Arm Lift in Beverly Hills, CA

A frustrating side effect of weight loss and aging is the development of loose skin. At J. Timothy Katzen, M.D. Beverly Hills, we offer arm lift surgery (also called brachioplasty) as a treatment for people who can't tighten or tone their arms with diet and exercise alone. Hanging skin on the upper arm is very common, especially for extreme weight loss patients. An upper arm lift removes this unwanted skin, sometimes known as "bat wings," and is often included in upper body lift surgery. Dr. Timothy Katzen is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, CA who is world-renowned for his innovative skin removal techniques, especially those for post-weight loss patients. If you would like to learn more about how brachioplasty can enhance the contour of your arms, please contact us for a consultation.

Loose, sagging skin around the upper arms can be frustrating, particularly if you have worked diligently to shed pounds and attempted to tone up. Dr. Katzen conducts arm lift surgeries to help individuals improve the appearance of their upper arms. Aesthetic and functional benefits of a brachioplasty include:

• Removing excess skin
• Tightening and contouring the arms
• Enhancing range of motion
• Evening out the skin under the arms
• Improving comfort by decreasing rubbing and chafing
• Preventing topical annoyances like skin rashes
• Delivering results that are significant and enduring
• Boosting confidence and self-image

An arm lift is a cosmetic procedure that involves the employment of innovative techniques to remove unwanted skin and tighten the arms. If you are tired of hiding your flabby arms and want them to look taut and trim again, you could be a great candidate for an arm lift. You should be in good overall health so that your body will heal well. Some of the most common issues for potential arm lift patients are excess, loose skin on the upper arms and loose arm skin. It's critical that you are at or near a healthy, stable weight prior to your surgery.

In most cases, your Beverly Hills upper arm lift will take place in an outpatient setting. For patients undergoing multiple plastic surgeries at the same time (such as an upper body lift with an arm lift, upper back lift, and breast lift), an overnight stay may be required. Arm lift surgery can also be combined with other procedures (usually performed in an inpatient setting for monitoring), including a tummy tuck, thigh lift, or mommy makeover, if Dr. Katzen determines the combination to be safe. An upper arm lift is usually performed with the patient under general anesthesia and may take several hours to complete. The excess skin will be surgically removed from the elbow to the underarm. The incision made will be as hidden as possible, but a scar will result. If liposuction is needed to remove stubborn pockets of fat, this will be done as well. Once the remaining skin is pulled taut, the incisions will be closed with sutures. You will need to keep the incisions cleaned, covered, and supported with compression garments.

Your recovery period may last an estimated two weeks. During this time, you will likely be instructed to elevate your arms, wear compression garments, and take certain medications. Following an invasive procedure like this, it is crucial that you give yourself time to heal. If needed, a suture removal appointment will be scheduled about ten days after surgery. Compression garments should be worn until you are released by Dr. Katzen. For at least one month, all exercise, heavy lifting, and strenuous activity should be avoided with the exception of frequent, short walks. If you develop excessive swelling, uncontrolled bleeding, hematoma (fluid buildup), infection, loss of feeling in the arms or hands, or heavy scarring, please contact J. Timothy Katzen, M.D. Beverly Hills for answers.

Can I combine an arm lift with other surgeries?
It is common for arm lift patients to combine this surgery with another procedure. This is sometimes known as an upper body lift and may include liposuction, an upper back lift, or breast surgery (breast lift). An arm lift is also commonly included as part of an after weight loss surgery for patients who have lost a large amount of weight and want full body contouring. During your consultation with Dr. Katzen, complementary surgeries can be discussed so your personal surgical plan matches all of your needs and goals.

Will there be scars?
A surgical arm lift needs incisions to cut away excess skin, which means there will be scars from sutures. However, Dr. Katzen makes every effort to place the incisions in inconspicuous areas. After your surgery, ointments to help with scar healing will be recommended, along with other tips for scar care management. Dr. Katzen also suggests you avoid sun exposure during the first year to protect the scar from becoming discolored. Most patients believe the benefits of a more toned arm outweigh the appearance of scars.

What results can I expect from an arm lift?
A surgical arm lift is used to address hanging skin and small amounts of fat. You should maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet to avoid a dramatic change in your weight, which could negatively alter your results. Following your lift, once your arms are fully healed and Dr. Katzen has authorized it, you can begin weight training. This is a great way to add shape to your arms by building the muscles.

Are there nonsurgical treatments to improve my arms?
While there are a lot of nonsurgical skin tightening options, most will only provide mild improvements. To correct moderate to severe amounts of loose skin, arm lift surgery is your best option. Along with treating excess skin, Dr. Katzen also liposuctions small amounts of fat and smoothes the remaining skin and tissue for a better result. If you are interested in nonsurgical procedures, Dr. Katzen can tell you about all possible treatments during your consultation and help you decide which is best for your goals.

Whatever you call the "bat wings" or droopy skin on your arms, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Timothy Katzen can slim and contour the arms for a slender shape that suits your new frame. This innovative procedure provides not only physical benefits but emotional positives as well. If you are at or close to a healthy, stable weight and still cannot remove the flab and skin that hang from your upper arms, please call and schedule a private consultation with Dr. Timothy Katzen at J. Timothy Katzen, M.D. Beverly Hills. You can now look and feel younger and fitter with upper arm lift surgery.