Tens of thousands of brachioplasties are carried out every year, and that makes it one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures in North America. The primary goal of an arm lift is to tighten all of the soft tissue in the upper arms, from the shoulders to just above the elbows. That either involves removing fat, removing excess sagging skin, or both.
What About Exercising?
Weight training and protecting your skin from damage will reduce your risk of sagging arms, but you might not be able to avoid these cosmetic problems forever. Your genetics play a major role in the shape and layout of your arms. If your family members have loose skin and excess fat in their arms, then you could end up dealing with those issues as well. Once the skin begins to sag, you will most likely need to consider professional treatment options. Exercising will build muscle in your arms, but it isn’t going to tighten your skin.
Ideal Arm Lift Candidate
We usually suggest that patients stay at a consistent weight for at least a year before considering any cosmetic procedures. Gaining or losing weight in a short period of time will impact the results of your arm lift. You also need to have realistic expectations about what this surgery can accomplish. A brachioplasty isn’t going to drastically change your appearance. The purpose of this procedure is to gently enhance your natural silhouette by tightening your upper arms.
Recovery and Results
Arm lifts are almost always carried out with a general anesthetic, and you will need to have a loved one ready to take you home after the surgery is complete. It doesn’t take very long after surgery to be cleared by our medical team to start exercising and following your normal routine again.
Frequently Asked Questions About an Arm Lift
How much does a arm lift cost?
The cost of an arm lift typically ranges from $8750 – $10,000 in Toronto, Ontario. This cost depends on several factors, including surgical facility fees, surgeon fees and medical staff fees.
What is a mini arm lift?
A mini arm lift removes excess skin and fat in a limited area of the upper arm, typically in the area immediately surrounding the arm pit. The incision is well hidden because of its limited target area.
Is an arm lift painful?
The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia, so no pain or discomfort is felt during the surgery. You may experience some discomfort after surgery, once the anesthesia wears off. This can be controlled with prescribed medication.
How long does it take to recover from an arm lift?
It depends on how much was done during your surgery. Usually, you’ll need to take about 1-2 weeks off from work and avoid any physically strenuous activities for a month or two as you heal. A complete list of post-operative care instructions will be given to you. You may also need to wear a compression garment to improve your results and control swelling and bruising.
Do arm lift scars fade?
Yes, they should heal in the weeks and months following your brachioplasty surgery. Allow for up to a year for your scars to fully heal. During this time, make sure to follow the scar care instructions given to you and avoid exposing your scars to the sun. UV exposure can be detrimental, as it can permanently darken scars to make them more visible. We have found that CytoDerma™ is an essential part of post-treatment recovery to help scars fade as much as possible. You can read more about it here.
How do I get rid of bat wings on my arms?
Bat wings are the loose skin and fat that hang from your upper arms. These can all be removed with an arm lift, also known as brachioplasty.
Can you tone flabby arms?
Exercises and a proper diet can help tone flabby arms to a certain extent. However, the more weight fluctuations you experience and the older you become, the harder it gets to tone your arms naturally. This is because tissues weaken with age, making it more difficult to retract. For this reason, arm lift surgery may be your only option in toning flabby arms.
