Slim & tone the upper arms by removing excess skin
If you have unsightly sagging skin on the upper arms due to aging, genetics, or weight loss, you may be a candidate for an upper arm lift, also known as brachioplasty. When performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, this surgical procedure can significantly reduce excess skin from the upper arms for a slimmer, more contoured upper body.
Arm Lift Candidates
You may be a good candidate for arm lift surgery if:
- You have excess skin or fat on the upper arms that does not improve with diet or exercise.
- You are at a stable weight and/or close to your goal weight.
- You are in good overall health, with no medical conditions that could impair healing or increase surgical risks.
- You are a non-smoker or are willing to quit smoking before and after surgery, as smoking can interfere with healing.
- You feel self-conscious about the appearance of your upper arms and want to achieve a more toned, defined look.
- You have realistic expectations for the outcome of the surgery and understand that scarring is part of the procedure.
During your consultation, Dr. Movassaghi will assess your medical history and skin elasticity to determine if arm lift surgery is the best option for you.
Your Arm Lift Consultation with Dr. Movassaghi
During your arm lift consultation with Dr. Movassaghi, he will begin by discussing your aesthetic goals and evaluating the areas of concern on your upper arms. Dr. Movassaghi will carefully examine your skin elasticity, the amount of excess skin and fat, and your overall health to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. Together, you’ll review the surgical options, including incision placement, anesthesia, and any additional procedures that might enhance your results, such as liposuction. Dr. Movassaghi will also go over the recovery process, potential risks, and expected outcomes, ensuring you have a clear understanding of what to expect before, during, and after surgery.
This one-on-one consultation with Dr. Movassaghi is your opportunity to ask any questions and feel confident in your decision to move forward with the procedure. Our staff will also provide you with a customized quote so you can understand exactly what your procedure will cost, including surgical fees, anesthesia, etc., should you decide to schedule the procedure.
Dr. Kiya Movassaghi is a highly respected board-certified plastic surgeon with more than 20 years of experience in the field. His extensive surgical expertise, combined with an exceptional aesthetic eye, ensures that patients receive stunning, natural-looking results.
Dr. Movassaghi’s Arm Lift Procedure
Dr. Movassaghi performs surgery at McKenzie Surgery Center or Sacred Heart Medical Center in Eugene, Oregon. Arm lift surgery is performed under general anesthesia. Once you are anesthetized, Dr. Movassaghi will carefully make an incision that runs from near the elbow into the armpit. The length and placement of the incision will depend on the amount of excess skin and fat being removed, and will be discussed ahead of time during your initial consultation. The incision is placed in the most inconspicuous location (inner arm toward the back), but some scarring will always be visible.
Dr. Movassaghi will then remove or reposition fat, tighten the underlying tissue, and trim away excess skin. Once the desired contour is achieved, the incisions are closed with sutures, and your arms will be wrapped in an elastic sleeve to minimize swelling and support healing.
“I have renewed enthusiasm with my new body. Your office is so friendly that I feel like I’m seeing old friends each time I step in the door. And Dr. M- I have such great respect for your skills. You have no idea what you’ve done for me. Thank you.”
Recovery after Your Brachioplasty Procedure
Recovery from an arm lift typically spans several stages, with gradual improvements in mobility and comfort. Here’s a general outline of what you can expect during the days, weeks, and months following your arm lift surgery:
Week 1:
- Rest and Limited Mobility: In the first few days, your arms will be wrapped in bandages or compression garments to help reduce swelling and support healing. Expect some bruising, swelling, and discomfort, which can be managed with pain medication prescribed by Dr. Movassaghi.
- Lifting Your Arms: It’s important to keep your arms elevated and avoid lifting them above shoulder height for the first week. Gentle arm movements are encouraged to improve circulation, but strenuous activity should be avoided.
- Showering: You may need to wait 2-3 days before showering, depending on Dr. Movassaghi’s instructions.
Weeks 2-4:
Initial healing usually occurs in 10 to 14 days, and after that, you can slowly begin your return to your normal, everyday life.
- Returning to Normal Activities: By the second week, many patients can return to light activities and work, provided their job doesn’t involve heavy lifting or physical labor. You may still need to wear compression garments to minimize swelling.
- Arm Movement: You can begin to slowly increase your range of motion, but avoid lifting heavy objects or performing vigorous arm movements. Listen to your body and Dr. Movassaghi’s recommendations as you resume daily activities.
- Exercise and Lifting: Light walking is encouraged, but refrain from exercising or lifting weights for at least 4-6 weeks.
Months 2-3:
Swelling and bruising gradually disappear over 3 to 4 weeks, and all swelling is gone in 3 to 6 months. Sutures are usually removed within the first 6 months as well.
- Resuming Exercise: By 4-6 weeks, most patients can return to more strenuous activities, including weightlifting and upper body exercises, once Dr. Movassaghi gives you the go-ahead. Swelling should significantly subside, and your arm contour will become more noticeable.
- Scar Maturation: Over the next few months, your scars will continue to fade. Dr. Movassaghi may recommend additional skin treatments to help improve the appearance of scars during this time. The scars may take up to 24-48 months to fade as much as they can, depending on your skin.
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Your Arm Lift Results
Full recovery from an arm lift typically takes 3-6 months. At this point, the swelling should be completely gone, and the final results of your arm lift will be visible. As long as you maintain a stable weight and follow a healthy lifestyle, your results can be long-lasting. While scars will fade some over time, they will likely be visible to some degree, but can be further reduced with treatments at our Eugene medical spa if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions about Arm Lifts
Schedule your upper arm lift consultation in Eugene“I am so happy I found Dr. Movassaghi. My consultation was informative and professional while friendly and very relaxing. His office staff is amazing. After the consult I knew I had found the Dr. that I wanted to do my surgery. The results are amazing. Dr. Movassaghi is the man! I can’t speak highly enough of him as well as his team. Try it.. you’ll love your results.”
Board-certified Eugene plastic surgeon Dr. Kiya Movassaghi has over 20 years of experience performing arm lift surgery in Eugene, Oregon. If you desire slimmer, more contoured arms, contact our office online or call (541) 686-8700 to discuss your treatment options.
References »
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Reed LS. Brachioplasty with limited scar. Clinics in Plastic Surgery. 2014 Oct;41(4):753-63. doi: 10.1016/j.cps.2014.06.009.
Nagrath N, Winters R. Brachioplasty. 2023 Jul 25. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–.
Sisti A, Cuomo R, Milonia L, Tassinari J, Castagna A, Brandi C, Grimaldi L, D’Aniello C, Nisi G. Complications associated with brachioplasty: a literature review. Acta Biomedica. 2018 Jan 16;88(4):393-402. doi: 10.23750/abm.v88i4.5609.
Knoetgen J 3rd, Moran SL. Long-term outcomes and complications associated with brachioplasty: a retrospective review and cadaveric study. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2006 Jun;117(7):2219-23. doi: 10.1097/01.prs.0000218707.95410.47.
Di Pietro V, Colicchia GM, Cervelli V, Gentile P. Arm Contouring After Massive Weight Loss: Liposuction-Assisted Brachioplasty Versus Standard Technique. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery. 2018 Apr-Jun;11(2):73-78. doi: 10.4103/JCAS.JCAS_102_17.