Loss of skin elasticity, which is often due to weight fluctuations, can cause excess skin that droops down, causing the arms to look saggy or weak. While most of us long for arms that look tight, toned, and strong, sometimes, even the most rigorous diet and exercise cannot help us achieve this goal.

For patients experiencing significant arm laxity, brachioplasty may hold the answer. This arm lift procedure can remove this sagging skin and provide you with a nice arm contour. We are pleased to provide patients with this cosmetic surgical procedure at Veritas Plastic Surgery in Walnut Creek, CA.

Why People Decide to Get a Brachioplasty

The primary reason why patients seek a brachioplasty procedure is the presence of excess skin on their arms. This is most common along the upper arms, where the skin can droop down and cause the arms to look flabby.

Excess skin in this area can happen for a number of reasons. It can often be a result of significant weight gain or weight loss. Significant weight loss can lead to stretched-out skin, preventing you from achieving slender or toned arms. On the other hand, skin laxity can also be the result of age and genetics.

Your Initial Consultation

During your initial consultation, Dr. Ting will perform a physical evaluation and ask some questions about your medical history. This assessment is important for a couple of reasons. For one, it helps ensure that you are a qualified candidate for a safe, successful procedure. Two, it provides Dr. Ting with insight into the type of arm lift that is best suited for you.

This initial consultation is also a good time for you to ask questions and to ensure you have realistic expectations about what an arm lift can and cannot achieve.

What to Expect from the Surgery

The type of brachioplasty you receive will depend on the extent of your arm laxity.

For those whose arm laxity is mild to moderate, Dr. Ting may recommend intervention through a combination of RF tightening and liposuction. This is often a desirable method because it produces virtually no scarring, requires only mild sedation, and comes with a short recovery time.

For patients who have more extreme skin laxity, or who have extensive stretch mark damage, an open brachioplasty surgery may be recommended. This procedure will be done under full anesthesia and will require an incision from the armpit to the elbow, resulting in some scarring.

Recovery After Your Brachioplasty Experience

Your recovery from brachioplasty will depend on the type of arm lift you have performed. Those who have the RF and liposuction option will have significantly shorter recoveries, but in either case, Dr. Ting will provide full instructions for pain management and aftercare. By following the aftercare guidelines, you can minimize the visibility of your scars.

Most patients who have an open brachioplasty are ready to resume school or work within one to two weeks. However, it may be up to a month before you are cleared to do any heavy lifting or strenuous exercise.