Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) | Pittsburgh, PA
Excess skin and fat in the upper arms can be frustrating. Patients who are self-conscious about the appearance of their arms are often reluctant to wear short sleeve shirts or tank tops. Even shirts with long sleeves can pose problems as the upper arms may not fit into the sleeves. Weight loss and exercise may not always be the cure. For many patients, the upper arms can be resistant to the effects of weight loss and therefore will see only minimal changes in the size of their arms.
What is an Arm Lift?
An Arm Lift, or Brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure that typically focuses solely on the upper arm. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgery and board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jeffrey R. Antimarino, an Arm Lift will:
- Reduce excess sagging skin.
- Reduces pockets of fat in the upper arms.
- Tighten underlying tissue that defines the shape of the arm.
Who is a good candidate for an arm lift in Pittsburgh?
An ideal candidate for an arm lift would be someone who is experiencing loose or sagging skin in their upper arms. Usually, it is someone who has lost a significant amount of weight and has experienced upper arm skin laxity even after exercise.
An Arm Lift Candidate Will Also Include:
- Adults who are currently at and maintain a healthy weight.
- Adults without medical conditions that could potentially impair healing post-surgery.
- Adults with excess fat deposits in their upper arms.
If you are someone that has lost a significant amount of weight and are at a point where your weight loss has stabilized, you may be a good candidate for evaluation. It is also preferred that the individual be a nonsmoker and committed to a healthy lifestyle.
Your Arm Lift Consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon:
Because no two arms are the same, it is important to know what to expect during your Arm Lift consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon.
Dr. Antimarino, who has been noted as one of the best plastic surgeons in Pittsburgh, will walk you through a series of questions while listening to you and trying to determine the best option for your Arm Lift surgical procedure.
It is best to come prepared with your plastic surgeon checklist.
Dr. Antimarino will discuss your surgical goals, any medical conditions you may have or treatments you are going through, what medications you may be taking, and any previous surgeries. Be prepared to discuss outcomes of an Arm Lift procedure and to have the doctor take photos of your arms for more accurate evaluation.
What Can I Expect After an Arm Lift?
Dr. Antimarino will perform the Brachioplasty procedure which is effective in re-contouring and tightening the upper arms. Placement of the scar in a Brachioplasty is paramount.
SURGERY: A Brachioplasty is usually performed under general anesthesia in an outpatient setting. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Antimarino has developed a technique that gives excellent contour with minimal exposure of the incision. Depending on your specific condition, incisions may be more limited. Then, underlying supportive tissue is tightened and reshaped with internal sutures. Finally, the skin is smoothed over the new contour of your arm.
AFTER SURGERY: The post-operative pain is minimal. Surgical drains are used for 3-4 days. Compression garments are used for 3-4 weeks. The patient may return to work in approximately 1 week and exercise in 3 weeks. The scars are pink early in the recovery phase but generally fade to fine white lines.
Related Procedures: Breast Augmentation, Post-Weight Loss Panniculectomy, Liposuction
Request a Consultation
A consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jeffrey Antimarino is an opportunity to ask questions and have a detailed discussion about Arm Lifts. Dr. Antimarino is available to see patients in Shadyside, Monroeville, and our Greensburg satellite location. Schedule your complimentary cosmetic consultation or a virtual consultation now.
