Arm Lift in Biloxi, MS

The upper arms are one area of the body that show the negative effects of weight gain or aging. Michael Diaz, M.D., F.A.C.S., a board-certified plastic surgeon in Biloxi, MS, performs arm lifts (brachioplasty) for residents in and around Southern Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama.

What is an Arm Lift?

Everyone admires toned and sculpted arms. When they stop looking as toned and begin to sag, it is common to try and hide them. Also called brachioplasty, an arm lift is the cosmetic procedure to redefine toned upper arms.

Your arms appear larger with age, weight gain or a significant weight loss as the skin begins to sag. This is very evident if you raise your arm and see sagging skin and/or excess fat. When this is the case, brachioplasty may be an option to remove excess skin and fat resulting in more defined upper arms.

The Best Candidates for Arm Lift

If you have arms with excess skin and fat that droops or sags giving you the appearance of “bat wings,” you may be an excellent candidate for an arm lift. Skin loses elasticity with age and weight loss. Arm lifts address this issue by reshaping and sculpting your upper arms to look more defined and toned so that you can wear sleeveless styles with more confidence.

Planning Your Arm Lift Surgery

To plan for your arm lift, you need to schedule a consultation with Dr. Diaz to discuss your concerns and allow him to evaluate your arms and determine if brachioplasty is the best option for you. Additionally, it is important for him to review your medical history, overall health and provide you with a detailed list of pre-operative instructions. An arm lift is not a solution to lose weight in your arms instead a way to diminish the appearance of large upper arms because of age or weight loss.

Preparing for Your Arm Lift Surgery

When preparing for your arm lift surgery, you are typically required to get an overall health check-up and bloodwork to make sure there are no underlying issues that can jeopardize your health during surgery. Additionally, we ask that, if you smoke, you stop at least two weeks prior to surgery and two weeks following the procedure. You also need to avoid medications and supplements that thin the blood.

The Arm Lift Procedure

With an arm lift, incisions are typically made on the underside or back of the arm. The length of the incisions depends on how much fat is to be removed and where the excess skin is, but they can extend from the underarm to the elbow if necessary. Once the incision is made, fat is removed either via liposuction or directly excising it from the skin tissue. After this is done, the underlying skin tissue is pulled tightly and molded using internal sutures. Any excess skin is removed as the outer layer of skin is smoothed over giving the arm a more defined look. The procedure takes about three hours to complete.

After Your Arm Lift Surgery

As the arms are stitched up, tiny cannulas are placed in the incisions to drain any excess blood or fluids that may collect there. The arms are bandaged and wrapped immediately following the surgery. Compression garments may be used to help support the arms and reduce swelling during the initial healing process. There are detailed post-operative instructions to help you with the healing and recovery so that you avoid any issues.

How Much Does an Arm Lift Cost in Mississippi?

The cost of an arm lift varies with each patient as it is based on the extent of the surgery and whether it is combined with other procedures. During your consultation with Dr. Diaz, you go over costs with him as well as our payment and financing options. We accept cash, check, and major credit cards along with offering financing through CareCredit®.

Getting Back to Normal Following Arm Lift Surgery

The recovery time varies with each patient. You may return to light activities and work within a couple of weeks; however, you must avoid any heavy lifting or strenuous activities with your arms for several weeks following surgery. As for the results, you can see contours quickly following the surgery especially after the swelling subsides.

Your New Look

Once the incisions heal, the scarring also diminishes over the following months. The results are toned, thinner arms that look amazing. These results are permanent if you maintain a healthy diet and exercise regimen.

 

If you live in or around Southern Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama, and are looking for a board-certified plastic surgeon to perform an arm lift, contact Michael Diaz, M.D., F.A.C.S. in Biloxi, MS, today to set up an appointment.