The arms—while performing many functional purposes—also play a role in body aesthetics. Both men and women tend to want lean arms with men desiring more musculature and women wanting graceful, lithe arms. Unfortunately, due to age, changes in weight, and other factors, sometimes the arm contour can become distorted by extra skin. A procedure known as an arm lift can remove this skin and restore arms to their natural contour. Dr. Scott Blyer performs the best arm lift surgery Long Island and NYC offer.
Also known as a brachioplasty or arm tuck, an arm lift is a plastic surgery that addresses excess skin that hangs down from the arms. In some cases, the procedure may also include liposuction to correct both the skin and fat structures. It is commonly performed for patients who have undergone significant weight loss. Â Arm lift surgery treats only the upper arms.
Losing a large amount of weight usually leaves extra skin in several places on the body. Sometimes, patients do not gain much weight in their arms and there is little extra skin. However, other patients may experience “bat wings” which is a colloquial name for large amounts of extra skin extending from the arms that somewhat resembles wings.
Dr. B frequently performs an arm lift procedure during a combination of other body contouring surgeries such as a tummy tuck, breast lift, and lower body lift.
For the right candidate, an arm tuck surgery offers many benefits and advantages. Some of the possible benefits include:
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An arm tuck can refer to two surgeries. A traditional arm lift targets sagging skin whereas arm liposuction removes excess fat. It is also possible to combine these for patients who have a significant excess of both.
A brachioplasty surgery uses an incision on the underside of the arm to remove and tighten the skin. The length of the incision depends. It generally starts in the armpit and extends as far as necessary to provide the best results.
Considering the potential length of the incision, some patients are understandably wary. It is unlikely that the incisions will be completely concealable all the time. This is a downside patients need to consider. However, patients with copious amounts of extra skin often see it as a fair trade-off to enjoy the new contours of their body which they worked hard to achieve.
Arm liposuction is a less invasive procedure and involves only a tiny hidden incision. However, it only addresses small pockets of extra fat. Though, if only a moderate amount of skin tightening is needed, J-plasma or similar skin tightening options may be options for avoiding a full arm lift.
Understanding whether or not an arm tuck or arm liposuction is the right option for a patient usually requires an examination and the expertise of a cosmetic surgeon like Dr. B. Though, patients can get an idea of both procedures to help them make an informed decision. The table below compares the two procedures.
Dr. B can help determine the right procedure for an individual patient during a consultation. He may even recommend both for some patients to achieve the best possible results.
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The length of the scar after an arm lift will vary between patients. Often, it extends about halfway or just over halfway down the arm. Though, patients with only small amounts of extra skin may get away with a much smaller scar. Dr. B can discuss this during a consultation and can often determine the relative size during the initial consultation.
Candidates for a brachioplasty Long Island surgery typically have a large amount of extra skin that hangs down from their arms. Likely, they have lost more than fifty pounds. Beyond this, arm lift candidates should be in generally good health and have realistic expectations for the procedure. Due to the potential size of the scar, arm lift patients should not smoke because this will hinder the healing process.
It can, yes. An arm tuck incision often starts in the armpit. Additionally, liposuction can also treat the small amount of fat that sometimes collects on and around the axilla. Dr. B can easily address any extra skin or fat in the armpit during an arm lift or arm liposuction.
An arm lift recovery is around two weeks. Though, some restrictions may last up to eight weeks. Patients can usually return to work after one to two weeks depending on their healing and side effects. Most noticeable side effects subside within two weeks. Bruising, swelling, redness, numbness, and pain may all occur. To mitigate these side effects and keep patients comfortable, Dr. B will provide personalized aftercare instructions. These instructions may include:
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An arm lift in Long Island at Cameo Surgery Center ranges in cost from $8,655 to $12,345. The final cost ultimately depends on the extent of the surgery. Dr. B can provide a more accurate price quote during a consultation.