Arm Lift in Orange County, CA
Aging, significant weight loss, and changes in skin elasticity can leave you with loose, hanging skin on your upper arms. Exercise and a healthy lifestyle can’t target this excess skin and tissue, and it often won’t tighten on its own, making it difficult to achieve the toned contour you want.
If you feel self-conscious about sagging upper arms or struggle to find clothing that fits comfortably, an arm lift at UCI Plastic Surgery may help. Also known as brachioplasty, this procedure removes excess skin and tissue to create smoother, more defined upper arms.
To learn how an arm lift might benefit you, contact UCI Plastic Surgery to schedule a consultation at one of our locations in Orange County, CA. We have offices in Orange, Costa Mesa, and Tustin.
Table of Contents
- Arm Lift Before & After Photos
- Arm Lift Testimonials
- Arm Lift Cost in Orange County
- Why Choose UCI Plastic Surgery?
- What Is an Arm Lift?
- Reasons Patients Choose Arm Lift Surgery
- Benefits of an Arm Lift
- Candidates for an Arm Lift
- Your Arm Lift Consultation
- The Arm Lift Procedure
- Arm Lift Recovery
- Arm Lift Results
- Arm Lift FAQs
See the Difference an Arm Lift Can Make
Real Patients, Real Stories: Arm Lift Testimonials
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“I have nothing but great things to say about UCI Medical Center and the staff and quality of care.”
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“I felt like everyone really cared about me in solving my issues – making sure I was properly scheduled for the appropriate follow-up visit and that I understood what was going on.”
Read More Patient TestimonialsHow Much Does an Arm Lift Cost in Orange County?
The cost of an arm lift in Orange County depends on the details of your procedure, surgical and facility fees, and more. During your consultation, your surgeon will evaluate you, discuss your goals and options, and provide an estimate based on your specific needs and treatment recommendations.
Why Choose UCI Plastic Surgery?
UCI Plastic Surgery is a leader in cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. Each of our specialists is highly knowledgeable, trained, and committed to bringing our patients the latest advancements in the field. Our expert plastic surgeons have years of experience performing arm lift surgeries. Learn how our team can help you obtain industry-leading arm lift results by scheduling your consultation today.
Start Your Journey Today!What Is an Arm Lift?
An arm lift, also known as brachioplasty, is a surgical body contouring procedure that removes excess skin and tissue from the upper chest and near the armpits down to the elbow. It is designed to create a smoother, more defined arm shape. Depending on your needs, your surgeon may also recommend liposuction to address excess fat.
Reasons Patients Choose Arm Lift Surgery
Loose upper-arm skin is common after significant weight loss, but can also develop as the skin loses elasticity with age.
Patients who present with upper arm excess often complain of feeling like they have “bat wings.” Most often, these patients have been overweight and have lost a significant amount of weight, leading to a deflation of the upper arm. In a few patients, the skin of the upper arm will contract back to its original size, like a balloon that has been blown up for a short time, and, after the air is let out of it, it goes back to its original size—a small, tight balloon.
Unfortunately, upper arm skin most often will not contract after massive weight loss and will act like a balloon that has been overinflated for a long time, leading to a loose balloon that hangs after deflation.
Most people with excess upper arm skin are embarrassed to wear sleeveless clothing and frustrated by the inability to find clothes that fit both their torsos and their arms.
An arm lift can help address these concerns by surgically removing excess skin and tissue that don’t respond to diet and exercise. At UCI Plastic Surgery, we consider excess tissue that extends toward the chest wall in addition to the upper arms and armpit. This allows for improved proportions in the upper arms and surrounding chest area.
What Are the Benefits of an Arm Lift?
Arm lift surgery can offer patients many benefits, including:
- Removal of loose, hanging skin (often referred to as “bat wings”) along the upper arms
- Smoother, firmer-looking arm contours
- Reduced excess tissue near the armpits and upper chest
- Improved proportions in the arms and torso
- A more comfortable fit in clothing
- More confidence in sleeveless clothing
- Long-lasting results when you maintain a stable weight
Who Is an Ideal Candidate for an Arm Lift?
You may be a good candidate for an arm lift if you:
- Are bothered by loose or hanging skin along your upper arms
- Have excess skin following significant weight loss or age-related physical changes
- Are at a stable body weight
- Are in good overall health
- Do not smoke, or are willing to stop smoking before and after surgery
- Have realistic expectations about results, as well as the scars associated with arm lift surgery
If you smoke or use tobacco products, you will need to quit at least three weeks before surgery and stay nicotine-free for at least three weeks following surgery to support proper healing and avoid unnecessary complications.
Your Arm Lift Consultation
The first step toward smoother, firmer upper arms is a consultation with one of the plastic and reconstructive surgeons at UCI Plastic Surgery. During your appointment, you and your surgeon will have a thorough discussion covering:
- Expectations: This is your opportunity to discuss what bothers you about your arms and what you hope to achieve with surgery. You can also bring photos to help your surgeon picture your desired outcome.
