Upper Arm Lift Surgery (Brachioplasty) in New York

A frustrating side effect of losing weight or getting older is developing loose skin. At our practice, we offer arm lift surgery (also called brachioplasty) as a correction for people who cannot seem to tone or tighten the arm through natural methods. Excess skin from the elbow to the upper arm is very common, especially for people who are getting older or have lost significant amounts of weight. An upper arm lift removes this loose, hanging skin, sometimes known as "bat wings." Dr. Michael Koch, a board-certified plastic surgeon in New York, is very knowledgeable in skin tightening and fat removal surgeries. If you would like to learn more about how brachioplasty can improve the look of your arms, please contact us for a consultation at one of our three New York locations.

An arm lift procedure is a plastic surgery that uses innovative techniques to slim and eliminate unwanted skin. If you are tired of hiding your flabby arms and want them to look fit and healthy again, you are a great candidate for an arm lift. You should be in good overall health so that the skin will heal well. Some of the main symptoms for potential arm lift patients are hanging, loose skin on the upper arms, and lost tautness of the skin. It is crucial that you are at or close to a healthy, stable weight prior to your surgery.

In most cases, your upper arm surgery will take place in an outpatient setting, unless multiple plastic surgeries are to be performed at the same time. An arm lift can be done with other procedures, including a tummy tuck, thigh lift, or mommy makeover — if Dr. Koch decides it safe. An upper arm lift is usually performed under general anesthesia and may take several hours to complete. The loose skin will be surgically removed from the elbow and continuing to the underarm. The incision will be made to be as hidden as possible, but it will become a visible scar. If liposuction is wanted to remove stubborn pockets of fat, this will be performed as well. Once the skin is tightened, it will be sutured together. You will need to keep the incisions cleaned, covered, and supported with compression garments.

Your recovery period may last an estimated two weeks with lots of arm elevation and rest needed. It is also important to give yourself time to heal. You use your arms for everything, so patients should slowly make their way back into their normal daily routines. If needed, a suture removal appointment will be scheduled about ten days after surgery. Compression garments should also be worn until you are released by Dr. Koch. For at least one month, all exercise and strenuous activity should be avoided, with the exception of frequent, short walks. If you observe excessive swelling, uncontrolled bleeding, hematoma (fluid buildup), infection, loss of feeling in the arms or hands, or heavy scarring, please contact our practice.

How much does arm lift surgery cost?
The total cost for an arm lift will depend on many factors. Before he can determine your costs, Dr. Koch will perform a consultation to listen to your concerns and goals. Following this, he can create your unique surgical plan and estimate your costs. To make it easier to choose a skilled plastic surgeon, like Dr. Koch, and get your best results, our practice accepts many payment methods. We can also help you find low-interest financing.

Can I combine an arm lift procedure with other surgeries?
It is common for arm lift patients to combine this surgery with another procedure. This is sometimes known as an upper body lift and may include liposuction, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), or breast surgery (breast lift). An arm lift is also commonly included as part of an after weight loss surgery for patients who have lost a large amount of weight and want full body contouring. During your consultation with Dr. Koch, additional surgeries can be discussed so your personal surgical plan matches all your needs and goals.

Will there be scars?
A surgical arm lift needs incisions to cut away excess skin, which means there will be scars from sutures. However, Dr. Koch makes every effort to place the small incisions in inconspicuous areas. After your surgery, ointments to assist in scar healing will be recommended along with other tips for scar care management. Dr. Koch also recommends you avoid sun exposure during the first year to protect the scar from becoming discolored. For many patients, the benefits of a more toned arm outweigh the appearance of scars.

What results can I expect from an arm lift?
A surgical arm lift is used to correct hanging skin and small amounts of fat. You should maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet to avoid a dramatic change in your weight, which might undo your results. Following your procedure, once your arms are fully healed and Dr. Koch has authorized it, you can begin weight training. This is a great way to add shape to your arms by strengthening and toning the muscles.

Are there nonsurgical treatments to improve my arms?
While there are many nonsurgical skin tightening options, most will only provide mild improvements. To correct moderate to severe amounts of loose skin, arm lift surgery is your best option. Along with treating excess skin, Dr. Koch also liposuctions small amounts of fat and smoothes the remaining skin and tissue for a better result. If you are interested in nonsurgical procedures, Dr. Koch can tell you about all possible treatments during your consultation and help you decide which is best for your goals.

Whatever you call your "bat wings" or droopy skin on your arms, plastic surgeon Dr. Koch sees it as an opportunity to change your appearance through plastic surgery. This innovative procedure offers both emotional and physical benefits. If you are at or close to a healthy, stable weight and still cannot get rid of the flab and skin that hangs from your upper arms, please call and schedule a private consultation with Dr. Koch at one of our New York locations. Look and feel younger and fitter with upper arm lift surgery.