An arm lift is performed to remove loose hanging skin from the upper arms, creating a firmer, more sculpted appearance. It is an effective procedure to get rid of excess skin following massive weight loss. As a result, an arm lift is regularly included in procedures for post-bariatric patients desiring surgery after weight loss to further tone their newly slim body.

Am I a Candidate for an Arm Lift?

Ideal arm lift candidates are near their ideal body weight, but need some additional tightening in the arms. Many candidates have recently lost a significant amount of weight, and as a result have excess fat and dropping arm skin that needs to be removed.

You should be in good general health before undergoing an arm lift. It is important to stop smoking prior to surgery to ensure proper healing. As with any plastic surgery procedure, it is important to have realistic expectations for the outcome. An arm lift can help you achieve a more toned appearance, but it is not a tool to accomplish your weight loss goals.

Your Arm Lift Procedure

If you only have a small amount of fat to remove good skin elasticity, Dr. Grossman and Dr. Capraro may be able to perform your arm lift using liposuction alone. This technique provides for a much less invasive procedure and smaller incisions which will minimize scarring and shorten your recovery time.

For patients with larger areas of fat beneath the arms and a significant amount of excess skin, Dr. Grossman and Dr. Capraro may recommend a more comprehensive arm lift procedure. Our Denver plastic surgeons will make an incision in a zigzag pattern on the inside of the arm, extending from the underarm to the elbow. Excess fat is removed and loose skin is tightened to achieve a more sculpted arm appearance.

Arm Lift Recovery

Immediately following your arm lift, you may experience some tightness and swelling in your upper arm. However, this should subside after a few days. You may also experience some pain, which can be managed with medication.

Dr. Grossman and Dr. Capraro will cover the incision with a special surgical dressing, and you may need to wear a compression garment to facilitate the healing process. Since the incisions are made in a discreet location, your scarring should be minimal and barely visible.

After about a week, you can take a shower. In most cases, you should be able to return to work after two to three weeks. However, it is best to avoid strenuous activity for at least one month, and you should not do any heavy lifting for at least six weeks.

You should start seeing results immediately, although it may take as long as three to six months before your final results are apparent.

Please contact  Grossman Plastic Surgery today to schedule your initial consultation. Our arm lift surgeons  serve patients in Denver and Littleton, Colorado.