Monday - Friday

9am to 5pm

10382 South Jordan Gateway Suite 100

South Jordan, Utah 84095

Click To Call Us Today

Arm Lift

Overview

1. Also known as Brachioplasty

2. Decreases excess upper arm skin (bat wings)

3. Shapes the upper arm

4. The scar is along the inside of the arm

5. Liposuction may be an option for younger patients

6. Recovery depends on the patient

7. One to two weeks off of work is suggested

8. Compression garment is worn to decrease swelling

9. Heavy lifting and an active lifestyle can resume after 6 weeks

Arm Lift / Brachioplasty

Many are embarrassed to raise their arms because of all the extra hanging skin that swings back and forth like “bat wings.” Excess arm skin comes with aging and a decrease in the skin’s elasticity. This is worse after weight loss. The disproportionate amounts of extra skin and fat in the upper arms may interfere with many activities. Furthermore it may limit clothing options.

The Brachioplasty or Arm Lift improves the appearance of the upper arm.

Candidates for Arm Lift Surgery

Typically, the Arm Lift candidate has:

1. Excess upper arm skin

2. Excess upper arm fat

Other factors include:

1. Stable weight

2. Nonsmoker

3. Good physical health

4. Positive outlook and realistic expectations

Details of the Arm Lift Procedure

To start Brachioplasty surgery an incision is made on the inside of the arm from the armpit to the elbow. Some modifications of the incision may be determined on an individual basis. The excess skin and fat are freed from the underlying arm structures while muscle nerves and vessels are protected. The excess skin and fat are removed and the arm is closed, leaving the scar in a natural groove. Your sutures are placed beneath the skin, where they will be gradually absorbed by your body. A sterile dressing and a compression garment will be applied over the dressings.

Younger patients may just need Liposuction of the arms since they have the elasticity of the skin that allows the upper arm to shrink down without the excess flabby skin.

Recovery after Arm Lift Surgery

1. 1-2 weeks off work is recommended.

2. Excessive motion of the arms is discouraged during the healing process

3. A compressive garment helps with swelling

4. Heavy lifting discouraged during the healing process

5. Exercise and sports are discouraged for the first 6 weeks

6. Pain medication is given for discomfort

After an Arm Lift, there will be some form of discomfort. However, this improves daily. Pain medications will help. The overall recovery of an Arm Lift depends on the patient’s health. One to two weeks off from work for recovery is suggested. A compressive garment is used after the Brachioplasty surgery to decrease swelling. Strenuous activities, exercise, and sports are discouraged for the first 6 weeks while the healing tissues have a chance to become stronger. The scars will be red, to begin with, and fade over the next year.

Will my Results Last?

Results vary with each patient. An active and healthy lifestyle will help to better maintain this new upper arm appearance. This procedure will help with form-fitting clothes. In addition, it may provide for a better self-image

*All post-operative pictures are of real patients of Fairbanks Plastic Surgery. Identifiable images are used with patient or parent of patient permission.

Meet Grant A. Fairbanks, MD

Board Certified Cosmetic & Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Fairbanks’ broad training in Plastic Surgery allows him to care for patients of all ages. He is highly trained as a Cosmetic & Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon in Utah & combines Advanced Surgical Skills with his Advanced Artistic Skills in order to get results that not only deliver Improved Functionality & Aesthetic Beauty, but most importantly, Natural Looking Results. Dr. Fairbanks Innovative & Exclusive approach to Plastic Surgery is respected around the world & he is recognized among the TOP Plastic Surgeons in practice today. His areas of expertise include Facial Plastic Surgery, Breast Surgery, Body Contouring & Pediatric Facial Deformities.

Meet

Grant A. Fairbanks, MD

Board Certified Cosmetic & Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Fairbanks’ broad training in Plastic Surgery allows him to care for patients of all ages. He is highly trained as a Cosmetic & Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon in Utah & combines Advanced Surgical Skills with his Advanced Artistic Skills in order to get results that not only deliver Improved Functionality & Aesthetic Beauty, but most importantly, Natural Looking Results. Dr. Fairbanks Innovative & Exclusive approach to Plastic Surgery is respected around the world & he is recognized among the TOP Plastic Surgeons in practice today. His areas of expertise include Facial Plastic Surgery, Breast Surgery, Body Contouring & Pediatric Facial Deformities.