Will an Arm Lift Get Rid of Loose Skin Under Arms?
Are you embarrassed by the appearance of your arms when wearing sleeveless or short-sleeved tops? When people have loose skin under the arms, sometimes they want to cover up. Fortunately, board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Jeffrey LaGrasso offers a solution in the form of an arm lift, also known as brachioplasty. This surgery tightens the upper arms, so they feel more youthful and toned. So what is brachioplasty, and how does it work? At the office of Jeffrey LaGrasso M.D., we offer education and resources about this procedure so you can feel more confident in your body again. Learn more about arm lift surgery in Miami, FL by reaching out for a private consultation.
What causes loose skin under the arms?
Collagen and elastin are both proteins in the body that help keep skin smooth. These proteins are known to break down over time through natural aging and sun damage. This leads to a noticeable increase in wrinkles and sagging skin. Although arm lift surgery can be performed on patients with mild to moderate loose skin under the arms, it is most often performed on patients who have lost a significant amount of weight. This extra fat and skin can make it difficult to wear certain clothing or wear sleeveless tops. Others struggle with irritations or infections due to the skin rubbing together.
When it comes to reshaping the arms, following a diet or exercise regimen may help, but it won’t do much to tighten the loose skin. During your consultation with Jeffrey LaGrasso M.D., we can assess the area and determine if you could benefit from brachioplasty surgery. Candidates should expect arm lift incisions to be placed either on the inside or the back of the arm, based on the amount of tissue that needs to be removed. This means that patients should be generally healthy and prepared to undergo general anesthesia. After surgery, you should notice a great difference in the tone and contour of your arms.
What is brachioplasty?
There are many factors that contribute to the extensiveness of arm lift surgery. For example, patients who have excessive hanging skin may require a longer incision that runs from the armpit to the elbow. Dr. LaGrasso works to tighten the underlying muscles while trimming away the extra skin. Sometimes, the armpit will also need to be addressed. Individuals with only minor issues only require small arm lift incisions during surgery.
It’s common for arm lift patients to combine this procedure with other surgeries to dramatically improve their results. This includes an upper body lift surgery or liposuction to achieve the look that you desire. During your visit with Dr. LaGrasso in Miami, FL, we can discuss your options and make recommendations as necessary. By performing all of these procedures at once, patients only have to undergo one hospital stay and recovery period at home.
What does recovery look like?
When an upper arm lift is performed as part of an upper body lift procedure, patients may require an overnight stay at the hospital. Dr. LaGrasso may offer a compression garment to protect the area and encourage proper healing. Drain tubes may also be in place to avoid the risk of infection. Bruising and swelling are common during recovery but should dissipate as the arms heal. The team at the office of Jeffrey LaGrasso M.D. will offer helpful instructions for keeping the arms elevated to prevent further swelling and discomfort. With the right care, your arms should return to normal after a few weeks.
Any patient who undergoes brachioplasty should expect some scarring as a result of the procedure. Dr. LaGrasso is always careful to place arm lift incisions in natural creases whenever possible to lessen the appearance of arm lift scars. Our staff can suggest topical ointments for healing, so any arm lift scars heal flat and evenly on the skin. If you have any questions about the healing process, reach out to Dr. LaGrasso right away so we can address them fully.
Schedule your arm lift surgery
Plastic surgeon Dr. Jeffrey LaGrasso is excited to offer this option to patients in Miami, FL. Arm lift surgery, or brachioplasty, is a wonderful solution when you are struggling with drooping or hanging skin. From the first consultation to post-operative care, we strive to offer the best skill and service possible. Learn more about what goes into this procedure, including arm lift scars, by scheduling an appointment at our facility.