Dramatic weight loss patients, either through the result of diet or surgery, often present with excessive and redundant skin along their arms. This is a common, though unfortunate side effect from significant weight loss. Brachioplasty surgery, or an arm lift, can dramatically improve the appearance of the arms by carefully removing the excessive or redundant skin and by tightening the loose tissue. Liposuction is often performed in combination to further enhance the shape and contour of the arms. In 2006, Dr. Hoefflin presented his mini-brachioplasty technique at the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS).
Contact Dr. Hoefflin to learn more about arm lift or arm reduction surgery after massive weight loss.
Our Brachioplasty, or arm lift, procedure can dramatically improve the appearance of your arms by carefully removing excessive or redundant skin, along with any localized fat deposits. Liposuction is frequently performed in combination to further enhance the shape and sculpted appearance of your upper arms.
Patients who have lost significant weight, either through bariatric surgery or a change in lifestyle, may demonstrate moderate to significant excessive upper arm skin under their arms. This is often referred to as a “batwing” appearance. Thin people, too, may have sagging upper arms due to the effects of aging and genetics. Despite regular exercise, surgery remains the only treatment. Healthy patients with excess skin due to weight loss or aging may consider Brachioplasty.
Patients who have had a mastectomy, had their lymph nodes removed, have had repeated underarm infections or sweat excessively are not candidates for brachioplasty or armlift procedure.
One of Dr. Hoefflin’s areas of expertise in body contouring surgery is the minimally invasive brachioplasty. In 2006, Dr. Hoefflin presented his mini-brachioplasty technique at the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS) meeting. This specialized technique places a well-hidden scar into the natural armpit crease, and avoids any scar placement on the upper arm itself.
An important consideration for Brachioplasty patients is the resulting scars. During a standard brachioplasty, a permanent scar extending the length of the upper arm, from elbow to armpit is placed. With a mini-brachioplasty, a semi-circular scar is hidden in the armpit. The amount of hanging or sagging skin usually determines which procedure best fits a patient’s needs.
Dr. Hoefflin typically places small drains during your arm lift procedure. These drains, along with surgical dressings (bandages) are usually removed after several days, in an appointment at our offices.
Dr. Hoefflin performs armlifts as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia with deep sedation, as administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist. When performed in combination with other plastic surgery procedures, general anesthesia may be used. When small pockets of hereditary fat are targeted, liposuction alone can be performed. The procedure usually takes about one to two hours, depending upon the desired level of sculpting. All operations are performed in fully credentialed and state-of-the-art surgical facilities.
Our patients are surprisingly free of pain due to the tumescent local anesthesia that is used. Most patients describe the recovery process as a mild to moderate discomfort. Most patients tell us they feel much better than expected following their surgery and able to return to work and their normal social activities within several days to one week following surgery.
Patients are directly discharged home with gauze dressings and compression garments covering the treated areas. Garment use is encouraged for the first two to four weeks to reduce post-operative swelling. After the procedure, patients may experience mild bruising, swelling, and local discomfort from several days to one week following their procedure. Any initial discomfort is easily controlled with oral medication. Endermologie® by LPG is begun several days after your procedure to help diminish any swelling, assist in healing and speeding your recovery. Patients can return to work and other regular activities as soon as they feel comfortable, which is usually after several days.
Patients once again engage in light or non-strenuous workouts after several weeks, with a full return to all activities after six weeks. Any premature participation in strenuous exercises can prolong swelling or lead to unanticipated complications.
Improvement can your upper arm contour can be immediately appreciated following your brachioplasty surgery. Accompanying bruising and swelling can take several weeks to resolve. The results of brachioplasty are long lasting, but can depend upon many personal lifestyle choices. Large fluctuations in weight, and the normal age related effects of skin laxity can lead toward recurrence of loose skin over time. While individual results can vary, typical results last 5 to 10 years.
In Patients who demonstrate excessive localized fat deposits and good skin elasticity, liposuction might be considered. During your consultation, Dr. Hoefflin will review the body contouring options with you and help you decide which procedure best fits your individual anatomic needs.
Dr. Hoefflin offers his patients the latest advancement and most comprehensive treatment for patients seeking cellulite reduction.
You have concerns about the appearance of your arms, and we are here to help you regain a trimmer, more attractive look. Our first consultation will involve discussing what you envision, and advising you about what can be done in your case. Every person is different, and the condition of the arms varies widely. Your medical history must be reviewed to ensure the safety of the procedure. We also would like you to look over photos of various patients who have had the procedure so you know what to expect, and answer your questions and concerns about the surgery.
While many physicians may perform cosmetic procedures, a board-certified plastic surgeon has an extraordinary level of training – up to 16 years of education after high school. The standards for becoming certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery are incredibly high. Trusting your surgery to a highly-qualified surgeon allows you to have confidence that your procedure will be performed by a true professional in the field.
An armlift will not be covered by health insurance, as it is a cosmetic procedure and saggy, baggy arms are not life-threatening or a health risk. To make it possible for you to have the surgery, we offer several financing options.
You can read more information about our brachioplasty or arm lifting procedures by clicking here. To learn if you are a candidate for an armlift, contact our offices for a complimentary consultation.
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