Arm Lift in Silver Spring, MD

A frustrating side effect when losing weight or getting older is dealing with loose skin. At Jubilee Cosmetic Surgery, we offer arm lift surgery (also known as brachioplasty) as a treatment for anyone who has not had success toning or tightening the arms with exercise and diet. Lax skin from the elbow to the upper arm is very common, especially for people who are advancing in age or have lost weight. An upper arm lift excises this excess skin, commonly called "bat wings." Board-certified surgeon Dr. Tsion Berhane is very skilled in skin tightening and fat removal surgeries. If you would like more information about how brachioplasty at Jubilee Cosmetic Surgery can enhance the look of your arms, please schedule a consultation at our office in Silver Spring, MD.

An arm lift is a cosmetic surgery that employs advanced methods to contour and eliminate unwanted skin. If you are self-conscious about your arms and want to look healthy and fit again, you are a good candidate for an arm lift. You should be in good overall health so that the skin will recover properly. Some of the top symptoms for an arm lift patient are excess, loose skin on the upper arms, plus lost elasticity of the skin. It is imperative that you are at a healthy, stable weight prior to your surgery.

In most cases, your arm lift surgery will take place in an outpatient facility, unless several plastic surgeries are scheduled to be performed at the same time. An arm lift may be added to other procedures (often performed in an inpatient setting for monitoring), such as a mommy makeover, tummy tuck, or thigh lift — as approved by Dr. Berhane. An arm lift is typically done under local anesthesia and mild sedation and may take a few hours to finish. The sagging skin will be surgically excised starting at the elbow all the way up to the underarm. The incision will be placed to be as concealed as possible, but it will most likely leave a visible scar. If liposuction is wanted to remove stubborn fatty deposits, this can be performed also. After the skin is tightened, it will be stitched together. You will have to keep the incisions clean, bandaged, and in compression garments.

A typical recovery period may last around two weeks with lots of rest to allow your body time to heal. You use your arms for almost everything so patients should ease their way back to their usual routines. An appointment to remove sutures will be set approximately ten days following surgery. Compression garments must be kept on until you receive permission from Dr. Berhane. For at least a month (4 – 5 weeks), all strenuous activity must be eliminated with the exception of taking short walks. If you have excessive swelling, uncontrolled bleeding, hematoma (fluid buildup), signs of infection, loss of feeling in the arms or hands, or unusual scarring, please contact Jubilee Cosmetic Surgery.

How much does arm lift surgery cost?
The total cost for arm lift surgery will depend on several factors. Before she can estimate your costs, Dr. Berhane will start with a consultation to understand your wants and goals. After that, she can create your unique surgical plan and estimate your costs. To make it easier to afford a skilled surgeon like Dr. Berhane and get your best results, Jubilee Cosmetic Surgery takes many payments. We will also give you information on low-interest medical financing.

Can I combine an arm lift with other surgeries?
It is common for arm lift patients to create a custom treatment plan with another surgery. This is often known as an upper body lift and may include liposuction, a breast augmentation + lift, or tummy tuck. Arm lift surgery is also frequently included as part of a post weight loss surgery for patients who have lost a significant amount of weight and need full body contouring. In your consultation with Dr. Berhane, other surgeries can be talked about so your custom surgical plan fits all your goals.

Will there be scars?
Arm lift surgery needs incisions in order to cut away excess skin, which leads to scarring from stitches. However, Dr. Berhane will make every effort to use small, thin incisions that are placed in less visible areas. After your arm lift, topical ointments to assist in scar healing will be suggested along with our tips for scar care management. Dr. Berhane also suggests you limit sun exposure during the first year to minimize scar discoloration. In general, patients believe the overall benefits of a more toned arm are worth the appearance of scars.

What results can I expect from an arm lift?
A surgical arm lift is performed to excise hanging skin and fat. You should maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet to avoid a significant change in your weight, which might compromise your surgical results. After your lift, once your arms are fully healed and Dr. Berhane has authorized it, you can start weight training. This is a great way to improve the shape of your arms by toning and strengthening the muscles.

Are there nonsurgical treatments to improve my arms?
Although there are several noninvasive skin tightening options, they can only give you mild improvements. To correct moderate to severe skin laxity, arm lift surgery is your best option. In addition to treating excess skin, Dr. Berhane also uses liposuction on small pockets of fat and smoothes the remaining skin and tissue for a better result. If you are interested in learning about nonsurgical options, Dr. Berhane can explain all possible treatments in your consultation and help you choose which is best for your goals.

If you're tired of seeing droopy skin or "bat wings" under your arms, you may want to consider arm lift surgery from Dr. Berhane. This innovative surgery can help you feel younger and fitter while boosting your self-confidence. If you're at or near a healthy weight and still cannot eliminate the flab and skin that hangs from your upper arms, please call and plan an in-depth consultation with Dr. Tsion Berhane at Jubilee Cosmetic Surgery.