Dr. James D. Namnoum | Board Certified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon
Body Procedures
Arm Lift
Over time, skin can start to lose it’s natural elasticity and become loose or sagging in various areas of the body. For excess skin in the arms, Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. James Namnoum, offers Brachioplasty, or Arm Lift Surgery. There are a variety of reasons that our Atlanta-area patients might seek arm lift surgery, including recent weight loss, normal aging over time or to achieve cosmetic body goals. This surgical body contouring procedure can be performed in combination with liposuction in order to remove additional excess fat from the upper arms, along with the unwanted loose skin. Brachioplasty with Dr. Namnoum can provide a more toned and leaner look to your arms.
What is Arm Lift Surgery?
Aging, heredity, and weight loss can all cause the upper arms to appear loose and saggy. Exercise can help improve upper arm tone, but sometimes stubborn fat and excess skin need to be removed surgically in order to achieve a patient’s goals.
Arm lift surgery, or brachioplasty, is a cosmetic surgery procedure performed to enhance the appearance of the upper arms. During the arm lift procedure, excess skin and fat are removed from the underarm to the elbow. The supportive tissue is reshaped, then loose skin is removed.
Who is a Good Candidate for Arm Lift Surgery?
Dr. Namnoum recommends that anyone seeking a cosmetic or reconstructive procedure visit the practice for a consultation prior to scheduling surgery. During your consultation, he will review your medical history, listen to your ideal expectations and desired results for the procedure and recommend the best option or combination of options to best suit your unique body contouring goals. Patients that are looking into arm lift surgery should ideally be:1
- Over the age of 18
- Experiencing upper arm skin laxity
- At a stable and maintained weight
- Non-smokers in overall good health
Preparing for Your Arm Lift
The first step in preparing for your brachioplasty procedure is to attend a consultation with Dr. Namnoum. During your consultation, he will review your medical history, listen to your ideal expectations and desired results for the procedure and recommend the best option or combination of options to best suit your unique body contouring goals. If you decide together that an arm lift is right for you, your procedure will be scheduled and we will give you detailed instructions for preparing for surgery as well as what you can expect during the arm lift recovery period.
What To Expect During Your Brachioplasty Surgery
Arm lift surgery is performed under general anesthesia, and the procedure typically takes 2 to 3 hours. To begin the brachioplasty procedure, an incision is made beginning at the armpit, then extending down the back or inside of the arm to the elbow, depending on the patient’s individual goals. Next, Dr. Namnoum reshapes underlying tissues using internal sutures, and may also perform liposuction to eliminate excess fat. Excess skin is then trimmed away and the remaining skin is smoothed over the arm for a tighter, leaner appearance. Once he is happy with the results, Dr. Namnoum closes the incisions with sutures and places a compression garment over the area.2
Arm Lift Recovery
Following arm lift surgery, you can expect to experience mild to moderate discomfort, which can be managed with prescription or over-the-counter pain medication. Bruising and swelling are normal, and will subside naturally as you heal.
If you experience any abnormal pain or discomfort after the procedure, please contact us as soon as possible.
Each patient’s arm lift recovery is slightly different, but on average Dr. Namnoum’s patients are able to return to their normal activities after 2 weeks.
Arm Lift Results
Smooth, toned and tighter arms are almost-immediately noticeable after arm lift surgery. Slight bruising, swelling or redness is normal and will go away during recovery. Results can be long-lasting, as long as you are committed to living a healthy and active lifestyle to maintain your beautiful newly toned arms. If you experience any abnormal pain or discomfort after the procedure, please contact us as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions About Arm Lift Surgery
Will I have scars after my arm lift?
Dr. Namnoum uses advanced and well-crafted techniques to ensure minimal scarring. However, some scarring can be expected and he and his team will happily recommend top-of-the-line recovery creams, in addition to laser therapy for patients who wish to minimize lasting scars.
Is arm lift surgery safe?
There are risks and complications associated with any surgical procedure, but brachioplasty is considered to be a safe procedure, especially when performed by an experienced plastic surgeon such as Dr. Namnoum.
Arm lift risks include:
- Anesthesia risks
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Wound complications
- Changes in skin sensation
- Numbness
- Sub-optimal scarring3
Are arm lift results permanent?
Arm lift surgery results are long-lasting. While skin laxity does decrease with age, most of the improvements from an arm lift will endure. It is important to note that the longevity of arm lift results is somewhat dependent on the individual: the best way to maintain your results is to stay at a stable weight and exercise level.4
How much is arm lift surgery?
The cost of arm lift surgery is dependent upon each patient’s unique treatment plan. We will give you a detailed quote before your surgery is scheduled. We can also help you look into arm lift financing options.
Can I combine my arm lift with other procedures?
Yes. Brachioplasty is often combined with other body contouring procedures. This is especially common for patients who have lost a significant amount of weight and wish to remove stubborn fat and loose excess skin. For these patients, post weight loss surgery may also include a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), a thigh lift, a lower body lift, or even a Brazilian butt lift. For more comprehensive changes to the upper body, some patients may wish to combine their arm lift with a brassiere roll reduction, breast augmentation with or without a breast lift, breast reduction or other cosmetic breast surgery procedure.
During your consultation with Dr. Namnoum, you will have the opportunity to discuss all of your aesthetic goals and he will help you develop a treatment plan to suit your unique needs.
1 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Who is a good candidate for arm lift surgery? Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/arm-lift/candidates. Accessed December 29, 2020.
2 Cleveland Clinic. Brachioplasty (Arm Lift). Available: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23367-brachioplasty-arm-lift. Accessed December 18, 2023.
3 Sisti A, Cuomo R, Milonia L, Tassinari J, Castagna A, Brandi C, Grimaldi L, D’Aniello C, Nisi G. Complications associated with brachioplasty: a literature review. Acta Biomed. 2018 Jan 16;88(4):393-402. doi: 10.23750/abm.v88i4.5609. PMID: 29350652; PMCID: PMC6166161. Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6166161/. Accessed December 18, 2023.
1 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. What results should I expect after arm lift surgery? Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/arm-lift/results. Accessed December 18, 2023.
