Do your arms keep waving even after you’ve stopped? Can you wiggle your underarm skin even when flexing? That problem area, sometimes called bat wings, is notoriously difficult to tone with diet and exercise. An arm lift, or brachiplasty, can help correct that issue. Michael Schwartz, M.D., is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon and diplomate of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery who offers brachioplasty to women who live in and around Los Angeles, Pasadena and the surrounding communities of California.
What is Brachioplasty?
Brachioplasty, also known as an arm lift, is the surgical recontouring of the arms. The brachioplasty plastic surgery procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia. In order to remove the unwanted skin, an incision is required that runs from near the elbow into the armpit.
This procedure is common for people who have lost significant weight and have excess, loose skin that is completely resistant to diet and exercise as a result. This is also a popular procedure for individuals who have “bat wings” or excess skin and fat in the upper arms, which occurs naturally during the aging process.
What is the Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) procedure?
Dr. Schwartz will consult with patients about undergoing brachioplasty surgery for an arm lift if they wish to tighten this skin to look and feel more youthful.
The brachioplasty plastic surgery procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia. In order to remove the unwanted skin, an incision is required that runs from near the elbow into the armpit.
The incision extends from the elbow to the underarm, and sometimes on to the side of the chest. In some instances, your brachioplasty or arm lift plastic surgeon may recommend that liposuction be used alone or in conjunction with an arm lift to remove excess fat in the upper arms.
Upper arm excess in a massive weight loss patient usually crosses the armpit and involves loose skin that extends onto the chest region. Brachioplasty usually involves reducing the skin through a scar that runs on the inner part of the upper arm, often crossing into the armpit. The scar is planned so that it is only visible when one lifts the arm to hail a cab, but otherwise is unnoticeable.
How is recovery following Brachioplasty?
We recommend a period of rest after an arm lift for about 72 hours, keeping the arms elevated on pillows during this time. For the next few weeks, normal walking and light activity are encouraged. Patients can usually shower on the second or third postoperative day. We will discuss your individual recovery plan at your consultation and ensure your comfort and healing at all post-op appointments.
Am I A Good Candidate for Brachioplasty?
Arm lift plastic surgery can be performed on a large variety of patients, including normal weight patients who need upper arm tightening. However, the majority of patients are massive weight loss patients that have stabilized their weight loss and do not have serious medical problems. They suffer from excess skin and fat in their upper arms. Many of these patients complain that their arms feel and look like “bat wings”. Occasionally, some older women have a lot of extra skin that is bothersome and would also be reasonable candidates.
How Much Does Brachioplasty Cost in Pasadena, CA?
The cost of brachioplasty can vary from patient to patient depending on the degree of correction needed. We discuss the exact cost of procedures at your initial consultation, so there are never any surprise fees or unexpected expenses. The office of Dr. Michael Schwartz believes in affordability and offers financing through Alphaeon Credit, Prosper® Healthcare Lending and CareCredit® for brachioplasty procedures. Our office accepts cash, personal checks and credit cards as payment for all body contouring procedures.
Have you experienced dramatic weight loss? Do you have bat wings or excess skin in the upper arms? A brachioplasty may be beneficial to you. Residents in or around Los Angeles, Pasadena or the surrounding communities of California can contact board-certified facial plastic surgeon Michael Schwartz, M.D., a diplomate of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery to schedule a personal brachioplasty consultation to determine their candidacy.
