Could brachioplasty be right for you?
Brachioplasty, also known as “arm reduction” or an “arm lift,” is a cosmetic surgery procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms. When loose skin and fat collect beneath the upper arms to form unsightly “bat wings,” many people feel self-conscious wearing sleeveless or short-sleeved tops.
Discomfort or embarrassment about the appearance of your upper arms can limit not only your wardrobe choices, but the activities you participate in socially. You may avoid attending events such as outdoor summertime get-togethers, beach parties, or similar functions. You may have tried working out to tighten up the appearance of your upper arms, but are discouraged by the lack of results. You are not alone – according to the American Board of Plastic Surgeons, this particular condition usually cannot be fully resolved by exercise alone.
Causes of Sagging Skin in Arms
A number of factors can contribute to the formation of excess skin or fat in the upper arms that then begins to droop and sag, and appear flabby and loose.
These factors include:
- Fluctuations in Weight
- Aging Skin
- Hereditary Factors
Fluctuations in Weight
If you have recently lost a significant amount of weight, you may be dismayed to discover that excess skin still remains, sagging in a way that leaves you unhappy with your appearance. Brachioplasty may be an important step in your weight loss journey, and achieving a body appearance of which you are proud.
Aging Skin
As we get older, our skin naturally loses some of its elasticity, causing it to sag where it was once tight and smooth. If the drooping skin in your upper arms is becoming a source of discomfort and embarrassment, arm lift surgery may be an option for you.
Hereditary Factors
As is the case with many medical conditions, some people are genetically predisposed to lose skin elasticity more quickly, or to accumulate excess skin and fat under the upper arms.
Whatever factors may have contributed to an unattractive, flabby, or loose board certified plastic surgeon can help you.
How the procedure works
Depending on the specifics of your physical condition, the procedure may only consist of excising (removing) excess skin tissue, or performing liposuction to remove fat deposits before excising the remaining sagging skin. Typically, the procedure is performed with an incision that extends from the armpit to the elbow, although in some cases it can be possible to perform the surgery through a smaller, crescent-shaped incision in the armpit. You will be under general anesthesia for the duration of the procedure, and can expect to return to your regular routine, even exercising, in just a few short weeks.
Self-conscious about your arms? We can help
At Sinclair Plastic Surgery, we understand that each person walks into our office with a unique set of concerns, goals, and priorities. Dr. Sinclair has been serving the Beverly Hills area for nearly 30 years, and gives each of his patients his undivided one-on-one attention. He will meet with you personally to discuss the surgical options that will help you restore a slimmer, more youthful and fresh appearance to your arms. We are offer a discreet, comfortable environment in a small, elegant office setting, and we look forward to working closely with you to help you achieve a higher level of confidence in your appearance.
