Procedures
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Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)

Lift Yourself Up

Body size and shape are constantly fluctuating and sometimes, in conjunction with aging, this can cause excess skin or fat to develop on the arms, especially if your skin lacks natural elasticity that allows it to bounce back from those fluctuations. This excess tissue cannot be targeted by exercise, so an Arm Lift, also known as brachioplasty, procedure may be required to achieve tighter skin and greater definition.

This procedure will leave a scar, so it’s generally reserved for those clients who have a severe amount of excess skin. For milder cases, liposuction may be able to tone those areas of discomfort. But for that excess skin, an Arm Lift is among the only options.

If you’re uncomfortable with the shape or tone of your arms, and you’re looking for an Arm Lift in the Houston Clear Lake Area, it might be worth talking to a cosmetic surgeon. Contact Dr. Polsen if you’d like to schedule a confidential consultation, or call our Clear Lake office at (281) 538-6600.

Overview:

  • Arm lift is designed to remove and tighten excess, droopy skin
  • Best candidates are in relatively good health and stable weight
  • Recovery: Generally 1-2 weeks

Who is a Good Candidate?

Candidates for arm lifts in the Houston Area should be in relatively good health and maintain a generally stable weight. Generally, those who seek out arm lifts exhibit a healthy weight and lifestyle, but simply cannot eliminate lax tissue on the arms. The excess skin and fat targeted by Arm Lifts is, in good candidates, not otherwise eliminated by diet, exercise, or liposuction.

The Procedure

  • Most often arm lifts are performed under general anesthesia.
  • Incisions can be made on the inside of the arm, under the arm, or even near the armpit, depending on the approach that Dr. Polsen and the candidate elect to pursue
  • Once the incisions are made, Dr. Polsen will remove excess skin and tighten the structures under the tissue to produce a smoother, more toned look to the arm
  • Arm Lifts generally take two hours to perform and are done so on an outpatient basis
  • If all goes well, no hospital time should be required

Recovery

While it is an outpatient operation, an arm lift is a significant surgery, and special attention should be paid to recovery. Dr. Polsen may instruct you to wear a bandage designed to reduce swelling, or a small tube may be left under the skin to promote drainage of fluids. Movement of the arm is encouraged just after surgery to promote healing. That said, you and Dr. Polsen will decide what is the best course of action. Even then, most patients experience at least one week of significant recovery, and 2-4 weeks of mild activity limitation. Scars will heal significantly over a six month or so period.