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.

    Excess fat is removed using advanced liposuction techniques to transform your physique with precision. Renuvion® skin tightening delivers unparalleled post-surgical definition by shrinking the skin around the newly molded contour.

    Removal of excess skin and fat is accompanied by muscle tightening to achieve a narrow waistline and flat abdominal profile. Abdominoplasty is often combined with lipocontouring to synergistically address areas of excess fat to further contour your physique.

    The Newport Beach Mommy Makeover utilizes a combination of procedures to restore a pre-pregnancy physique. Common procedures include breast augmentation, breast lift or breast lift with implant, abdominoplasty and liposculpture.

    Buttock augmentation with fat transfer adds volume to the buttocks, improving projection and contour in patients with flat, narrow, sagging or small buttocks. Advanced liposuction techniques are used to further enhance the overall body contour, synergistically transforming the post-operative physique.

    Precision liposuction and Renuvion® skin tightening are used to sculpt and define the upper arm. When significant excess is present, skin and fat are excised to restore an aesthetically pleasing size and contour.

    Precision liposuction and Renuvion® skin tightening are used to sculpt and define the upper thigh, which can have profound effects on hip and buttock shape. When significant excess is present, skin and fat are excised to restore an aesthetically pleasing size and contour.

    Improve your belly button appearance by turning an “outie” into an “innie,” correcting unwanted piercing holes and eliminating creases that form when seated. Restore a natural aesthetic to the central abdomen.

    Reshape the labia minora (inner lips) using specially designed surgical techniques to achieve a natural appearance without sacrificing sensation or function.
    Patient Reviews

    Abigail S.

    abby

    Skin Tightening & Scar Revision

    After consulting with numerous plastic surgeons I decided on Dr. Mowlds for my c-section scar revision and Renuvion skin tightening. I had 3 emergency c-sections that had left me with a terrible looking scar. After a virtual consultation, I knew Dr. Mowlds was the right choice. The added bonus was that he has the Renuvion skin tightening machine which is the gold standard in skin tightening and I am amazed at my results just 3 weeks out. I am so happy with my decision and would highly recommend Dr. Mowlds for any cosmetic or reconstructive surgery.

    Abigail S.

    Andrea R.

    Person gray photo placeholder woman

    Breast Revision

    Dr. Mowlds is the absolute BEST at what he does. I had a botched breast augmentation, which was causing me serious health concerns, chronic chest and back pain. I was extremely nervous as I didn’t think my issue could be resolved, let’s just say my breasts needed a lot of work. I loved that Dr. Mowlds never treated me like a patient, but rather a friend who he wanted to have the best experience and results possible. He is a true artist in his field, and my breasts are proof of that. Dr. Mowlds was professional, warm, knowledgeable, talented, and great at listening to my concerns and helping me understand everything along the way. I have already recommended a few of my girlfriends to go see him.

    Andrea R.

    Melanie L.

    Person gray photo placeholder woman

    Back Surgery

    Dr. Mowlds and his staff provided me with outstanding and professional healthcare while treating me with kindness and respect during my visits. It was quite evident Dr. Mowlds takes a lot of pride in the work that he performs! I underwent an extensive back surgery and was not only concerned of the physical results, but additionally, the functional results of an extensive surgical closure. I am so grateful my neurosurgeon recommended and works in collaboration with Dr. Mowlds. I am extremely pleased with the aesthetic results of my surgery and would not hesitate to recommend this professional practice.

    Melanie L.

    @DSMOWLDSMD

    Stay in Touch with Dr. Mowlds
    Thank you, you're subscribed!
    There was an error. Enter a valid email.
    Services & Procedures

    All procedures are done in a balanced and natural esthetic.

    Face Surgery
    Breast Surgery
    Body Surgery
    Skin Tightening
    Male Surgical Procedures
    Non-Surgical Procedures
    Skin Care