Loose Arm Skin

Heavy upper arms are usually caused from the increased volume associated with weight gain. To accommodate the increase in volume, your skin stretches. As you lose weight, the skin of your upper arms often fails to tighten, so it sags. The result is loose upper arm skin. The only way to improve this problem is to undergo an arm lift, also called brachioplasty.

The Sugical Procedure

Brachioplasty (arm reduction surgery) can remove excess tissue and reduce the circumference of the upper arm. Surgical correction depends on the amount of extra skin and how loose the supporting tissues have become. Extra skin is removed from incisions along the inner arm. The incision must be placed where the tissue can be best tightened but the incision must be well hidden as well.

Is Liposuction an Option?

The only time liposuction is a better choice is when there is a lot of fat, but the skin is tight. It is not a choice if your problem is due to loose skin. An arm lift is the best choice when the skin is loose.

What Will Happen at the Initial Consultation?
 
During the initial consultation, you and your surgeon will discuss the changes you want to make in your appearance. He/she will explain the different options available to you, the procedure itself, and its risks and limitations. He/she will also explain the kind of anesthesia required, surgical facility, and costs.

Your surgeon will begin with a complete medical history. He/she may also give you specific instructions preparing for surgery, including guidelines for eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding vitamins, supplements and medications. Routine laboratory tests may be required before surgery.

Note: An arm lift procedure does not affect muscle tone. Talk to your doctor about how to tone and firm the muscle beneath the skin both before and after your procedure.

Take this time to ask all the questions you have about the surgery. Ask for, and follow up on, patient references. Learning everything you can about your options, risks and benefits is the key to making an informed decision.