- Your medical history: This includes information about medical conditions (current or past), prior surgeries, chronic illnesses, medications, allergies, and more. Your surgeon will use this information to plan your procedure as safely and effectively as possible.
- Your lifestyle: This includes any history of weight changes, your exercise habits, smoking or nicotine use, supplement use, and other daily activities. This information can influence the surgical recommendations and recovery considerations.
- Risks: Your surgeon will explain the potential risks of brachioplasty, as well as the recovery process and any precautions you need to follow.
- Options: Based on your goals, lifestyle, and medical background, your surgeon will discuss your options, including whether liposuction or combination procedures would fit in your treatment plan.
If it is determined that an arm lift is a good option for you, your surgeon will perform a physical examination, evaluate skin laxity and tissue distribution, and take “before” photos. Then your surgeon can create a surgical plan, discuss costs, and help you arrange a date for surgery.
Bring any questions you have—big or small. You’re also always welcome to reach out after your consultation if additional questions arise.
How Is Arm Lift Surgery Performed?
Upper arm lift surgery in Orange County can be done as an outpatient procedure. The surgery usually takes two to three hours.
More traditional arm reduction techniques limit the removal of tissue to the upper arm and armpit (axilla). This often leads to inadequate removal of excess tissue and less-than-optimal results. Our technique takes into account the excess that spills onto the chest wall and allows for more trimming of tissue in the upper arm.
The ellipse of tissue is then removed, and the tissues are re-approximated. No drains are utilized.
Stitches are usually internal and absorbable. The skin is covered with medical-grade glue. The smoother contour that results from brachioplasty is apparent immediately following your procedure, although initially it may be obscured by the swelling and bruising. Your surgeon may decide to use compression garments for additional contouring and healing.
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What Is Arm Lift Recovery Like?
After surgery, you’ll be discharged home to recover. You’ll need to keep your arms elevated for one to three weeks. Eventually, you may be asked to wear a compression garment to help reduce swelling. Your surgeon will prescribe pain medication. Instructions on showering and dressing will be given to you by your physician.
You may feel some pain for the first few days, especially when you cough or move around. Bruising, swelling, and aching are all expected during early recovery. Your arms may still ache occasionally for a couple of weeks. Avoid lifting or pushing heavy objects for the first month.
Exercise
Gentle movement, such as light walks around the house, is often encouraged during recovery to promote circulation and healing. Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and any activities that strain your arm until your surgeon clears you.
Return to Work
Most patients can return to non-strenuous work and general social activities in about two weeks.
Your Recovery Team at UCI
Our team will provide detailed recovery instructions—including guidelines on showering, dressing, and more—as well as information about follow-up appointments and how to contact us with questions or concerns.
What Results Can I Expect From My Arm Lift?
An arm lift can create a smoother, tighter upper-arm appearance. You may notice a change in your arm shape soon after surgery, but swelling and bruising typically obscure initial results. As swelling subsides, your new contours will become more apparent.
This procedure leaves permanent scars, and their appearance depends on your skin and how it scars, your body’s healing process, and other factors. Your surgeon will discuss incision placement and scar expectations during your consultation so you feel informed and prepared.
Arm lift results can be long-lasting, especially when you maintain a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle. While the natural aging process continues and skin elasticity may decline over time, your arms will typically look more slender than they would without an arm lift.
Start Your Journey Today!Arm Lift FAQs
What are the risks of arm lift surgery in Orange County?
As with any surgery, there is always a possibility of complications, including bleeding, infection, or reaction to anesthesia. The procedure will leave noticeable, permanent scars, which may take months to years to fade. Poor healing and wider scars are more common in smokers. The procedure also comes with risks of mismatched scars, asymmetry, major wound separation, fat necrosis, and damage to deeper structures such as nerves, blood vessels, muscles, and lungs. Though rare, some patients also experience a permanent loss of feeling in their arms or persistent pain symptoms. Revision surgery may be an option.
Can an arm lift be combined with another procedure?
Yes. Depending on your goals and overall health, an arm lift can be combined with other procedures. Many patients choose to combine their arm lift with other body contouring or breast procedures. Some patients wish to address multiple areas after significant weight loss, or include an arm lift as part of a Mommy Makeover. At your consultation, you and your surgeon can discuss your goals and whether combining procedures is recommended.
Should I get liposuction or an arm lift?
Liposuction is best for removing excess fat, but if your main concern is sagging skin, an arm lift is often the best option. Sometimes the two can be combined. Your surgeon will assess your upper arms and explain which approach best fits your needs.
Interested in Arm Lift Surgery in Orange County, CA?
Contact UCI Plastic Surgery today to schedule a consultation and determine whether an arm lift is right for you. Our team will be happy to answer your questions and explain what you can expect from the procedure. We offer services at our Orange County offices in Orange, Costa Mesa, and Tustin.
Call our Orange office at (714) 456-3077, our Costa Mesa office at (949) 999-2411, or our Tustin office at (714) 456-3077 today.
