Band Aid Arm Lift
Patients of Dr. John LeRoy who desire a youthful, slender aesthetic often have cosmetic goals that include much more than their midsection. Excess fat and sagging skin on the underside of the upper arm is a source of self-consciousness for many patients of all ages. This condition can be caused by a number of factors, from heredity and the natural aging process to fluctuations in weight (especially in patients who have experienced significant weight loss through bariatric surgery or other methods).
As we age, our skin naturally loses firmness and elasticity, making upper arm skin less able to
withstand the effects of gravity or to adjust to the changes that come with weight loss. While sagging skin cannot be corrected through exercise, a brachioplasty (or arm lift) procedure can give the upper arms a more attractive, contoured appearance.
The Procedure
Depending on whether the patient’s concerns are caused by unwanted fat, excess skin, or a combination of both, the arm lift procedure can include one or more of the following components:
- Liposuction to remove unwanted fat
- Removal of excess skin and tissue
- Tightening and toning of the underlying muscle
A brachioplasty incision varies based on the needs for each patient’s procedure. In many cases, the incision extends from the elbow to the axilla (or underarm area). To produce the best aesthetic results possible, Dr. LeRoy places the incision in the most discrete area possible, such as the back of the arm or the inner arm that is concealed during most of the patient’s activities. For those who only need a small amount of excess skin removed, Dr. LeRoy’s unique Band Aid Brachioplasty procedure can be a minimally invasive way to achieve slimming results with less downtime and scarring. Or, for patients who only need fat to be removed and whose skin still has enough elasticity to naturally conform to a newly contoured shape, Dr. LeRoy may recommend liposuction or Band Aid Liposuction alone.
Arm lift recovery varies from patient to patient depending on their individual anatomy and the extensiveness of the procedure. Many patients can return to work one to two weeks after their surgery. To ensure the best possible recovery and results, patients should follow all post-operative instructions closely, including guidelines on when to resume various types of exercise and activities. While brachioplasty will not stop the aging process, surgical results should be long-lasting for patients who maintain a stable, healthy weight.
Frequently Asked Questions about Band Aid Brachioplasty
Why won’t diet and exercise result in the slender, sculpted arms I’m trying to achieve?
While a healthy lifestyle may be able to eliminate unwanted fat in the upper arms, the loose and sagging appearance that arm lift patients notice is typically caused by a combination of several factors. Even for patients who don’t have excess fat, aging takes a toll on the skin on the underside of the upper arm. This aging process causes the skin to become saggy and lax. This effect is often compounded by weight fluctuations throughout the years, which can further stretch the skin beyond its ability to bounce back and tighten during weight loss.
How do I know if I need an arm lift or if I only need liposuction?
Your unique anatomy, including the amount of skin and fat on your upper arm, impacts which cosmetic procedure will produce the results you’re seeking. Liposuction is typically reserved for patients who have unwanted fat that has been resistant to a healthy diet and exercise, and for patients whose skin is young and has enough elasticity to adjust to the arm’s slimmer shape. During the initial consultation, Dr. LeRoy will examine your arms and discuss your aesthetic goals to determine which procedure is the best fit for you.
I have lost a significant amount of weight and, as a result, have loose excess skin on areas besides my arms, too. Can I have all this sagging skin corrected in one procedure?
Every patient’s anatomy and aesthetic goals are unique, but in many cases, combining multiple procedures can be a safe and effective way to achieve a more youthful look while minimizing recovery time and costs. For patients who have completed extreme weight loss, an arm lift is often combined with a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) for comprehensive and natural-looking results.
Contact Us
While it is important to research your surgical options before making a decision, the only way to know which cosmetic procedures can achieve your aesthetic goals is to meet with a board-certified plastic surgeon. To learn more about whether a Band Aid Brachioplasty can give you more slender arms and help you embrace your most confident and beautiful self, schedule a consultation with Dr. LeRoy.