One big challenge when getting older or losing weight is dealing with excess skin. In San Diego, CA at Shumway Cosmetic Surgery, we offer upper arm lift surgery (also known as brachioplasty) as an intervention for anyone with atrophied skin on the underside of the upper arm, which will not tighten with exercise or a healthy diet. Loose skin from the elbow to the shoulder is very typical, particularly for women and men who are advancing in age or have lost weight. Arm lift surgery excises this excess, hanging skin, often called “bat wings.” Dr. Robert Shumway, a cosmetic surgeon, is very skilled in fat removal and skin tightening procedures. If you want to hear more information about how brachioplasty can change the appearance of your upper arms, please schedule an appointment at Shumway Cosmetic Surgery.

An upper arm lift is an aesthetic surgery using advanced methods to contour and remove extra skin. If you avoid sleeveless clothes because of your “bat wings” and would prefer them to appear healthy and fit again, you are an ideal candidate for arm lift surgery. You need to be in overall good health so that your skin will recover properly. Some of the key indicators for patients who want an arm lift are loose, hanging skin on their upper arms, plus minimal tightness of the skin. It is important that you are at or near your goal weight before your procedure. Dr. Shumway will hold a private consultation to evaluate the skin on the arm before determining if surgery is the best intervention for you.

Your upper arm lift surgery will be performed in an outpatient facility, except in cases where several cosmetic surgeries are scheduled to be performed at one time. An upper arm lift may be added to other surgeries (often completed at a facility with inpatient monitoring), like a mommy makeover, tummy tuck, or thigh lift — as long as Dr. Shumway considers it appropriate.

The excess skin will be surgically excised starting at the elbow up to the underarm. The incision will be placed to be as concealed as possible, although it will leave a visible scar. In cases where liposuction is required to eliminate stubborn fat, this can be completed during the same surgery. After the skin is pulled taut, it will be sutured in place. You will have to care for the incisions by keeping them clean, covered, and in compression garments.

Recovery timeframes can be 2+ weeks with lots of rest. Permit your body time to heal. You use your arms for almost everything so most patients are encouraged to ease their way back to their usual activities. An appointment to remove sutures will be made around ten days following surgery. Compression garments must be kept on until you receive permission from Dr. Shumway to no longer wear them. For at least 4 – 5 weeks, all strenuous activity must be postponed. You can still take short walks. If you experience uncontrolled bleeding, excessive swelling, fluid buildup (hematoma), signs of infection, numbness in the hands or arms, or unusual scarring, please contact Shumway Cosmetic Surgery for help.

How much does arm lift surgery cost?
Dr. Shumway will first go through the consultation process to understand your medical history, aesthetic wants, and goals. Once this is complete, he will develop your treatment plan and break down your costs. The minimum price for an arm lift is $6,000. Shumway Cosmetic Surgery takes several types of payment. We will also give you information on low-interest financing.

Can I combine an arm lift with other surgeries?
It’s normal for patients who want an arm lift to create a custom treatment plan with another surgery. This is often called an upper body lift, which can combine liposuction, a breast lift, or tummy tuck. Arm lift surgery is also frequently done in an after weight loss surgery for those who have lost a significant amount of weight and need contouring throughout their body. In your initial consultation with Dr. Shumway, other surgeries can be talked about so your custom treatment plan fits all your goals.

Will there be scars?
An arm lift uses incisions in order to excise loose skin, which leads to scarring from stitches. However, Dr. Shumway will make every effort to use small, thin incisions that are placed in less visible areas. Following your arm lift, creams that help with healing will be suggested along with our tips for minimizing scarring. Dr. Shumway always suggests you limit UV exposure for at least one year to minimize scar discoloration. In general, patients consider the overall benefits of an arm lift are worth the minimal scars created.

What results can I expect from an arm lift?
Arm lift surgery removes loose skin and stubborn pockets of fat. You should follow a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and regular exercise to avoid a significant change in your weight, which may affect your results. After your lift surgery, as soon as you are recovered and Dr. Shumway has given permission, you should start strength training. This is a good way to improve the shape of your upper arms by getting to the gym for toning and strengthening the muscles.

Are there nonsurgical treatments to improve my arms?
Although there are several noninvasive skin tightening procedures, they can only give you small improvements. To address moderate to severe skin laxity, a surgical arm lift is your best choice. In addition to eliminating loose skin, Dr. Shumway also uses liposuction on small pockets of fat and tightens the tissue and remaining skin. If you’re interested in learning about nonsurgical treatments, Dr. Shumway can talk about these in your consultation.

No matter what you call your droopy skin or “bat wings” under your upper arms, cosmetic surgeon Dr. Shumway considers it as a way to improve your confidence with cosmetic surgery. This advanced surgery provides physical and emotional benefits as well. If you’re at or near a healthy weight but still can’t eliminate the skin and flab that hangs off your arms, please contact us to plan a consultation with Dr. Shumway at Shumway Cosmetic Surgery. Feel fitter and younger with arm lift surgery.