Arm Lift Frequently Asked Questions

Why Do I Have Upper Arm Fat?

There are several causes of fat upper arms. One of the main causes is simply gaining weight. When someone gains weight, it is distributed throughout the body, and some of that weight goes to the upper arms. Another common cause of fat upper arms is the aging process. As people get older, their metabolic rate slows down, which means that the body burns fewer calories. It also becomes easier to put on fat, and many people find that they begin to store fat in the upper arms. Hormones can also cause people to develop fat in their upper arms. For example, some women find that they put on weight in their upper arms during and after the menopause. This can be due to a lack of the hormone estrogen, which can cause fat to be redistributed from the buttocks and thighs to the upper arms. Alcohol is another well-known cause of weight gain. Many different alcoholic drinks, especially beers and lagers, are high in calories, so too much alcohol can contribute to fat in the upper arms. However, the main problem is that the body processes alcohol before it processes anything else, which means that all the calories from the alcohol are converted into sugars that are produced by the body cells for fuel. This can increase the level of fat in the blood and can slow down the ability to burn fat. Also, the skin loses its elasticity as it gets older and the production of collagen – the substance that provides the skin with tone and elasticity – decreases. As a result, the problem of fatty upper arms combined with flabby, loose skin becomes more evident.

Why are my arms so flabby?

As skin ages, skin loses collagen and elastin, which means the skin is not as firm or tight as it once was, leading to flabbiness. Your genetics play a huge role in determining where your body tends to store fat or excess skin. Many people will not see a change no matter how much they exercise or diet, which is why arm lift or brachioplasty surgery is popular for those wanting a permanent change in the shape and look of their arms. Additionally, the weight fluctuations of yo-yo dieting can stretch the upper arm skin and supraclavicular skin (on the upper chest near the collarbone) and can lead to skin laxity over time. Although weight loss can help reduce the fat content and improve muscle tone in the arms, it cannot change the elasticity of the skin that has been lost over the years. There are many non-surgical options to help reduce the fat in your arms, such as coolsculpting and liposuction, but they will only reduce the fat in the arms and won’t do anything about the excess skin. Also, certain medical conditions can lead to flabbiness of the arms, including lymphedema and post-traumatic edema. Lymphedema is the buildup of lymph fluid in tissues, which can cause swelling and leads to increased skin and fatty tissue. Post-traumatic edema is the swelling of arms from an injury, usually a result of an accumulation of fluid in the arm.

Can Plastic Surgery Fix Flabby Arms?

Despite arm lift surgery being a major procedure, taking into account the potential risks, recovery process, and the associated costs, it is considered as one of the most effective ways to improve the contour of arms. This surgical process involves making a long incision, generally underneath the upper arm at first and often extending from the armpit to the elbow. Thereafter, excessive fat is removed through VASER high definition liposuction and then the excessive skin is excised so that the remaining skin can be pulled tight. Also, sutures are used to close incisions, so as to help form the shape of the arm and with it, a smoother and more contoured skin is achieved. However, a plastic surgeon can perform brachioplasty sometimes but not all patients can be operated on by them. Normally, they only operate on those who cannot be improved by minor operations and if the cause for the excessive arm skin, such as obesity or medical-related problems, has been ruled out. As arm lift surgery is considered a major operation, the patient needs to discuss face to face with the specific plastic surgeon for a detailed diagnosis and a full medical history will be obtained in advance. And there are a few important points to pay attention to before an arm lift surgery, including finding a qualified plastic surgeon, having an initial consultation, checking all consultations, understanding the surgery, knowing the limitations and risks of the surgery, and being prepared for the recovery process. By following the important notices and after a successful procedure, undoubtedly this leading-edge surgical method can help in getting rid of the « bingo wings » and hence a well-shaped and youthful upper arm can be obtained.

How to Get Rid of Armpit Fat?

