Arm Lift in West Bloomfield, MI

A frustrating side effect of losing weight or getting older is finding loose skin. At Bloomfield Plastic Surgery, we offer arm lift surgery (also known as brachioplasty) as a correction for anyone who cannot seem to tone and tighten their arms with exercise and diet. Loose skin from the elbow to the upper arm is very common, especially for women and men who are advancing in age or have lost weight. Arm lift surgery removes this loose, hanging skin often called "bat wings." Dr. Julio Sosa, a board-certified plastic surgeon in West Bloomfield, MI, is very skilled 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 schedule a consultation at Bloomfield Plastic Surgery.

Loose skin on the upper arms can be annoying, especially if you have worked diligently to shed pounds and tone your arms. At Bloomfield Plastic Surgery, Dr. Sosa conducts arm lift surgeries to help men and women improve the appearance of their upper arms. Practical and aesthetic benefits of a brachioplasty procedure at our West Bloomfield, MI facility include:

• Removing loose, excess skin after major weight loss or aging
• Tightening and contouring the arms
• Enhancing range of motion
• Evening out the skin under the arms
• Improving comfort by decreasing rubbing and chafing
• Preventing irritations like skin rashes
• Delivering results that are significant and enduring
• Increased confidence and comfort when choosing clothing

An arm lift is an aesthetic surgery that uses innovative techniques to slim and remove extra skin. If you avoid sleeveless clothes because of your flabby arms and want them to look fit and healthy again, you are an ideal candidate for arm lift surgery. You should be in good overall health so that your body will heal well. Some of the main symptoms for patients who want an arm lift are hanging, loose skin on the upper arms, and lost tightness of the skin. It is imperative that you are at or near your goal weight prior to your procedure.

Typically, your upper arm lift surgery will take place in an outpatient setting unless multiple plastic surgeries are scheduled to be performed at the same time. An arm lift can be added to other procedures (usually performed in an inpatient setting for monitoring), like a mommy makeover, tummy tuck, or thigh lift — if Dr. Sosa decides it is safe. Arm lift surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia and may take several hours to complete. The loose skin will be surgically excised from the elbow up to the underarm. The incision will be made to be as concealed as possible, but it will leave a visible scar. If liposuction is required to remove stubborn fat, this will be performed as well. Once the skin is tightened, it will be sutured in place. You will need to keep the incisions sanitized, covered, and in compression garments.

Your recovery period will last around two weeks with lots of elevating the arm. Permit yourself time to heal. You use your arms for many things so patients are encouraged to ease their way back into their usual routines. An appointment to remove sutures will be made around ten days after surgery. Compression garments should be worn until you are released by Dr. Sosa. For at least 4 – 5 weeks, all strenuous activity should be avoided with the exception of 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 Bloomfield Plastic Surgery for help.

How do I prepare for arm lift surgery?

Patients are given a detailed list of preoperative instructions to ensure the success and safety of their arm lift surgery. For example, Bloomfield Plastic Surgery may advise patients to stop smoking and avoid taking blood thinners for several weeks before their procedure. We also recommend eating a healthy diet and staying hydrated to help the healing process.

Will my arm lift results appear natural?

Dr. Sosa takes great care to ensure arm lift results are as natural-looking as possible. We achieve this through cutting-edge surgical techniques and a focus on the individual needs of each patient. Our goal is to help patients achieve dramatic outcomes while still looking and feeling like their best selves.

Is arm lift surgery safe?

All surgical procedures come with risks, but an arm lift is generally considered safe when performed by a skilled and experienced plastic surgeon. Our staff in West Bloomfield, MI works diligently to minimize complications associated with surgery and provide patients with the highest standard of care possible. We will thoroughly review the risks and benefits of arm lift surgery during a consultation.

Can I combine an arm lift with other surgeries?

It is common for patients who want an arm lift to create a custom treatment plan with another surgery. This is often known as an upper body lift and can combine liposuction, a breast lift, or a tummy tuck. Arm lift surgery is also frequently included in an after weight loss surgery for patients who have lost a large amount of weight and want full body contouring. In your initial consultation with Dr. Sosa, complementary surgeries can be talked about so your unique surgical plan can be developed.

Will there be scars following an arm lift?

An arm lift uses incisions to cut away excess skin, which leads to stitches and scarring. However, Dr. Sosa makes every effort to ensure that your incisions are small and placed in inconspicuous areas. After your surgery, our team can discuss our tips for scar care management. Dr. Sosa also suggests you avoid UV exposure for at least one year to protect the scar from becoming discolored. Most patients consider the overall benefits of a more toned arm to outweigh the minimal scars created.

What results can I expect from an arm lift?

An arm lift is performed to excise loose skin and small amounts of fat. You should maintain a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and regular exercise in order to avoid a dramatic change in your weight, which could undo your results. After your surgery, as soon as your arms are fully healed and Dr. Sosa has given permission, you should start strength training. This is a good way to improve the shape of your arms by building the muscles.

Whatever you call your "bat wings" or droopy skin on your arms, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Julio Sosa considers plastic surgery as an opportunity to change your confidence and perception of yourself. This advanced procedure offers emotional and physical benefits as well. If you are at or near a healthy weight and still cannot eliminate the flab and skin that hang from your upper arms, please call and schedule a private consultation with Dr. Sosa at Bloomfield Plastic Surgery. Feel younger and fitter with arm lift surgery.