Arm Lift in Columbus, OH
Liposuction and arm lifts are the two options for surgical correction of upper arm deformities; one focuses on the fat while the other concentrates on the excess skin. Sometimes, the two are done simultaneously when there is a combination of both excess skin and fat present. Our plastic surgery facility in Columbus, OH proudly performs these surgical procedures to help those dealing with excess skin and stubborn fat in the upper arms.
Isolated Fat Removed
Liposuction of the upper arms is limited to patients who have a large amount of fat in that area but also have good skin tone, allowing the skin to “snap back” for a normal contour without leaving sagging excess skin after fat removal. It is typically done as an outpatient under anesthesia. It usually takes only one very small incision just above the elbow so there is virtually no scarring. Liposuction of the upper arms is typically for relatively younger patients who have not lost a lot of weight while still having very good skin tone.
Arm Lift Before and After
Before
AfterSkin Excision
An arm lift or brachioplasty is generally performed on patients who have lost a considerable amount of weight and have excess skin on their upper arms. Sometimes there is residual excess fat in the area as well and this can be removed with liposuction at the same time as performing an arm lift. Since a lot of skin is removed with a brachioplasty, there is considerably more scarring. The standard scar runs from the elbow to the armpit along the inside of the arm so that it is hidden when the arms are down by the patient’s side. Most patients, however, have enough extra skin that the scar extends past the elbow and either into the axilla in a “T” shaped scar or onto the side of the chest so that it is more shaped like an “L” as it bends from the arms to the sides of the chest.
Both procedures concentrate on the contour of the lower hemisphere of the upper arm as viewed when the arm is extended out 90 degrees from the body. Fat on the outer surface of the arm is much more difficult to remove smoothly and skin excision in that area would result in severe scarring.
Two-Stage Procedure
Occasionally, patients will present with excess fat on the upper arms along with fair, but not great skin elasticity. Often they will prefer to go through the smaller, less expensive procedure of liposuction alone to see if they will be happy with the result. It is best in this situation to have the mindset that, if liposuction alone does not provide the best contour, proceeding subsequently with an arm lift may be necessary to achieve the desired outcome.
Mini-Brachioplasty
There is also a less extensive arm lift that places a smaller transverse scar in the armpit making the scar essentially invisible except in a sleeveless shirt with the arms elevated. This procedure is commonly combined with liposuction, however, since only a minimal amount of skin is removed, only a small correction in contour is achieved on the upper-most inner aspect of the arm. Only a minority of patients presenting for arm procedures are good candidates for this minimal form of an arm lift.
Good Candidates for an Arm Lift
Sometimes diet and exercise won’t always recontour the arms in the way you desire. If you have stubborn fat and loose, skin in the arm region that has not responded well to traditional weight loss practices, then an arm lift can help. Good candidates for an arm lift are men and women suffering from the accumulation of excess skin and fat in the upper arm region. Ideally, patients should be in good physical health and have realistic expectations. During your consultation, we will examine your body and discuss your medical history to find out if an arm lift is right for you.
I highly recommend Dr. McMahan
“I was referred to Dr. McMahan because my doctor was on vacation and I had an emergency. His care was incredible. From our initial conversation to the procedure 2 days later he was outstanding. He showed caring and concern for my situation and even called me the night of my procedure to check on me. A couple of weeks later, I had an issue and he was equally concerned. He also called to follow up and check on me. I highly recommend Dr. McMahan and will go to him for additional procedures in the future.”
– Vernie
How Much Does An Arm Lift Cost?
The cost of an Arm Lift will depend on several factors. The price can be affected by body type, type of technique performed, surgical complications, and even allergies. Find out more by scheduling a consultation.
Contact Our Office
If you’re interested in learning more about an arm lift, don’t hesitate to contact our office to schedule your informative consultation in our Columbus, OH, office. Our skilled team will develop a personalized treatment plan to address your specific needs and help guide you through the entire surgical process.
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