Available to patients coming from every part of the San Jose Bay Area, arm lift surgery can improve the aesthetics of the upper arm area. Dr. Alexander Ereso possesses extensive experience with the brachioplasty procedure and has been trusted by hundreds of patients to perform the surgery.
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Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) Candidacy
You may be a candidate for upper arm lift surgery if excess skin and fat prevent you from enjoying attractive arms. Perhaps you feel embarrassed because of hanging skin left over after significant weight loss. Or, maybe your weight is stable but you are genetically predisposed to heavy-looking arms and have spent your entire life feeling self-conscious.
You should be physically healthy and your weight should be stable to minimize the risks of surgery. Dr. Ereso will evaluate you as an arm lift candidate on an individual basis during your consultation.
Alternative Procedures
Sometimes candidates believe they can get similar results to arm lift through liposuction. Liposuction is a fat reduction tool and will not improve the tone or appearance of lax arm skin. If you are bothered by excess fat and skin, arm lift is the better option. Arm lift includes a liposuction component as well as skin tightening. Dr. Ereso can recommend the best procedure for your anatomical needs and cosmetic goals during a consultation.
Arm Lift Surgery Consultation
A personal arm lift consultation at our Mountain View office is the first step. Dr. Ereso will assess your physical and emotional health and discuss your specific cosmetic surgery goals. Patients coming from the San Jose Bay Area can also use the time to ask our plastic surgeon any questions they may have about the procedure.
You should arrive at the consultation prepared to provide complete information about:
- Previous surgeries
- Past and present medical conditions
- Treatments you have received
- Medications that you are taking, including nutritional supplements and herbal remedies
Preparation
Dr. Ereso will provide you with complete instructions for preparing for brachioplasty. For example, he may ask you to get a clean bill of health from your primary care doctor or have lab testing done before undergoing cosmetic surgery. Dr. Ereso will also ask you to temporarily stop taking certain medications that could increase the risk of surgical complications, including aspirin and other anti-inflammatory medications.
As you look forward to arm lift, focus on getting good nutrition, regular physical exercise and lots of sleep. If you have any questions about the operation, do not hesitate to reach out to Dr. Ereso and our team.
Upper Arm Lift Procedure Details
Although the procedure is tailored to your individual needs, tumescent liposuction of the upper arm is first performed through small incisions near your elbow and axilla. This is followed by removing a generous ellipse of tissue from the axillary area. This results in a scar that is well hidden in the axillary fold. If more extensive skin excision is required, an additional wedge of tissue is removed from the inner arm. Deep tissue tightening is performed at this time, followed by the closure of the skin and deep tissue in the shape of a “T” on its side. An elastic bandage or pressure garment is then applied, completing the procedure
Arm Lift Recovery/Results
Depending on your individualized procedure, you will leave the office with either a pressure garment with sleeves or elastic bandages around your arms. We will see you 1 or 2 days after surgery in the office. Although you will be able to use your arms right away to wash your face, eat and write, we discourage extending your arm and shoulder greater than 90 degrees from your body for approximately 2 weeks.
Arm lift procedures, particularly in combination with liposuction, offer the ability to significantly improve the contour of the upper arm. Every effort is made to keep the scar as short as possible. Scar thickening may occur after this procedure, even if healing is uneventful after surgery. A scar on the arm should not be considered mature until it is 1 or 2 years old. Occasionally, scar excisions are necessary to obtain the ideal result. For well-selected patients, long-term results can be outstanding.
Risks/Safety
You should familiarize yourself with the possible risks of brachioplasty, including the following:
- Adverse reaction to anesthesia
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Fluid accumulation
- Changes in skin sensation
- Poor wound healing
However, know that by selecting an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon, the risk of complications is lowered. Talk to Dr. Ereso if you have specific concerns about risk factors.
Complementary Cosmetic Procedures
If you are pursuing arm lift after significant weight loss that has left you with excess hanging skin around your body, consider a complementary procedure such as thigh lift, tummy tuck, upper or lower body lift. You may also be interested in reducing other areas of unwanted fat with liposuction.
Dr. Ereso is happy to examine your areas of concern and inform you about the specific procedures that will complement the results of your arm lift.
Arm Lift Costs/Financing
Arm lift costs can vary from patient to patient depending on the specific treatment plan. We offer plastic surgery financing through CareCredit, which enables you to pay for your procedure over time with little or no interest. For an arm lift price quote or information about financing your arm lift through CareCredit, please contact our office.
Contact Dr. Alexander Ereso
Contact Dr. Ereso today to learn more about the benefits of the upper arm lift.