Arm Lift

Consultations offered at our two convenient locations in Houston and Sugar Land, TX

An arm lift (brachioplasty) is a surgical procedure that improves the appearance of your upper arms. Sun exposure, hormonal changes, and environmental elements can result in stubborn, sagging loose skin under the arms. (1) Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including diet and exercise, is often insufficient to transform “bat wings” into sculpted, toned upper arms. But with an arm lift, patients can achieve a new reshaped and contoured arm silhouette.

At Avante Plastic Surgery, we can eliminate excess skin and help you achieve toned arms for sleeveless summer clothes and tops. Dr. Ahmadi is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has helped thousands of patients in the Houston area meet their body goals. Say goodbye to arm flab self-consciousness. Schedule a consultation to discuss an arm lift at Avante and help regain your body confidence. 

Contact our office to learn how you can achieve the sculpted, toned, firm upper arms that celebrities are admired for worldwide:

Before and After Photos

About Arm Lifts

Arm lift surgery is popular among individuals who struggle with excess arm skin due to factors such as aging, weight loss, or genetics. Many people desire this treatment to achieve slimmer, well-contoured arms that enhance their overall appearance. If you have been avoiding sleeveless clothing and feeling self-conscious about your flabby arms, arm lift surgery may be the solution you’ve been looking for. At Avante Plastic Surgery, we understand that every patient is unique, and our expert plastic surgeon, Dr. Ahmadi, will tailor the procedure to your specific needs and goals. We prioritize safety, comfort, and natural-looking results, ensuring you are satisfied with all aspects of your procedure.

Benefits of an Arm Lift

Arm lift surgery offers a range of benefits for those struggling with flabby upper arms. Some of the amazing advantages our patients at Avante Plastic Surgery experience are:

  • Improved Arm Appearance 
  • Elimination of “Bat Wings”
  • Enhanced Body Proportion
  • Long-Lasting Results
  • Increased Clothing Options 
  • Enhanced Quality of Life

Why Choose Us?

We know that undergoing an arm lift is a significant decision, and we are here to support you every step of the way. Dr. Ahmadi, our skilled and experienced board-certified plastic surgeon, is committed to providing personalized care and support to each patient. Our goal is to help you achieve the best possible outcome, and feel confident with your new look. You can trust us to provide compassionate and professional care throughout your surgical journey. 

At Avante Plastic Surgery, we take pride in being the most exclusive plastic surgery practice in Houston. Our comprehensive services encompass all aspects of aesthetic surgery, providing our patients with a wide range of options to achieve their desired look. Our Quad A-certified surgical center offers convenience and privacy for our patients, ensuring a comfortable and seamless experience. Our quest for excellence and knowledge has earned recognition and respect throughout the state of Texas.

Arm Lift Candidates

If you have excess, loose underarm skin causing flabby upper arms, you may be a suitable candidate for arm lift surgery. Ideal candidates for this procedure are adults who: 

  • Have significant amounts of upper arm skin
  • Are able to maintain a stable body weight
  • Are in good overall health

It is important to note that arm lift patients should not be significantly overweight and should be free from any medical conditions that may affect healing or increase surgical risks. In addition to maintaining a stable weight and being in good health, non-smokers are considered ideal candidates for arm lift surgery.

Medically Necessary Arm Lift

Although an arm lift is typically considered a cosmetic surgery aimed at improving the aesthetics of the arms, there are cases where it may be deemed medically necessary. For instance, if the excess skin in the arms is causing significant impairment in daily activities and preventing a patient from functioning properly, an arm lift may be necessary to improve your overall health and well-being.

Personal Consultation

If you are considering an arm lift, the first step is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Ahmadi. During your consultation, he will carefully examine your arms and discuss the various surgical methods available, including the risks and benefits associated with the procedure. We encourage you to ask questions and share any concerns you may have about the procedure, as we are committed to providing comprehensive support

Dr. Ahmadi will inquire about your medical history and lifestyle, so it is important to be candid and forthcoming with information. Once our team has all the necessary information, we will create a personalized surgical plan tailored to your needs. If you are satisfied with the plan and wish to proceed, our patient coordinator will assist you with scheduling your procedure. We are dedicated to ensuring your experience is smooth and successful, and we look forward to helping you achieve your desired results with arm lift surgery.

How to Prepare for an Arm Lift

To prepare for an arm lift surgery, you will need to stop taking blood thinners and plan to take 2-3 weeks off work to give your body time to heal. You will also need to stop smoking 6 weeks before and after your procedure. We recommend that you prepare your meals ahead of time to prevent trips to the store. You will also need to arrange for a trusted adult to drive you home and care for you 1-2 days after your procedure.

