Elevate Your Confidence

Due to weight loss or the natural aging process, it is common for the skin under your upper arms to start sagging, leading to self-consciousness when wearing sleeveless apparel. In sunny Florida, this can be especially uncomfortable. At Fort Lauderdale Plastic Surgery, we understand how this affects your confidence and offer a transformative solution through brachioplasty, commonly known as an arm lift.

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Understanding Brachioplasty: What is an Arm Lift?

An arm lift, medically known as a brachioplasty, is a transformative surgical procedure designed to reshape the upper arm area. As we age or experience significant weight loss, the skin on the underside of the arms can lose its elasticity, resulting in a drooping appearance often referred to as "bat wings." Unfortunately, since this is a matter of skin laxity rather than just muscle tone, exercise alone is often unable to resolve the issue.

At Fort Lauderdale Plastic Surgery, our brachioplasty procedure targets this excess, sagging skin and stubborn fat deposits. By surgically removing the redundant tissue and tightening the underlying supportive structures, we can restore a firmer, more youthful, and toned contour to your arms. This procedure not only streamlines your profile but also provides the freedom to wear sleeveless clothing and move with renewed self-confidence.

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Tailored Arm Lift Options

Because every patient’s anatomy and skin type are unique, our arm lift procedures are fully customized to meet your goals. At Fort Lauderdale Plastic Surgery, we adapt our surgical approach based on the specific amount of excess skin to be removed, ensuring a result that looks both natural and refined. By focusing on your individual needs, we can effectively address sagging tissue while maintaining a balanced and proportionate appearance for your upper arms.

Typically, incisions are placed discreetly in the armpit or along the inner arm, though they may extend toward the elbow in cases of significant laxity. Performed under general anesthesia, the procedure involves removing redundant skin and fat before closing the area with absorbable sutures. Our primary goal is to provide a much smoother, tighter contour while ensuring that all surgical scars remain as inconspicuous as possible throughout the healing process.

Arm Lift Procedures

Traditional Brachioplasty

This is the standard arm lift procedure. It involves an incision along the inner arm, extending from the elbow to the armpit. Excess skin and fat are removed, and the underlying tissues are tightened. This procedure is ideal for moderate to severe sagging.

Mini Brachioplasty

For milder cases of sagging skin, a smaller incision is made in the armpit area, and only a portion of excess skin is removed. This results in shorter scars and less recovery time.

Additional Techniques

  • Liposuction for Arm Contouring: Liposuction can be combined with an arm lift to remove excess fat from the upper arms, creating a more sculpted appearance.
  • Armpit Fat Reduction: Also known as "axillary fat," this technique targets excess fat in the armpit area. Liposuction is used to remove fat deposits, creating a smoother transition between the arms and the torso while enhancing the overall arm aesthetics.
  • Bra Line Fat Reduction: This technique involves targeting excess fat deposits in the area where the upper arms meet the torso, commonly referred to as the "bra bulge." Liposuction is used to eliminate these unwanted fat pockets.
  • Arm Lift with Tissue Tightening: In addition to skin and fat removal, some arm lift procedures also focus on tightening the underlying supportive tissues, enhancing the overall arm contour.
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Before & After

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Be Sleeveless And Self-Confident

Once you have recovered, you will regain the self-confidence to flaunt your arms without hesitation. You’ll soon enjoy the freedom of wearing sleeveless attire and waving with pride, knowing your results from a Fort Lauderdale arm lift look natural and toned. Say goodbye to saggy skin and hello to newfound confidence with our team's specialized expertise.

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Recovery: What to Expect After Your Arm Lift

Following your brachioplasty, it is normal to experience some bruising, swelling, and mild soreness. While you may require prescribed medication to manage discomfort initially, most patients find that any significant pain begins to diminish within 48 hours. To ensure a smooth healing process, we recommend sleeping with your arms elevated on pillows for approximately two weeks and strictly avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous exercise.

Adhering to our provided aftercare instructions is essential for achieving a fast and successful recovery. During your follow-up appointments at Fort Lauderdale Plastic Surgery, we will monitor your progress and advise you on when it is safe to resume your normal daily activities. By following these professional guidelines diligently, you will soon be ready to confidently showcase your new, shapely, and youthful-looking upper arms.

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Why Choose Dr. Lisa J. Learn for Your Arm Lift?

When considering brachioplasty, it's essential to choose a surgeon with a holistic approach to patient care. Besides being a board-certified plastic surgeon for over 20 years, Dr. Lisa J. Learn is a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine and, along with her dedicated team, offers this comprehensive perspective. She understands that the physical and emotional well-being of her patients is paramount, so we ensure a personalized and comfortable experience.

Whether you're seeking Brachioplasty in Fort Lauderdale to address sagging skin due to aging or weight loss, our expertise, and compassionate care make us the ideal choice for achieving your desired results and renewed self-esteem.

Arm Lift FAQs

How is a 'Mini' arm lift different from a traditional one?

Will an arm lift remove stubborn arm fat?

How soon can I drive after my procedure?

How long will the results of my arm lift last?

Will I have visible scars after a brachioplasty?

How should I sleep during my recovery?

How is a 'Mini' arm lift different from a traditional one?

A mini arm lift is designed for patients with mild skin laxity concentrated near the armpit. It uses a much smaller incision tucked into the axilla (armpit), whereas a traditional arm lift requires an incision extending toward the elbow to address more significant 'bat wing' sagging.

Will an arm lift remove stubborn arm fat?

While the primary goal of an arm lift is to remove excess skin, liposuction is frequently integrated into the procedure to contour and remove stubborn fat deposits. This dual approach ensures the final result is both tight and slim.

How soon can I drive after my procedure?

Most patients can resume driving within 10 to 14 days. However, you must be completely off all prescription pain medications and have regained a comfortable range of motion to safely steer and react in traffic.

How long will the results of my arm lift last?

The results are generally considered permanent, as the excess skin is surgically removed. However, significant weight fluctuations or the natural aging process can still affect the elasticity of your remaining skin over time. Maintaining a stable weight is key to preserving your results.

Will I have visible scars after a brachioplasty?

All surgical procedures involve incisions, but we place them strategically along the inner arm or in the armpit to keep them as discreet as possible. With proper aftercare and sun protection, these scars typically fade and flatten significantly within 12 months.

How should I sleep during my recovery?

For the first two weeks, it is recommended to sleep on your back with your arms elevated on pillows. Keeping your arms above the level of your heart helps minimize swelling and reduces tension on the incision lines.

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