Arm Lift

Reveal a youthful and defined look with an arm lift at Cape Fear Valley Health. In under two hours, you can transform your arms and return home, ready to embrace the positive change.

What Is an Arm Lift?

An arm lift, also known as a brachioplasty, removes excess fat and skin from the upper arm. This procedure is ideal for those who have experienced:

• Repeated weight gain and loss
• Aging
• Significant weight loss

These factors can lead to sagging, stretched skin that does not conform to the underlying fat and muscle.

An arm lift helps to tighten and smooth the skin, enhancing muscle tone and providing a more youthful appearance. 

Regain Your Confidence

If you’re avoiding certain clothes because of your arms, it's time to have a conversation with us. At Cape Fear Valley Health, our plastic surgeons are here to listen to your concerns and help you feel confident again.

We'll assess your health, cosmetic goals, and skin and body condition to determine if an arm lift is right for you. Trust us to provide the care and attention you deserve to regain your self-assurance and enjoy wearing the styles you love.

Our Approach to Arm Lift

At Cape Fear Valley Health, our plastic surgeons stay up-to-date on the latest medical advances and innovations, meaning you can enjoy first-class care close to home.

Understanding Your Goals

Our compassionate and friendly staff will treat you with the care and respect you deserve. Your Cape Fear Valley Health plastic surgeon will take the time to discuss your treatment goals and thoroughly evaluate your specific areas of concern. We prioritize answering your questions and ensuring you feel fully informed and comfortable with your treatment plan.

We Stay Connected

After your arm lift procedure, we will ensure you have all the information you need to take care of yourself during recovery. Healing from surgery takes time, but our team will be in regular contact to monitor your progress and provide support.

Your Arm Lift Team

From your first call, you’ll be supported by a dedicated team of experts, including plastic surgeons, licensed practical nurses, and medical staff.

What to Expect With an Arm Lift

An arm lift procedure generally takes between one and two hours and is performed under general anesthesia, so you won’t feel any pain. Once the procedure is complete, you can return home and start enjoying the positive changes.

There are several techniques available to enhance your arms, each aimed at re-establishing natural lines and anatomy:

• Liposuction: Ideal for patients needing only fat removal from the back surface of the arm, performed through a small incision around the elbow.
• Arm Lift: Suitable for those with excess skin, this involves removing a small piece of skin and fat from the back of the arm, with the scar placed towards the chest wall for concealment.
• Mini-Arm Lift: For slight corrections, this procedure involves an incision in the armpit to conceal the scar.

These procedures help in achieving a more youthful and contoured arm appearance. Your plastic surgeon will discuss your options and recommend the best approach based on your specific needs and goals.

Arm Lift Consultation

Your Cape Fear Valley Health plastic surgeon will discuss your treatment goals and carefully evaluate your legs and body. They will then make a recommendation based on your desired results and develop your personalized treatment plan.

Are You a Candidate For an Arm Lift?

An arm lift is effective for those who have experienced repeated weight gain and loss, aging, or significant weight loss, which can cause sagging skin.

Additional considerations:

• The ideal candidate is in good overall health.
• Alcohol increases the risk of excess bleeding and should be avoided for at least two weeks before surgery.
• Body weight should be stable for at least six months to a year before surgery.
• Nicotine increases the risk of blood clots and other complications. Patients should be nicotine-free for three to six weeks before and after surgery.

Arm Lift Recovery and Results

For arm lift procedures, a drain is usually placed under the skin and removed one to two days later.

After the procedure, you should:

• Plan to take one to two weeks off work to focus on recovery.
• Ensure you get plenty of rest.
• Wear a vest-type garment for three weeks to promote healing.
• Avoid strenuous activities for two to three weeks to prevent complications.

You’ll see an immediate improvement after your surgery. It’s normal to experience some swelling and bruising, which typically subside in about six weeks. Most patients are pleased with the final result within six months.

Arm Lift Risks

Like all surgeries, an arm lift involves a certain degree of risk. However, when performed by a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon, serious complications are rare. To minimize risk, follow the instructions and advice of your plastic surgeon.

Some risks and complications could include: 

• Blood clots
• Infection
• Injury to nearby nerves
• Pain
• Poor wound healing
• Scars
• Swelling