lasting. Keeping a stable weight and healthy lifestyle is the best way to protect them, since significant weight changes and natural aging can still affect your arms over time.
Will an arm lift help me lose weight?
No. An arm lift is a body contouring procedure, not a weight loss procedure, so it won’t change the number on the scale much. Its goal is to improve the shape of your upper arms by removing excess skin and fat. It works best once you’ve reached a stable weight you’re happy with.
Is an arm lift worth it?
Most of our patients say yes. They love seeing a visible change in the shape of their arms and feeling confident in sleeveless tops, fitted sleeves and swimsuits again. Browse our before-and-after photos to see real results from patients at the Centre for Plastic Surgery.
How do I choose the right arm lift surgeon in Grand Rapids?
Look for a surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery who performs body contouring often and can show you before-and-after photos of arm lift patients like you. At the Centre for Plastic Surgery, our board-certified plastic surgeons have decades of experience and operate in our QuadA-accredited onsite surgical facility on Paris Avenue SE in Grand Rapids. Call us at (616) 454-1256 to schedule your consultation.