Weight fluctuations, heredity and aging can all impact the arms. Loose tissue that hangs from the arms can cause you to feel self-conscious or embarrassed, or prevent you from wearing certain types of clothing or participating in activities. When diet and exercise can’t resolve your cosmetic concerns, an arm lift can bring tone and contour back to your arms.
At Chicago Breast & Body Aesthetics, cosmetic surgeon Dr. Anh-Tuan Truong is invested in answering any questions you might have so you can determine if an arm lift procedure is right for you. Below, you can find some of our patients’ most frequently asked questions, but please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information.
Am I a good candidate for an arm lift?
If the underside of your arms are saggy or have an excess of skin and fat, you’re a likely candidate for an arm lift. An arm lift removes excess skin, eliminates pockets of localized fat and reshapes the arms’ contours for a smoother, more toned appearance, often with the help of liposuction for fine-tuning. Ideal arm lift candidates are non-smokers who are in good health and have realistic expectations of the procedure.
How long will my procedure take?
An arm lift takes between 1 to 2 hours, depending upon how extensive the surgery is. Each procedure is custom-tailored based upon your specific needs and aesthetic desires. People who’ve experienced major weight loss may require a more in-depth procedure. If you’re combining your arm lift with other body contouring procedures after major weight loss, the total time will be several hours. An arm lift is done on an outpatient basis, so you can go home after your procedure.
What can I expect during my recovery?
Recovery is proportionate to how extensive the surgery is. During your recovery, it’s normal to experience some discomfort along with some swelling and bruising. The majority of swelling and bruising should resolve in 2 weeks. You’ll wear a compressive dressing for about a week following the surgery, to help reduce swelling. Most people are able to return to work within several days following an arm lift and can resume all normal activities, including heavy lifting and vigorous arm movement, at 6 weeks. Any pain can typically be managed with over-the-counter medication or an ice pack.
Will there be any scarring?
As with any surgery, an arm lift will leave some amount of scarring. The size of the incision will depend upon the amount of skin laxity you have, however Dr. Truong takes care to make the incision as subtle as possible. With proper scar management, the incision can fade nicely over time. Many people find that the benefits of having attractive, re-contoured arms far outweigh the scar, which can often be concealed by clothing.
How long before I can enjoy my results?
You’ll notice an immediate improvement in the contours of your arms, with the final results becoming apparent within 2 to 3 months once all of the swelling has subsided. By this time, your arms will appear significantly slimmer and more toned. Maintaining a stable weight through a healthy lifestyle can help you enjoy long-lasting results. Your scar should continue to heal for the first year following your arm lift.