Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) in Upland & the Inland Empire
An arm lift, also called brachioplasty, removes loose, hanging skin from the upper arm between the armpit and the elbow. It tightens the tissue underneath to give the arm a smoother, firmer shape.
Sagging upper-arm skin is common after major weight loss, including bariatric surgery, but it can also come from weight changes, aging and genetics. Exercise can build muscle, but it cannot remove extra skin, which is where an arm lift may help.
Who is a good candidate?
- Adults with loose or sagging skin on the upper arms
- People who have lost a large amount of weight and kept it off
- Those at a stable weight and in good overall health
- Non-smokers or people willing to quit around the time of surgery
- Patients who accept a scar along the inner or back of the arm
- People whose main concern is between the armpit and elbow
Dr. Smiley's technique and philosophy
Dr. Smiley, a board-certified plastic surgeon, tailors each arm lift to how much skin needs to be removed. For a standard arm lift, the incision runs from the armpit toward the elbow, either on the inside or the back of the arm. The supportive tissue is tightened and shaped, and internal stitches help hold the new contour.
When only a small amount of skin is loose, a mini arm lift with a short incision in the armpit may be an option. Liposuction can also be added to treat pockets of fat. Dr. Smiley describes his approach as conservative: removing no more skin than needed while still doing enough to reach a good result.
What to expect
Consultation
Your consultation is at our Upland office. Dr. Smiley will examine your arms, talk about your weight history and goals, and explain whether a standard or mini arm lift, with or without liposuction, may suit you. He will also review scar placement and how to prepare.
The procedure
An arm lift is performed in an accredited surgical facility, not in our Upland consultation office. Excess skin is removed, deeper tissue is tightened and the incision is closed with dissolvable sutures or stitches.
Recovery
You will usually wear compression garments for about two to three weeks to help with swelling and bruising. Many patients return to work within three to seven days. Lifting and heavy arm use are typically limited for two to six weeks, though light activity such as walking may be fine after a couple of weeks. Most people feel mostly recovered in four to six weeks, but everyone heals differently and scars mature over many months.
Risks and safety
Arm lift surgery has risks, including visible scarring, bleeding, infection, fluid buildup, poor wound healing, numbness, uneven results and anesthesia risks.
Dr. Smiley will review these risks with you at your consultation. Realistic expectations are important, results vary and no specific outcome can be guaranteed.
Frequently asked questions
Will an arm lift leave a scar?
Yes. A standard arm lift leaves a scar from the armpit toward the elbow on the inner or back of the arm. A mini arm lift uses a smaller incision in the armpit. Scars usually fade over time but remain visible to some degree.
How soon can I go back to work?
Many patients return to work within three to seven days, depending on their job. Heavy lifting and strenuous arm movement are usually avoided for several weeks.
Can exercise fix sagging upper arms?
Exercise can tone the muscles, but it cannot remove loose, stretched skin. That is why some people consider an arm lift.
Can liposuction be done with an arm lift?
Yes. Liposuction is sometimes added to remove pockets of fat and refine the shape of the arm. Dr. Smiley will advise whether it would help in your case.
Book your consultation in Upland. Call (866) 372-3288 or text (714) 403-7092. Consultations are complimentary.
Learn more about this procedure on Dr. Smiley's main site: Arm Lift at dr-smiley.com.