Upper Arm Lift The Woodlands

Brachioplasty, also known as the upper arm lift, can reshape and contour the upper arms to remove the bat-wing appearance that can occur in some individuals. To achieve sleeker arms, your plastic surgeon trims away the loose, excess skin and fat from the upper arm.

Houston plastic surgeon Paul Gill performs brachioplasty, as well as many other procedures for body contouring. An arm lift can be performed alone or within a stage of post-bariatric body contouring, which might include procedures such as thigh lift, body lift, or tummy tuck.

If You’re Considering Arm Lift Surgery

You may be considering arm lift surgery if you are bothered by the appearance of your upper arms. Many people (women in particular) become self-conscious about their arms as they become older. The problem usually occurs because of fluctuations in your body weight, which cause the skin on your arms to stretch out and hang from the upper arm.

The best candidates for an upper arm lift are:

• Healthy, non-smoking individuals
• Motivated to improve appearance
• Capable of understanding risks and benefits involved

Good candidates for arm lift surgery also have an adequate degree of skin elasticity. It is important to know that arm lift surgery leaves surgical incision scars. The right candidates, however, are willing to accept this drawback in order to gain a slimmer, more contoured arm shape.

What to Expect in Arm Lift Surgery

Your arm lift surgery in Houston will most likely be an outpatient procedure, requiring 1 to 2 hours of operating time. The doctor uses a general anesthetic during surgery, but local anesthesia may be suitable in some circumstances.

If your arms simply have excess fat, liposuction may be an alternative to the arm lift. Dr. Gill can help you determine if this is a suitable option. Most patients will benefit from the full brachioplasty procedure. Incisions are made on the inner portion of your arms, traveling from the underarm to the elbow (length of incision varies). Using skin removal techniques and liposuction, Dr. Gill reshapes each arm. Sutures are put in place to close the incisions and maintain your new arm shape.

Recovering from an Arm Lift

Your recovery may require 2 to 4 weeks of downtime when you will need to limit movement of the arms and keep them elevated. Dr. Gill will provide you with specific instructions on how to manage the post-operative period. A prescription pain medication can help control discomfort as you heal. A special compression garment is worn on the arms to promote skin contraction and minimize swelling. Possible side effects and risks include changes in skin sensation, changes in pigmentation, swelling,  delayed healing, bleeding, infection and scarring. Ask Dr. Gill for more details if you are concerned about the risks of cosmetic surgery.

Arm Lift in Houston

For more information about upper arm lift in The Woodlands or contact Gill Plastic Surgery at contact our Houston plastic surgery practice or call 281.853.5308 to schedule a consultation.