Loose skin along the upper arms can occur due to weight loss or the natural aging process, and many patients want to explore their options to achieve a slimmer, toned arm appearance. An arm lift, also known as brachioplasty, removes excess skin to reshape the underside of the upper arm. To help you make an informed decision, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Kiya Movassaghi answers the top 5 questions his patients ask about arm lifts at his Eugene plastic surgery practice.
Are arm lifts permanent?
Yes, arm lift surgery is permanent; however, it’s important to note that your skin will continue to age and change over time. That said, arm lift results are quite durable, and you can preserve optimal results by maintaining a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. These efforts prevent significant weight fluctuations from impacting your results and help your skin age gracefully.
When can I work out after an arm lift?
You can begin short, gentle walks 2-3 weeks after your arm lift, being mindful not to make excessive arm movements as you walk. Eugene arm lift patients are typically cleared to resume low-impact exercises 4-6 weeks after surgery and high-impact activities, such as intense cardio exercises and weightlifting, after the 6-week mark. Part of your upper arm lift surgery plan includes follow-up appointments to monitor your healing and to be cleared for specific activities based on your progress.
How can I reduce my arm lift scars?
Arm lift scars can be minimized by following all aftercare instructions, attending each follow-up appointment, and using scar care protocols. You’ll wear a compression garment for several weeks (or longer if needed) to limit swelling and help support your arm’s new shape as the tissue heals. You’ll also receive specialized instructions on how to care for your incisions to speed healing and prevent infections that may impact the scar’s appearance. And adhering to activity restrictions prevents excess swelling or straining the suture line, which may delay healing and exaggerate scarring.
You can further improve arm lift scars by incorporating a scar care routine, including silicone gel sheets, gently massaging the area, and protecting the scars from sun exposure. Arm lift incisions are placed to be as inconspicuous as possible, but some scarring will be visible.
For patients who would like to refine their arm lift scars, Dr. Movassaghi offers safe, proven scar treatments at his Eugene med spa, including:
Do arm lifts remove both skin and fat?
Arm lifts primarily remove excess skin and possibly some fat deposits within the unwanted tissue to sculpt a more defined, youthful arm appearance. At Movassaghi Plastic Surgery, Dr. Movassaghi uses liposuction to remove strategic amounts of fat to enhance new arm contours for stronger improvements that appear natural and harmonious with surrounding areas.
Arm lifts primarily remove excess skin and possibly some fat deposits within the unwanted tissue to sculpt a more defined, youthful arm appearance.
Are there non-surgical alternatives to arm lifts?
Yes, CoolSculpting is a non-surgical alternative to body contouring that removes localized fat deposits on nearly any part of the body, including the upper arms; however, it will not improve skin laxity. It’s important to remember that non-invasive methods will not achieve the same transformative results as a surgical arm lift, especially for those with moderate or substantial amounts of excess skin.
Arm lift surgery with Dr. Kiya Movassaghi
We hope this post helps empower you on your journey to toned, tighter arms. If you have more questions or feel like you may benefit from an arm lift, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Eugene plastic surgeon Dr. Kiya Movassaghi.
Movassaghi Plastic Surgery & Ziba Medical Spa proudly serves patients in Eugene, Oregon, and the surrounding areas, and we invite you to schedule a consultation by calling (541) 686-8700 or schedule a consultation online to learn what our knowledgeable and caring providers can help you achieve.