Arm Lift – Should You Get It Done?
A 2012 survey by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports that the upper arm lift procedure in women have increased by 4,378% since the year 2000. Ever since weight loss surgery was made available, many people have been getting arm lifts, specially those who are seeking massive weight loss. So, should you get it? Definitely!
Let us explain why.
If you are someone who is a weight-loss warrior – you have lost a significant amount of weight - and now want to have a better appearance, including arms that are thin and free from sagging skin, an arm lift is the way to go. Many people work hard to lose weight, focusing on exercise and diet day in and day out. However, even though they are successful in becoming thinner, certain parts of their body may end up looking baggy after the weight loss. If you are one of those people who feel embarrassed due to upper arms who are saggy or heavy, an arm lift may be the right solution.
Liposuction or Arm Lift?
When you decide to get your arms improved in appearance through a cosmetic procedure, you can choose between liposuction and an arm lift. But first, you should know that liposuction is effective in sculpting and reducing the size of your upper arm in patients who have arm skin that is firm, elastic and non-damaged. After the excessive fat is taken out, the skin naturally shrinks and fits the slimmer muscles of your arm that lie underneath.
On the other hand, if a person has skin that is not firm or elastic, or there is a lot of loose and sagging skin under the arms (also called “bat wings”), liposuction may not be effective enough because the arm skin has already become too loose. If you remove more fat through liposuction in this case, your arms would look worse. This is where arm lift comes to the rescue.
Arm Lift at a Glance
An arm lift or “Brachioplasty” is a procedure in which an experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. J. Timothy Katzen would carefully tailor your skin to make it fit around the underlying arm. This is done through the surgical removal of the excess arm fat and skin. An arm lift can give your self-confidence a boost because when the excess skin is removed from your arms, it makes your clothes fit nicely and makes you look younger and slimmer.
They say that a picture is worth a thousand words. Have a look at the before-and-after pictures of one the many Dr. J. Timothy Katzen patients who got an arm lift. Just look at the difference it made!
What Is the Procedure Like?
To know more about the arm lift procedure and what will work in your case, you should consult a plastic surgeon like Dr. J. Timothy Katzen. He will determine the laxity of your arm skin and the level of arm tissue excess present and use this to design a personalized approach that is best for you.
How Invasive is the Arm Lift Procedure?
If you have mild excess upper arm skin, you can opt for a limited arm lift. Dr. J. Timothy Katzen can perform it through an incision in your armpit.
If you have moderate tissue laxity and skin in your arms, the short-scar arm lift may suffice.
If you have severe tissue laxity and skin in your arms, you will need the extended arm lift where an incision extends from your armpit to your elbow. Most patients belong to this category.
A Combination of Cosmetic Procedures
An arm lift can be performed in combination with a breast augmentation and/or breast lift. An arm lift can also be used with other cosmetic or body contouring procedures like liposuction.
Some Pros and Cons
Usually the recovery period is short – typically, between one and two weeks. You can go back to work in about a week.
The results can be long-lasting, but post-surgery weight fluctuations may have an adverse impact on the arm lift results.
The arm lift procedure involves making an incision, that leaves a scar on your arm, which may be a concern for you. However, Dr. J. Timothy Katzen, who is a skilled artist and plastic surgeon, will ensure that the arm scar is in the least visible position – on the inside of your arms. So, if you are worried more about your “bat wings” than an arm scar, you should be happy with the results of an arm lift.
Are you looking for a plastic surgeon for your arm lift?
plastic surgeon Dr. Timothy Katzen is one of the most well-known and well-respected surgeons in both and Beverly Hills, CA areas. His vast experience in aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery means that he is an excellent option for you if you would like to get an arm lift done. Read more about him here or schedule a consultation today!