Upper Arm Lift Surgery (Brachioplasty) in Dothan, AL

One big challenge when getting older or losing weight is dealing with excess skin. At Martin Plastic Surgery, we offer upper arm lift surgery (or brachioplasty) as a procedure for patients who cannot manage to tighten and tone their arms with diet and exercise. Lax skin from the elbow to the shoulder is very common, particularly for men and women who have lost weight or are advancing in age. Commony referred to as "bat wings," an arm lift effectively excises this excess, hanging skin. Dr. Justin Martin, a plastic surgeon in Dothan, AL, is very experienced 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 call and schedule an appointment at Martin Plastic Surgery in Dothan, AL.

An upper arm lift is a cosmetic surgery using advanced methods to contour and excise excess skin. If you are self-conscious about your "bat wings" and would prefer your arms to appear healthy and fit again, you might be a good candidate for this procedure. You need to be in overall good health so that your skin will recover properly. Some of the key indicators for an arm lift patient are loose, hanging skin on their upper arms, plus minimal elasticity of the skin. It is also important to note that you should be at your ideal weight before surgery.

Most likely, your arm lift surgery will be performed in an outpatient facility, except in cases where several cosmetic surgeries are being performed at one time. An upper arm lift may be combined with other surgeries, such as tummy tucks, mommy makeovers, and thigh lifts — as long as Dr. Martin considers it appropriate. An arm lift is typically done under general anesthesia and can require a couple of hours to finish. The excess skin will be excised starting at the elbow all the way up to the armpit. The incision will be placed as inconspicuously as possible, although it will most likely leave a visible scar. In cases where liposuction is needed to eliminate stubborn fatty deposits, this can be completed also. After the skin is pulled taut, it will be stitched back into place. You will have to care for the incisions by keeping them clean and bandaged.

A typical recovery time frame should take about two weeks with lots of rest. Allow your body time to heal. You use your arms for almost everything, so most patients should ease their way back to their normal activities. A follow up appointment will be set approximately ten days following surgery. For at least a month (4 – 5 weeks), all strenuous exercise must be eliminated in order to allow proper healing to occur.

How much does arm lift surgery cost?
Your cost for arm lift surgery will be based on several things. Before he can estimate your costs, Dr. Martin will start with a consultation to understand your needs and goals. After that, he will develop your surgical plan and break down your costs. So that it is easier to afford an experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Martin and get the results that you want, Martin Plastic Surgery takes several forms of payment. We will also give you information on financing options.

Can I combine an arm lift with other surgeries?
It's common for patients who want an arm lift to create a custom treatment plan with another surgery. This is sometimes referred to as an upper body lift and can combine liposuction, a breast lift, or back lift. Arm lift surgery is also frequently performed 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. Martin, each surgery will be discussed so that your unique treatment plan can be developed.

Will there be scars?
Arm lift surgery requires incisions in order to remove excess skin, which leads to stitches and scarring. However, Dr. Martin will make every effort to ensure that your incisions are small and placed in inconspicuous areas. Following your arm lift, topical creams that help with healing will be suggested, along with our tips for minimizing scarring. Dr. Martin also suggests you limit UV exposure for at least one year to protect the incisions from any additional 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?
An arm lift is performed to remove loose skin and fat. You should follow a healthy lifestyle that includes diet and exercise in order to avoid a dramatic weight loss or gain, which could compromise your surgical results. After your surgery, as soon as you are recovered and Dr. Martin has given permission, you should start strength training. This is a good way to improve the shape of your upper arms by toning and strengthening the muscles.

Are there nonsurgical treatments to improve my arms?
Although there are many great noninvasive skin tightening treatments, they can only give you small improvements. To remove moderate to severe skin laxity, an arm lift is your best choice.

This exciting surgery provides physical and emotional benefits as well. If you're at your goal weight but still can't lose the skin and flab that hang off your arms, please contact us to plan a consultation with Dr. Justin Martin at Martin Plastic Surgery. Look fitter and younger with brachioplasty.