A frustrating side effect of losing weight or getting older is finding loose skin. At Dorner Plastic Surgery, we offer arm lift surgery (or brachioplasty) as a correction for patients who cannot seem to tighten and tone the arm with diet and exercise. Lax skin from the elbow to the upper arm is very common, especially for men and women who have lost weight or are advancing in age. This type of body sculpting effectively removes this loose, hanging skin, commonly referred to as “bat wings.” Dr. Brian Dorner, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Columbus, OH, is very experienced in skin tightening and fat removal surgeries. If you would like to learn more about how brachioplasty can improve the look of your arms, please call and schedule an arm lift in Columbus at Dorner Plastic Surgery.
An arm lift is a cosmetic surgery that uses innovative techniques to slim and excise excess skin. If you are self-conscious about the loose skin on your arms and want them to look fit and healthy again, you are a good candidate for this procedure. You should be in good overall health so that the skin will heal well. Some of the main symptoms for an arm lift patient are hanging, loose skin on the upper arms, and lost elasticity of the skin. It is also important that you are at your ideal weight prior to surgery.
Most likely, your arm lift surgery will take place in an outpatient setting, unless multiple plastic surgeries are being performed at the same time. An arm lift can be combined with other procedures (usually performed in an inpatient setting for monitoring), such as tummy tucks, mommy makeovers, and thigh lifts — if Dr. Dorner decides it safe. An arm lift is usually performed under general anesthesia and may take several hours to complete. The loose skin will be excised from the elbow all the way up to the underarm. The incision will be made in as inconspicuously as possible, but it will most likely leave a visible scar. If liposuction is needed to remove stubborn fatty deposits, this will be performed as well. Once the skin is tightened, it will be sutured back into place. You will need to keep the incisions clean, bandaged, and wrapped with compression garments.
Your recovery period should last about two weeks with lots of arm elevation and rest. Allow yourself time to heal. You use your arms for everything, so patients should ease their way back into their normal routines. A suture removal appointment will be set approximately ten days after surgery. Compression garments should be worn until you are released by Dr. Dorner. For at least a month (4 – 5 weeks), all exercise should be avoided with the exception of taking short walks. If you observe excessive swelling, uncontrolled bleeding, hematoma (fluid buildup), infection, loss of feeling in the arms or hands, or heavy scarring, please call Dorner Plastic Surgery for assistance.
Your cost for arm lift surgery will depend on many factors. Before he can determine your costs, Dr. Dorner will perform a consultation to listen to your needs and goals. After that, he can create your surgical plan and estimate your costs. To make it easier to afford a skilled plastic surgeon like Dr. Dorner and get your best results, Dorner Plastic Surgery accepts many payment methods. We can also help you find low-interest medical financing.
It is common for arm lift patients to combine this surgery with another procedure. This is sometimes referred to as an upper body lift and may include liposuction, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), or breast surgery (breast lift). An arm lift is also commonly performed as part of an after weight loss surgery for patients who have lost a large amount of weight and want full body contouring. During your consultation with Dr. Dorner, each surgery will be discussed so your unique surgical plan can be developed.
Arm lift surgery requires incisions to remove excess skin, which means there will be stitches and scarring. However, Dr. Dorner makes every effort to ensure that your incisions are small and placed in inconspicuous areas. After your surgery, topical ointments to assist in scar healing will be recommended along with other tips for scar care management. Dr. Dorner also recommends you avoid sun exposure during the first year to protect the incisions from any additional discoloration. Most patients believe the benefits of a more toned arm outweigh the appearance of scars.
An arm lift is performed to correct hanging skin and fat. You should maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes diet and exercise in order to avoid a dramatic weight loss or gain, which could compromise your surgical results. Following your surgery, once your arms are fully healed and Dr. Dorner has authorized it, you can begin weight training. This is a great way to add shape to your arms by strengthening and toning the muscles.
While there are several great nonsurgical skin tightening treatments, most will only provide mild improvements. To remove moderate to severe amounts of loose skin, an arm lift is your best option. Along with removing excess skin, Dr. Dorner also liposuctions small amounts of fat and smooths the remaining skin and tissue for a better result. If you are interested in nonsurgical options, Dr. Dorner can explain all possible treatments during your consultation and help you decide which is best for your needs and goals.
Whatever you call your “bat wings” or droopy skin on your arms, plastic surgeon Dr. Dorner calls it as an opportunity to change your life with plastic surgery. This exciting procedure offers both emotional and physical benefits. If you are at your goal weight and still cannot lose the flab and skin that hang from your upper arms, please call and schedule a private consultation with Dr. Brian Dorner at Dorner Plastic Surgery. Look younger and fitter with brachioplasty.
*Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary from person to person. Images may contain models.
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