Arm Lift
Procedure Process
& Ideal Candidates
An Arm Lift, or Brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure that typically focuses solely on the upper arm. This procedure is used to reduce pockets of fat in the upper arms and tightens excess skin along with the underlying tissue that defines the shape of the arm.
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. Good candidates also include adults who are currently at and maintain a healthy weight and those without medical conditions that could potentially impair healing post-surgery. If you are someone that has lost a significant amount of weight and at a point where your weight loss has stabilized, you may be a good candidate for evaluation.
What To Consider
Excess Skin
Excess Fullness
Scars
Schedule Your Arm Lift Consultation
During your consultation, Dr. Antimarino will walk you through a series of questions to determine your concerns, goals and expectations. Dr. Antimarino will discuss with you 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 for a more accurate evaluation.
Pre-Op Care
Depending upon a patient’s age and medical condition there may be preoperative laboratory testing required. This will need to be completed within 2-4 weeks of surgery and is typically covered by the patient’s insurance. Patients are asked to maintain their usual activity level and body weight from the time of consultation to their surgical date. Patients are required to stop smoking, vaping, and the use of nicotine patches, gum, and marijuana one month prior to surgery and a minimum of one month post-surgery. Patients are also required to stop using weight loss medications 2 weeks prior to their surgery. Surgery may be canceled if guidelines are not followed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long does surgery take?
On average, surgery takes approximately 1½ hours.
Is the procedure painful?
The procedure is well tolerated with pain managed using oral pain medication as needed.
How long does it take to Heal?
Patients are required to refrain from housework and exercise for a total of three weeks. They may return to all activity in approximately 6 weeks. The entire healing process lasts about one year.
What will my scars look like?
Initially scars will appear slightly raised and pink. Scars will appear to fade and flatten between 6-8 weeks post surgery. The majority of scars have completely faded and flattened between 6-8 months from the date of surgery
When do my stitches have to be removed?
Sutures are under the skin and dissolve on their own. Therefore, no sutures need to be removed.
Will I have drains after surgery?
Drains are used in this procedure and are usually removed after the first postoperative visit which is 3-4 days after surgery. The drains are pinned to the compression garments and are drained once or twice daily with output recorded. They are very easy to manage and easy to remove.
How long will I have to wear the compression garments?
Compression garments are important to wear as they offer support and control swelling. Patients usually wear them for 3-4 weeks. They can be removed to shower and when they are being cleaned.
Testimonials
What Our Patients Are Saying
Surgery & Post-Op Care
A Brachioplasty is 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. The excess skin is carefully marked and removed. Underlying supportive tissue is tightened and reshaped with internal sutures. This results in a tighter upper arm with improved contour.
Post-Surgical Care:
Drains will be placed at the time of surgery and are typically removed at the first post-operative appointment which is usually 3-4 days following surgery. Drain output is recorded once or twice daily for Dr. Antimarino to review. Compression garments are worn for 3-4 weeks and are important for giving support to the healing tissue and helping to minimize swelling.
Patients are up and around shortly after surgery. Patients will be able to return to work, depending on the physical nature of their jobs, in 1-2 weeks. They may also return to exercise in 3 weeks. The scars will appear slightly raised and pink in color for several months and slowly soften and fade by 6-8 months following surgery.
Before & After
Arm Lift
Breast Augmentation
Breast Lift
Breast Reaugmentation
Eyelid
FACE LIFT
Related Procedures
Our Locations
Monroeville
117 FOX PLAN ROAD, SUITE #300,
MONROEVILLE, PA 15146
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Shadyside
5301 FIFTH AVENUE, SUITE A,
PITTSBURGH, PA 15232
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