Our bodies grow and change shape during the course of our lives, and these changes can have a direct effect on the appearance of our skin. The skin can lose its natural elasticity through the aging process or after weight loss, resulting in unattractive excess skin. These flaps are particularly noticeable on the underside of the arm, and can alter the aesthetics of our bodies. At our well-respected Bergen County plastic surgerycenter, we offer a range of body contouring procedures, and patients seeking to rejuvenate their arms will be pleased with the results of an arm lift procedure performed by Dr. Tzvi Small.
Patients may be a good candidate for an arm lift if their skin has lost some of its elasticity due to aging or weight loss, and they are unhappy with the appearance of their arms, but are otherwise in good health. Patients who are still losing weight, or who plan on continuing to lose weight should reach their goal before considering the procedure.
What is an Arm Lift?
An arm lift is a surgical procedure that reshapes a patient’s arm through liposuction and skin tightening surgery. Arm lift surgery is ideal for patients who have undergone significant weight loss and have drooping or excess skin. There are two types of arm lifts techniques; the surgical approach depends on the extent of loose skin to be removed.
The Two Types of Arm Lift Surgery
• Mini Arm Lift – When a Bergen County body contouring patient undergoes a mini arm lift, also known as a partial or minimal incision arm lift, a small incision is made in the armpit. From that small incision, the arm is sculpted in small amounts through the liposuction process and a small amount of skin may be excised. Following the procedure the arm is carefully wrapped to allow healing with excellent results. Mini arm lifts are ideal for patients who have lost a moderate amount of weight, or a moderate amount of muscle tissue due to aging. Patients who have lost dramatic amounts of weight or muscle should consider an upper arm lift for more effective treatment.
• Upper Arm Lift – An upper arm lift, also called brachioplasty, is a procedure that is ideal for patients who have had a dramatic loss in weight resulting from a change of lifestyle or bariatric (weight loss) surgery. Patients who have lost significant muscle tissue due to aging may also be good candidates for brachioplasty. During an upper arm lift, an incision is made near the elbow, and runs along the bottom of the arm to the body. Excessive fat is successfully removed with liposuction, and then the excess skin is trimmed and secured back in place. After surgery, the newly tightened skin heals to the arm’s reconstructed contours, ensuring beautiful, natural results.
What to Expect After Surgery
As with most surgeries, patients may experience initial tenderness and sensitivity, as well as some swelling and bruising. A wrap or compress may be used during the first few weeks of recovery to aid in the reduction of swelling to help the skin to heal evenly over the arm’s new shape. Flexibility will be limited for the first week, but will return quickly, with patients generally regaining full mobility within six weeks.
Learn More about Bergen Plastic Surgery
For more information about arm lifts or the other top-quality plastic surgery treatments we offer, please contact our plastic surgery center in Bergen County. Dr. Small and our skilled staff are looking forward to providing you with superior, personalized care.