Arm Lift Procedure

On the day of your arm lift procedure, we first aim to cater to your comfort and confidence; your procedure is our own. Arm lift surgery at Avante Plastic Surgery is an outpatient procedure lasting 1-3 hours and requires a patient to have someone accompany them to the office due to anesthesia and post-operative pain medications. The steps involved are as follows:

  • Anesthesia: We typically use intravenous sedation or general anesthesia during the procedure.
  • Incisions and liposuction: We will use our expertise to determine the length and placement of the incisions for optimal results in lifting the upper arms. Dr. Ahmadi will make incisions on the inside or back of the arm. He may also use liposuction to remove excess fat.
  • Re-draping skin: After removing the excess skin and sculpting the tissues, the remaining skin is gently redraped to create a smooth and natural appearance.
  • Closing incision(s): Once the procedure is completed, Dr. Ahmadi will close the incisions with absorbable sutures or removable stitches.
  • Results: You will see visible results immediately after an upper arm lift, with the upper arm appearing smoother and tighter, creating more defined contours.

*Note: It is important to consult with Dr. Ahmadi to discuss the specific details of the arm lift procedure and expected results.

Arm Lift After Massive Weight Loss

Often, Dr. Ahmadi uses liposuction during arm lift procedures to remove excess fat for a smoother, more youthful appearance. The combination of liposuction and arm lift is a much more aggressive contouring procedure. (2) If you have a lot of excess fat or need an arm lift to contour your body after weight loss, liposuction can help you achieve a more athletic figure. If you are struggling with “Ozempic body” after medical weight loss, our body contouring procedures can help you achieve a smoother, toned look.

Mini Arm Lift

This limited incision arm lift procedure is ideal for patients who only need a small amount of loose skin removed from their upper arms. With smaller incisions, mini arm lift patients can enjoy less visible scars on their inner arms while still achieving a more toned and youthful arm appearance.

Arm Lift Recovery

After an arm lift procedure, patients can expect to experience swelling and bruising during the recovery period. Dr. Ahmadi will apply bandages and dressings to the incision sites and wrap the upper arms with bandages or compression sleeves to help reduce swelling. Typically, the standard initial recovery time for an arm lift is 1-2 weeks, and patients are usually able to resume driving after ten days. However, it is important to start with short distances initially. If you have a desk job, you may be able to return to work after ten days, but if your job involves manual labor, we recommend waiting for six weeks before resuming such activities. During your recovery period, you should avoid lifting, pulling, or pushing anything over 5 pounds to ensure proper healing. At Avante Plastic Surgery, we prioritize your recovery process to ensure your utmost comfort during recovery.

Arm Lift Results

While patients can enjoy an immediate improvement in arm shape after an arm lift, it can take several weeks to see the final full results. Discomfort is expected during the postoperative recovery period. One common concern among patients considering cosmetic procedures is the longevity of the results. With stable weight maintenance and a healthy lifestyle, the results of a traditional arm lift typically last for a decade or longer. We encourage patients to maintain a healthy lifestyle and follow post-operative care instructions to increase the longevity of their arm lift results.

To learn more about plastic surgery procedures at Avante, read our blog.

The Cost of an Arm Lift in Houston

The cost of an arm lift procedure varies depending on several factors unique to the individual. At Avante Plastic Surgery, we believe in price transparency and will provide an all-inclusive quote after your consultation. 

Insurance does not typically cover plastic surgery, so we offer convenient financing options like Alphaeon Credit, Care Credit, and United Medical Credit to help cover an arm lift performed at Avante Plastic Surgery. Our professional staff can provide you with information about financing your cosmetic procedures.

Contact our office or call (281) 265-2639 to learn more about how an arm lift can transform your figure and help you meet your goals.

FAQ

Is an arm lift painful?

An arm lift is not considered a painful procedure. By using the proper surgical technique, anesthesia, and pain medication, we can significantly reduce your discomfort after an arm lift. Expect some discomfort and tightness, which will reside once your recovery takes place.

Does an arm lift leave a scar?

It is important to note that arm lift surgery will result in scarring due to the incision process, but the scars can often be easily concealed and fade over time. Patients can reduce scarring by avoiding sunlight for the first three months following surgery. Post-surgical massage, medicated creams or gels, and zinc supplements can also reduce scarring. Non-invasive cosmetic procedures such as chemical peels, laser therapy, or microneedling may also help reduce the appearance of scarring following arm lift surgery.

How many appointments will I need for arm lift surgery?

In most cases, we will schedule a follow-up appointment with you the next day after surgery, and at various other times for 6 weeks, after your arm lift surgery to assess your recovery progress and remove any sutures or bandages. Additionally, you can anticipate another visit a few weeks later to ensure your satisfaction with the results and that you are healing properly.

What are the risks associated with arm lifts?

Some of the potential risks associated with arm lift surgery may include reactions to anesthesia, excessive bleeding, infection, visible scarring, possible asymmetry or irregularities, and potential changes in nerve sensation. It is important to discuss these risks thoroughly during the consultation process and follow all instructions to minimize the risks and ensure a safe and successful recovery. Our team will take appropriate measures to mitigate these risks and provide you with personalized care throughout the surgical process.

References

  1. Chaudhary M, Khan A, Gupta M. Skin Ageing: Pathophysiology and Current Market Treatment Approaches. Current Alzheimer Research. 2019;16(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.2174/1567205016666190809161115 
  2. Egrari S. Brachioplasty: A Personal Approach. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2016;36(2):193-203. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjv146