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What is an Arm Lift?

An arm lift specifically addresses the underside of the upper arm, from the armpit to the elbow. This area has been found to be particularly prone to fat pockets.

Weight fluctuations, genetics, and aging can affect the way an individual’s upper arms look. Because a sagging and drooping upper arm occurs mainly due to lax skin, not muscle loss, this issue cannot be corrected through diet, strength training, and/or exercise; however, an arm lift in Orange County can eliminate the excess fat and skin to create a smoother, tighter upper arm.

Before & After Arm Lift

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What Are the Benefits of an Arm Lift?

An arm lift provides a range of benefits for patients, including the following:

  • Contoured, more toned and proportionate arms
  • Tighter, firmer skin
  • Tighter, more sculpted under-arm tissue
  • More ease and comfort due to a lack of irritation from skin rubbing
  • No more hygiene concerns in the area around the arms
  • A completion of a transformative weight loss journey
  • Elimination of unwanted skin and fat
  • Improved self-esteem and confidence

The Perfect Arm Lift Surgery Candidate

A good candidate for an arm lift in Orange County includes adults who:

  • Have a substantial amount of excess and lax skin on their upper arms.
  • Are healthy and do not have a medical condition that may impair the healing process or increase their risk of surgery.
  • Have a positive, realistic outlook about their arm lift results.
  • Are not considerably overweight and have maintained a relatively stable weight for some time.

What to Expect From Arm Lift Surgery

Your arm lift with Dr. Esmailian will begin with a consultation. This will give him an opportunity to examine your arms and determine how much tissue needs to be excised. During this time, you and he will discuss:

  • What you would like to accomplish with your arm lift.
  • Medical conditions, past surgical procedures, medical treatments, and drug allergies.
  • If your weight loss has stabilized during the past 3 months.

Dr. Esmailian will also:

  • Perform a detailed examination and discuss the entire procedure in detail.
  • Discuss the surgical plan and which particular arm lift, mini or full, would benefit you most.
  • Lay out a follow up and recovery plan to help you achieve the best possible scar from your arm lift.

The Arm Lift Procedure

Once everything is agreed upon, treatment can begin. The first step in an arm lift is the application of an anesthetic. In some cases, your arm lift can be done with local anesthetic, which means you won’t be unconscious. In certain cases, Dr. Esmailian will recommend general anesthetic for maximum comfort during the operation. Once an anesthetic is applied, treatment begins with an incision made on the undersides of the upper arms.

The length and shape of the incision is determined by how much tissue is going to be removed. This aspect of your treatment will be fully discussed ahead of time. After the incisions are made, Dr. Esmailian proceeds by removing underlying tissue that has become excessive, and tightening the remainder with stitches. The upper arm skin is then draped over the new contours, allowing Dr. Esmailian to remove the proper amount of excess skin. Once this is done, the skin is closed with techniques that minimize any resultant scar. An arm lift generally takes two hours to complete.

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The arm lift procedure itself usually takes approximately two hours; however, patients who decide to undergo multiple procedures at the same time (liposuction, etc.) will remain in the operating room longer. Arm lift surgery is an outpatient procedure and patients are generally in the recovery room for 1 to 1 ½ hours prior to discharge. For this reason, patients are required to bring a licensed driver with them to the facility on the day of their Brachioplasty procedure.

In addition, patients should ask someone they trust to stay with them on the night of their arm lift procedure. Following your Brachioplasty procedure, you may expect to experience slight discomfort. You will also have some swelling and minimal bruising, as this is common following arm lift surgery. Usually, swelling peaks within two or three days after your surgery. Swelling may be reduced by using pillows to elevate your arm. This also increases your comfort level as you recover.

Woman Smiling Stretching Arms

Recovering From Arm Lift Surgery In Orange County

Following your arm lift in Orange County, Dr. Esmailian will apply bandages or dressings to your incision site. He will apply a compression dressing to reduce swelling and place a small, thin tube under the skin. This tube allows excess fluid or blood to drain from the incision site. This drainage tube is usually removed in 5-7 days. You may shower 48 hours after surgery and reapply the compression wrap on a daily basis. At approximately 2 weeks, the surgical tapes are removed, and a compression sleeve may be used in place of the compression wrap. Patients may resume full activity within 4 weeks of surgery.

Arm Lift Surgery Results

Maintaining a stable weight and staying physically fit will ensure that the results of your arm lift surgery are long lasting. Keep in mind that as you age, losing some firmness in your arms is natural; however, the majority of the improvements achieved during your arm lift are permanent.

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Why Choose Dr. Esmailian?

Dr. Farbod Esmailian is a highly-experienced, double board-certified cosmetic surgeon. He is passionate about helping patients improve their quality of life by performing the most modern, effective procedures. Dr. Esmailian has earned a reputation for patient satisfaction and beautiful, precise results that appear natural and highlight the attractive qualities patients inherently possess.

Arm Lift FAQ

Will there be scars?

Does insurance cover an arm lift?

How can I prepare for arm lift surgery?

When can I start exercising after surgery?

Can I combine an arm lift with another procedure?

Will there be scars?

There will be scarring after an arm lift, but these are placed as inconspicuously as possible, and the scars fade well.

Does insurance cover an arm lift?

In the majority of cases, insurance will not cover an arm lift. However, patients with limited arm function due to the severity of excess skin may find that insurance will help cover the cost.

How can I prepare for arm lift surgery?

Within several weeks of your surgery, stop smoking and taking blood-thinning medications such as aspirin, and have a medical exam to ensure you are in good health.

When can I start exercising after surgery?

Light exercise may be resumed after two weeks, but more vigorous exercise should be avoided until 4-6 weeks have passed and your arms are fully healed.

Can I combine an arm lift with another procedure?

An arm lift can be combined with a thigh lift, liposuction, a tummy tuck, a breast augmentation, and other procedures to provide overall physical enhancement.

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