The final and most aggressive measure to remove armpit fat is with brachioplasty surgery or an arm lift. With this arm-contouring operation, excess skin is removed. Lipo may be used to remove stubborn pockets of fat, which in turn reduces the size of the upper arm. When it comes to removing armpit fat, the most important thing is for you to get appropriately examined and see your specialist. Doing so guarantees that what really bothers you and what may be a superior treatment for you is comprehended and diagnosed properly. You can consult with your primary care physician or a capable plastic surgery specialist.

How do you fix bat wing arms?

To fix « bat wing » arms, often referred to as arm flab, medical intervention is necessary. The most effective form of how to fix « bat wing » arms is arm lift surgery, which involves the removal of excess skin from the upper arms. Also referred to as brachioplasty, in the context of fixing « bat wing » arms, the surgery involves making an incision from the armpit to the elbow along the inside of the arm. This allows the surgeon to remove excess fat and skin from the area so that the remaining skin can be pulled taut and re-stitched to form a much slimmer and more toned looking arm. In general, a brachioplasty will produce an immediate and noticeable improvement in the contour of the upper arm that is targeted and immediately post-surgery. However, the body will take a little while to adapt to the changes and for the swelling to subside, meaning the final result of the surgery might take a few months to become fully apparent. Also, although it might be tempting – especially as the vast majority of patients have to be signed off sick from work for a week or two anyway – doctors advise patients to avoid strenuous activity post-operatively. For the first four to six weeks, it is generally a good idea not to lift anything heavier than five pounds; this seems like a very specific and oddly low number, but experts and the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons broadly recommend that patients avoid any heavy lifting or intense exercise during that initial healing period in order to ensure that they heal properly and get the best possible results from their surgery. In terms of specific risks associated with a brachioplasty, these are like the general risks of surgery except that they focus around the arm area. So, aside from the standard issues such as scarring, potential blood clots and the « mostly minor » risks associated with the general anesthesia that will be administered during the procedure, there are also risks around nerve damage in the arm lymphatic system. Every individual case is different and expert but it is very important to make sure that the surgery is as necessary and least invasive as possible – and to make sure that every patient has time to make sure they understand the alternative options and to talk at length with not only the surgeon but also the larger medical and assisting team.

Am I suitable for an arm lift?

Most of the fat in our bodies is below the skin and over the muscle. So by removing a little bit of fat from the arms, it won’t make any difference in terms of your body weight. The aim for arm lift surgery is to significantly improve the shape and contour of the arms. It’s not usually something that’s done for weight loss. The other part of a patient’s suitability for arm lift is how much loose skin they have. It is both the amount of loose skin and the quality of the skin that are important. The best indication of how well your arm skin will contract is actually at the point of extreme weight gain because that’s when the skin is stretched the most. If your skin has stretched properly and has sprung back to a certain extent, then you’ll get an excellent result with arm lift. This is quite common in patients who have had massive weight loss. But if your skin hasn’t contracted, then it’s likely that you’ll still have quite a big problem with the skin even after an arm lift. Patients who are considering arm lift to see an experienced surgeon for a full assessment. This will normally involve a detailed chat about your issues and what can be achieved, and a thorough examination to judge whether arm lift is suitable for you. Some clinics may also offer imaging to show how you’d look after the surgery. Because it’s an invasive procedure, the decision to have arm lift should really be yours and not based on not what a computer suggests. It’s part of the patient journey to fully understand the benefit and the risk of the surgery itself. And there are many sources of information out there such as sections of the Royal College of Surgeons’ website and of course, your surgeon should provide independent information on arm lift surgery. Also, patient’s safety and good outcome of the surgery are always the main interest. So any surgical procedure should only be carried out by a properly trained and qualified plastic surgeon in safe environments, and the surgery should be fully regulated. Be aware that some people may take advantage of your vulnerability and offer a surgical procedure without complying with clinical governance. So always choose a surgeon who has a good reputation and trust. Also, it’s important that full information about the possible risks and complications are explained to you before you make a decision.

What are the different types of arm lifts?

