Arm Lift in Nashville, TN
Brachioplasty is typically recommended for patients with sagging skin on the upper arms due to weight loss, genetics, or aging. Also referred to as an arm lift, this treatment is one of the many post-bariatric cosmetic surgeries we offer at The Plastic Surgery Center of Nashville. Brachioplasty is often combined with liposuction or a body lift.
Brachioplasty Surgery
During treatment, an incision is made that typically runs from the elbow to the armpit. Excess skin, fat, and tissue is then removed. Although some scarring will always be visible, the surgeon will place the scar in the most inconspicuous location on the inner arm toward the back. After surgery, the upper arms are wrapped or placed into a compression sleeve to help reduce the postoperative swelling.
An additional procedure that your surgeon may recommend is liposuction of the upper arms and armpits. For some patients with good skin quality, liposuction alone may meet their needs. In addition, this procedure can decrease the bulk of excess fat along the lower border of the upper arm. Schedule a virtual consultation with our surgeons to discuss the best treatment options for you.
Meet the Doctors
Learn about our Board-Certified plastic surgeons and why you should choose two RealSelf 500 award winners for your next procedure!
Meet the Doctors
Learn about our Board-Certified plastic surgeons and why you should choose two RealSelf 500 award winners for your next procedure!
Arm Lift Candidates
Typical Brachioplasty candidates include:
- Adults whose weight is stable and are not significantly overweight
- Nonsmokers
- Adults with significant upper arm skin laxity
- Healthy adults without medical conditions that may impair healing or increase the risk of surgery
- Those who have a positive outlook with realistic expectations
Arm Lift Benefits
Smoother, tighter arms will result from brachioplasty. While your results will be apparent almost instantly after surgery, they will be hidden by swelling and bruising, and there may be scarring at the incision site.
Arm Lift Recovery
The duration of your recovery will depend on the extent of the surgery and other factors. We will go over the details of your post-surgical recovery during your consultation. In general, as an isolated procedure, you may be able to return to work in one week. Patients should avoid strenuous activities and elevations in heart rate or blood pressure for at least two weeks. As a procedure often combined with other operations, your recovery plan will be tailored to your needs.
Potential Risks
The duration of your recovery will depend on the extent of the surgery and other factors. We will go over the details of your post-surgical recovery during your consultation. In general, as an isolated procedure, you may be able to return to work in one week. Patients should avoid strenuous activities and elevations in heart rate or blood pressure for at least two weeks. Arm lift surgery is often combined with other procedures, and your recovery plan will be tailored to your needs.
Schedule a Consultation
Ready to book your procedure with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons? Contact us today to schedule your consultation and begin your aesthetic journey!
Choosing a Plastic Surgeon for Your Nashville Arm Lift
Brachioplasty involves multiple choices. The most important is choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon to perform the operation. At Plastic Surgery Center of Nashville, we have two. Not only two board-certified plastic surgeons but two doctors who are considered nationally as at the top of their field.
Learn More About Arm Lift Surgery
To learn more about an arm lift in Nashville, contact the Plastic Surgery Center of Nashville. We are dedicated to your dreams of realizing your cosmetic goals by helping you unlock the beauty of your facial appearance and body contour. Dr. Melinda Haws and Dr. Mary Gingrass will help you look your best with compassionate and effective medical care.
Arm Lift Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Arm lift surgery, also known as brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to remove extra upper arm fat, skin, and tissue, resulting in tightened, toned, and better-proportioned upper arms. Patients mainly benefiting from this operation include those who have experienced massive weight loss, either due to bariatric surgery, or diet and exercise, or patients with lax and loose skin of the upper arms in general. Arm lift surgery is often combined with liposuction or a body lift for additional aesthetic benefit.
- Need to remove excess fat, skin, and tissue formed after a substantial weight loss either through a gastric bypass operation or diet and exercise.
- Seek to improve the contour of your arm.
- Need to remove the skin of the arms impacted by stretch marks.
- Remove the “batwing” appearance of your arms.
- Remove excess skin of your arms and the sides of the chest.
The doctors at Plastic Surgery Center of Nashville perform the procedure in between 1-3 hours with the patient being under general anesthesia and asleep. You generally will be able to go home the day of your operation unless you have medical reasons necessitating overnight observation.
The procedure is performed through incisions on the inner side of your upper arms, with the doctors being careful to place the incisions so that final scars are not seen with the arm pointing down. Where possible, the incisions can be hidden entirely in the armpit area. Sometimes before placing incisions, liposuction of the arms is performed for better contouring of your arms.
Upon completion of your operation in 1-3 hours, bandages will be placed around your arms to provide support and minimize the movement of the arms and any discomfort. Some pain may be associated with the surgery, and this is usually controlled well with pain medications.
Upon discharge, you will leave with prescriptions for pain medication to be taken as needed and antibiotics that will need to be taken for several days to reduce the chances of infection. Sutures will be removed in about 7-10 days, and you will go home with two tube drains, one in each arm. These will be removed within 3-5 five days. Immediately following surgery, you should refrain from lifting your arms above your shoulders and should be able to resume your regular activities in about two weeks. However, it would be best if you avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for several months.
Patients are encouraged to refrain from smoking for several weeks before and after surgery. You should avoid driving for at least a week or until you feel comfortable moving your arms and are no longer taking narcotic pain medications.
You may be a candidate for a brachioplasty procedure if you have any of the above concerns and are in overall good enough to undergo the surgery operation. Click here if you’d like to email us with any questions or concerns.
The cost of your arm lift will depend on a variety of factors, including the scope of the procedure, anesthesia and surgical fees, etc. We will gladly provide you with a cost breakdown after you have been evaluated by our experts in a consultation.