Raise your expectations
Have you lived summer after summer feeling like you can’t wear a sleeveless shirt? Have hours at the gym not been able to address your loose, dangling upper arms? Now, you can finally achieve the arm aesthetic you’ve been dreaming of with our Newport Beach Arm Lift procedure for a toned and tightened upper arm contour. Brachioplasty can remove excess skin and fat that often cannot be improved with exercise alone. This procedure targets the upper arms to create a more defined and proportionate appearance.
Why choose pacifica?
Triple board-certified Newport Beach plastic surgeon, Dr. Douglas Hendricks, is a proud member of esteemed organizations such as the American Association of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. But Dr. Hendricks is more than an accomplished surgeon, author, and speaker — he is a dedicated advocate for delivering exceptional care and tailored results to every individual he serves. His commitment goes beyond professional accolades, aiming to ensure that each patient has an outstanding experience and achieves results uniquely suited to their needs.
Arm Lifts at Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery
At Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center, we are guided by the philosophy that plastic surgery should offer a subtle and natural-looking outcome rather than appearing obvious or stark. Newport Beach plastic surgeon, Dr. Douglas Hendricks, offers arm lifts and is committed to achieving exquisitely natural results that elevate and rejuvenate without the risk of an overdone aesthetic.
What is an arm lift?
An arm lift, also known as brachioplasty, is a surgical cosmetic procedure that is used to address sagging or excess skin in the upper arms. This treatment is often sought by patients who have experienced significant weight loss or signs of aging, leading to the loss of skin elasticity in the upper arm area. The procedure typically involves the removal of excess skin and fat from the upper arms, resulting in a more toned and defined appearance.
What Can Arm Lifts Treat?
Bat Wings
Bat wings refer to the loose, hanging skin and fat that form on the underside of the upper arms, resembling the shape of wings when arms are lifted. This common concern is often caused by aging, significant weight loss, or genetics, leading to skin that has lost elasticity. An arm lift can remove this sagging skin to create a firmer and smoother arm contour.
Excess Fat Deposits
Stubborn fat deposits in the upper arms can be resistant to diet and exercise. These fat pockets can accumulate due to genetics, hormonal changes, or aging, creating a fuller appearance in the arms. By addressing these excess fat deposits through a combination of excision and liposuction, brachioplasty can help achieve a slimmer, more proportional arm shape.
Skin Laxity
Skin laxity refers to the loss of skin firmness and elasticity, which causes the skin to sag and droop. This is especially common in the upper arms due to the natural aging process, weight fluctuations, or sun damage, as collagen and elastin production decrease. An arm lift tightens this loose skin, restoring a youthful, taut appearance to the upper arms.
Poor Arm Definition and Uneven Contours
Some individuals experience poor arm definition and uneven contours from a combination of excess skin, fat, and underlying muscle structure. This can lead to a lack of visible muscle tone and an unbalanced appearance between the upper arms and the rest of the body. Arm lifts can enhance muscle definition to help the efforts of your workouts be more apparent.
Arm Lift vs. Liposuction
While both procedures are meant to enhance the appearance of the arms, they target different issues and involve distinct techniques. An arm lift is primarily performed to address excess skin and sagging in the upper arms and involves the surgical removal of excess skin and, in some cases, fat from the upper arms, which results in a more toned and sculpted arm aesthetic. Liposuction targets excess fat deposits in the arms and uses suction to remove localized fat but does not address loose skin.
Arm Lift Benefits
An arm lift can significantly enhance quality of life by addressing physical aspects associated with sagging or excess skin in the upper arms, along with lifting confidence. Key benefits for our arm lift patients include:
- Achieve more sculpted and toned arms
- Boost self-confidence and body image
- Comfortably wear a range of clothing styles
- Long-lasting results
Arm Lift FAQs
Mini Arm Lift
A mini arm lift is ideal for patients with mild to moderate sagging in the upper arms, typically limited to the area near the armpit. This procedure requires a smaller incision, usually hidden in the underarm, and focuses on tightening the skin and removing minimal fat in this localized area. It works well for those looking for subtle improvements without extensive scarring or a lengthy recovery. This option is often suitable for patients with good skin elasticity but some sagging due to aging or slight weight loss.