There are a few different types of procedures to choose from:

1. Short scar brachioplasty: involves just a small incision in the armpit, which means it’s the type of arm lift with the smallest scar.
2. Traditional brachioplasty: requires an incision from the armpit to the elbow, so the scar will run along the inside of the arm and may be visible after surgery. Extra skin is removed and the tissue beneath is tightened up.
3. Liposuction only: for some people, a less invasive option like liposuction alone could help give a good result. This is a type of surgical cosmetic treatment where fat is removed from beneath the skin using a long needle called a cannula. It doesn’t require skin to be cut, and only small incisions will be needed; this means that the scars will be less noticeable and the recovery time is generally shorter. However, liposuction alone won’t help if you have a lot of loose skin on your arms – so it’s not usually suitable for people who’ve lost a lot of weight. Also, the skin will not shrink back after the fat has been sucked out, which means that there could be quite a bit of sagging skin left if the skin isn’t taut to start with. This should all be discussed with your surgeon, who will be able to recommend the best option to suit your needs.

What is a full arm lift?

A full arm lift is recommended for patients with heavy or saggy arm condition. It is also known as brachioplasty where the extra sagging and loose skin from the underarm section to the elbow area gets lifted and tightens the underlying supportive tissue that defines the shape of the upper arm. In a full arm lift, the cosmetic surgeon makes an incision on the inside of the arm. The incision is made at the inner side of the upper arm which helps hide scarring. This incision may extend from underarm (axilla) to above the elbow. Depending on the case, the cosmetic surgeon may decide to only do a limited incision which will only involve the armpit and the upper part of the arm. Through that incision, the extra skin will be removed and the underlying supportive tissue may also be tightened with internal sutures. The results of a full arm lift are immediately visible. Your arms will be more contoured with a smooth and tight skin. Of course, proper healing is vital to achieve the best results. Most patients need at least one week off from work and the normal activities. However, patients are strongly advised to listen to the advice given by their cosmetic surgeon. A full arm lift is classified as a major surgery and it is considered an invasive procedure. It is important to have a general understanding of the surgical procedure itself. A full arm lift is normally carried out under general anesthetic and it takes two to three hours to complete. The upper arm will be swollen, bruised and discomfort is expected for a few days. Dressing and drain are inserted to minimize initial discomfort and to help with the healing. The dressing will be removed after one to three days and the cosmetic surgeon may advise the patient to wear a tight pressure garment for a few weeks. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of an arm lift is $4,257. The cost may vary depending on the location of the patient, surgeon’s experience, the procedure, and the facilities. Like most plastic surgery operations, an arm lift is not covered by medical insurance. However, there are various kinds of financing options available. Patients should discuss the available options with their cosmetic surgeon. Plan for the average cost of the arm lift to include the surgeon’s fee, operating facility fee, anesthesia fee, prescribed medication, medical tests, and post-surgery compression bandages.

What is a mini arm lift?

A mini arm lift is a surgical procedure that aims to tighten loose skin in the upper arm. It is commonly performed under local anesthesia, reducing the risk of surgery and minimizing costs in comparison to a full arm lift.The procedure is best for people with a moderate amount of excess skin and fat in the upper arm area. With age, upper arm skin can become loose and flabby, particularly in those who have experienced significant weight loss. In some cases, a healthy lifestyle that includes weight training can help improve muscle tone in the arms. However, there is limited ability to tone the underlying tissue that gives the upper arm its shape. Many people will opt to undergo surgery of arm skin removal as a way to deal with this issue. In a mini arm lift, a small incision will be made in the underarm. The surgeon will then remove a portion of the excess skin and tighten the supportive tissue in the arm. Finally, the skin is stitched back into place, leaving a smoother contour. This surgical procedure has gained popularity as its minimally invasive nature means a smaller scar and reduced recovery time. However, it should be noted that not everyone is suitable for a mini arm lift. For example, someone with a large amount of redundant skin, a full arm lift may be a better option. Also, as with any surgical procedure, it is important to be aware of the risks as well as the benefits. Minor complications may include infection, numbness or tingling in the involved skin, prolonged swelling, and unfavorable scarring.