arm lift

Brachioplasty & Arm Contouring

Arm contouring involves the following procedures:

  • Brachioplasty (Arm Lift)
  • Liposuction / Lipocontouring
  • Renuvion® Skin Tightening

Weight loss and age-related skin laxity can lead to poor upper arm aesthetics, leaving patients self-conscious and uncomfortable in revealing clothing. The brachioplasty or arm lift procedure surgically removes the excess skin and fat to restore an aesthetically pleasing contour to the upper arm. Liposuction is often used concurrently to complete the circumferential transformation.

Alternatively, liposuction/lipocontouring with or without Renuvion® skin tightening offers a minimally-invasive option that yields dramatic and impressive results in patients with minimal to moderate fat excess and/or minimal skin laxity. Due to the relatively mild nature of their deformity, these patients are often able to improve their upper arm contour without the scar burden that accompanies a traditional arm lift procedure. Lipocontouring of the upper arm is an art and can be customized to create a feminine or masculine contour.

Loose skin that remains after lipocontouring alone contracts by roughly 8% throughout the year following surgery. This minimal amount of “natural” contraction is frequently disappointing and adds an element of unpredictability following liposuction procedures. Renuvion® is a revolutionary device that delivers helium plasma and radiofrequency energy through a probe inserted by a surgeon beneath the skin to precisely target and tighten the structural components. Renuvion® heats the tissue to 85° Celsius (185° Fahrenheit), the optimal temperature for maximal tightening, yet allows for rapid cooling to protect vital surrounding structures. This is accomplished without raising the skin temperature or bulk heating the surrounding tissue, dramatically reducing the risk of burns or dents, respectively. This is simply not possible with devices that deliver energy externally through the skin. Following treatment with Renuvion®, skin tightens up to 65%, which is unmatched by other available devices. Thermal skin tightening is the future of body contouring, especially in the upper arm.

The Arm Lift Procedure

CONTOUR AND DEFINE

Contour and definition are restored to the upper arm through precise fat and/or skin removal. Minimally-invasive lipocontouring may be used to sculpt the upper arm, creating aesthetically pleasing shadows that can be designed to deliver a feminine or masculine appearance.

What to Expect

All procedures are done in a balanced and natural esthetic.

Consultation

During the consultation we will focus on creating a treatment plan that addresses your goals and fulfills your expectations. After a thorough discussion of the various arm contouring techniques, we will decide on a treatment strategy that is right for you. This may include excisional surgery, arm lipocontouring Renuvion® skin tightening or a combination thereof.

During excisional surgery, a delicate balance between maximum skin removal and unrestricted arm movement must be reached. It is paramount that we discuss incision location and expectations following this type of procedure so that you leave the consultation well informed and ready to undergo your transformation.

Surgery

Arm contouring is performed at an accredited surgery center in Newport Beach, California, USA. Under the care of a Board Certified Anesthesiologist, general anesthesia (fully asleep) is used to ensure maximal comfort and safety. The procedure typically lasts 2-3 hours depending on the degree of shaping required.

The arm lift incision is disguised in the inner portion of the arm and armpit, minimizing long-term visibility and distortion. Liposuction and Renuvion® skin tightening access incisions are hidden in the armpit and are generally imperceptible upon full healing. Occasionally, a second incision is required near the elbow, however this is determined pre-operatively on a case-by-case basis.

Recovery

Patients are discharged home the same day and generally experience minimal discomfort. I ask my patients to avoid strenuous exercise or heavy labor for 6 weeks following the procedure in order to ensure optimal healing. During this period of recovery, patients wear a compression garment that limits the post-operative swelling and contours the healing tissues. Most patients find that this garment offers them reassurance and support.

Results

The results are expected to be long lasting provided patients maintain an active lifestyle and avoiding fluctuations in weight.

FAQs

In most cases, the arm lift is performed using an incision that begins in the armpit and extends along the inner arm to a point just above the elbow. When the arms are against your side, this scar is not visible from the front or the back. In cases where skin excess is limited to the upper arm and armpit, a scar in the armpit may be all that is required.

Liposuction and Renuvion® skin tightening access incisions are hidden in the armpit and are generally 3 millimeters in length. Occasionally, a second incision is required near the elbow, however this is determined pre-operatively on a case-by-case basis.

During the arm lift/brachioplasty procedure, I typically place one drain in each arm to assist with fluid egress during the first couple of days following surgery. Please monitor and record the drain output daily as this will determine when your drains can be safely removed. If they are removed too early, fluid accumulates beneath the skin causing a seroma, which is managed with frequent needle aspirations.

There are no drains placed during lipocontouring or Renuvion® skin tightening.

Dressings on your arms will apply compression to control swelling and limit your movement. You can expect soreness that will resolve in the days following surgery. It is important that you restrict use of your arms to prevent tension on the healing incisions. You will be transitioned to a compression garment that will be worn for 6 weeks to further control swelling as well as mold the final contour.

Following the arm lift/brachioplasty procedure, patients are instructed to avoid heavy lifting and raising their arms past shoulder height for 6 weeks post-operatively in order to limit tension on the healing incision. Tension is the enemy of scar quality, so adherence to this restriction is crucial to achieving a well-healed, narrow flat scar.

Following lipocontouring and/or Renuvion® skin tightening, you will gradually resume your regular activities in the weeks following surgery. These activities will be performed with the compression garment on to limit swelling while increasing the use of your arms.

Request a Consultation

ARM CONTOURING

Receive an in-depth consultation where we will thoroughly review your goals to personalize a plan focused on a natural and aesthetic result. Dr. Donald S. Mowlds, MD is located in beautiful Newport Beach, CA but is also available via a virtual consultation for out-of-town patients.

    Body Contouring

    All procedures are done in a balanced and natural esthetic.

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    Services & Procedures

    All procedures are done in a balanced and natural esthetic.