Full Arm Lift
A full arm lift, or traditional Brachioplasty, addresses more significant sagging and loose skin along the entire upper arm, from the armpit down to the elbow. This procedure involves an incision along the inner arm, allowing for the removal of both excess skin and fat. It’s a good option for individuals with pronounced skin laxity due to aging or significant weight loss.
Who Is a Candidate for an Arm Lift?
Ideal candidates for an arm lift typically have excess skin and, in some cases, excess fat in the upper arms, which may be the result of aging, significant weight loss, or genetic factors. Candidates should be in good general health and free from underlying medical conditions that could impede the healing process. If you’d like to find out if you’d make a good candidate for an arm lift Newport Beach plastic surgeon, Dr. Hendricks, can address that and any other questions you have during a consultation. Contact us today!
Consultation & Preparation
Our goal is to provide personalized and comprehensive treatment for each procedure that we perform, and this begins during your private consultation. We will provide you with a detailed treatment plan and instructions about specific preparation guidelines to ensure optimal outcomes.
What’s the Procedure Like?
This procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia, but intravenous sedation may be used depending on the extent of the surgery. The plastic surgeon begins by making incisions on the inner arms. Excess skin and, if necessary, excess fat are carefully removed to achieve the desired contour. The remaining skin is meticulously tightened and sutured to create a more toned and lifted appearance. In most cases, an arm lift takes around two to three hours to complete.
Results, Recovery, and Aftercare
While recovery after arm lift is generally not extremely painful, patients will likely experience some tenderness, discomfort, or tightness for a few days. In most cases, initial recovery takes about two weeks, depending on the patient, and full healing is complete in one to two months. Optimal results, including scar healing, may take up to a year.
Tips for a Smoother Recovery
Activity Restrictions
After arm lifting surgery, we recommend you follow specific activity restrictions to help with healing. For the first few days, keep your arms elevated to help reduce swelling. Avoid lifting anything heavy or reaching overhead during the first two weeks. While resting is key, light movement like walking is encouraged to promote circulation and prevent stiffness. Strenuous exercise or any activity that strains the arms should be avoided for about 4-6 weeks. We’ll tailor these guidelines to your progress, but following them closely will help you recover more comfortably and effectively.
How to Manage Discomfort
Discomfort after arm lifting surgery is normal, and there are several ways to manage it. You may feel tightness, soreness, or swelling in the upper arms. We’ll provide pain medications to keep you comfortable, and cold compresses can be used to reduce swelling. Wearing the compression garments we recommend will not only help with the swelling but will also support the healing tissues. Keep in mind that rest is just as important as managing discomfort—allowing your body to heal at its own pace is part of the process.
Post-Operative Care
Proper care after upper arm surgery helps you heal smoothly. We’ll give you instructions on cleaning and protecting your incisions. For the first few days, sponge baths are often the safest option until showering is allowed. When cleared to shower, avoid direct hot water on the incisions and gently pat them dry afterward. Sleeping with your arms elevated on pillows or in a recliner can help minimize swelling. Be mindful of your sleeping position to avoid putting unnecessary pressure on your arms.
Long-Term Maintenance of Arm Lift Results
After your arm tuck, maintaining your results over the long term is possible with a few lifestyle habits. Regular exercise and a focus on maintaining a stable weight help prevent excess fat from returning to the arms. Strength training can also be beneficial, as it keeps the underlying muscles toned and supports the overall appearance of your arms. Healthy skin care habits, like moisturizing and protecting your skin from sun damage, can help maintain the firmness of your skin over time. While the arm tuck addresses excess skin and fat, these daily choices can help preserve the smooth, contoured look you’ve achieved
