Common Questions About Arm Lifts

Arm lifts have increased greatly in popularity over the last 15 years. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS), the number of arm-lift procedures has grown from just 338 procedures in 2000 to 15,769 in 2013–an amazing leap of 4,565 percent.

While theories about the reason behind the increase have been circulating, it probably has to do with a confluence of factors, including the desire to look great after weight loss, and/or the media culture surrounding celebrities and public figures.

Whatever the reason, it’s not surprising that more patients are taking note of the benefits the procedure offers. If you’re interested in an arm lift, you may have some questions about the procedure. Here are some common questions and concerns prospective patients have about arm lifts.

Why Choose an Arm Lift?

An arm lift is a great choice for patients with excess sagging skin and fat on the upper part of the arms. Unfortunately, exercise cannot resolve skin sagging, and stubborn fat is often a problem in this area.

Many prospective arm lift patients have achieved dramatically successful weight loss, only to be left with sagging skin on the arms. Other patients seek arm reshaping because age and genetics have caused loss of skin elasticity or created areas of stubborn fat.

What Is Involved With the Procedure?

The surgery is performed by making an incision on the back or inside of the upper arm. The arm is then reshaped, with excess, sagging skin tightened and recontoured. The surgeon also ensures that the skin has adequate structural support before closing the incision.

SmartLipo, a gentle laser liposuction technique may be used if the patient has excess fat in the arm area. This procedure is performed through tiny incisions.

Is an Arm Lift Safe?

Today, plastic surgery is generally a very safe endeavor, when performed by a board-certified and experienced surgeon like Dr. Masri. There are always risks for surgery, however, and these will be discussed with the surgeon prior to moving forward.

Am I a Candidate for Arm Lift Surgery?

Not everyone is a good candidate for plastic surgery, and the only way to know for sure is to seek the opinion of an expert plastic surgeon.

In general, good candidates for arm-lift surgery are healthy, at a normal and stable weight, and have loose skin and/or localized pockets of fat in the upper arm area. Patients should be non-smokers, or at least willing to quit for several months before and after the procedure.

Will There Be Scarring?

All surgery involves some scarring, and arm reshaping is no exception. The incision is located in the most discreet location of the arm possible, but the amount of fading is an individual factor.

The length of the scar will depend on how much tissue needs to be removed. While the scar from an arm lift can be fairly visible in short sleeved clothing, many people find that the aesthetic benefits of the surgery outweigh the downside of the scar.

What’s Involved with Recovery?

Compression bandages are worn following surgery, and temporary drains may also be placed. Patients can usually return to normal activities within two weeks, but strenuous exercise must be postponed further. Any instructions given for recovery should be followed as closely as possible, to help optimize results.

How Much Does It Cost?

Costs for arm-lift surgery are not fixed, and vary by doctor and region. Anesthesia fees are charged along with the surgical fee. Many people cannot pay the entire cost of the procedure up front, but there is typically financing available for plastic surgery.

Who Should I Go to for More Information?

Getting trusted advice about your procedure is extremely important, so you’ll want to select the best of the best when it comes to your surgeon.

Not sure where to start? Schedule a consultation with an expert, board-certified plastic surgeon, like Dr. Raj Gupta of Masri Clinic for Laser and Cosmetic Surgery in Dearborn and Birmingham, Michigan.

Dr. Gupta tailors procedures to suit each individual patient, and is available to help you get great results from your surgery. Call (866) 487-3223 today to schedule your free consultation with Dr. Gupta.