Arm Lift in Fort Worth

If You’re Considering An Arm Lift…

Fluctuations in weight, aging and even heredity can cause changes in appearance that you might not expect. One such change that can occur in the upper arm results in a droopy, sagging, batwing-like appearance. Fitness may strengthen and improve underlying muscle tone of the upper arm, but it cannot address excess skin that has lost elasticity or underlying weakened tissues and localized fat deposits.

If the underside of your upper arms has developed sagging, droopy skin, or appears loose and full due to excess skin and fat, an arm lift may be right for you. In general, an arm lift reduces excess skin and underlying fat that occurs between underarm region in the elbow, reshaping the arm to result in smoother skin and more normal contours. An arm lift results in a more toned and proportionate appearance, enhancing your self-confidence and expanding your fashion choices. The trade-off to your improved image is a resulting scar on the inside of your upper arm.

This webpage presents an overview of arm lift, technically called brachioplasty. The best way to learn how an arm lift can help fulfill your personal goals is a consultation with Dr. Kiran Polavarapu, a Fort Worth female plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of plastic surgery.

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What is an arm lift?

An arm lift is a surgical procedure that reshapes the under portion of the upper arm, and the underarm region to the elbow. This procedure is performed to:

Reduce excess sagging skin that droops downward when arms are extended away from the body
Tighten and smooth the underlying supportive tissue that defines the shape of the upper arm
In addition, any localized pockets of fat in the upper arm region may be reduced through brachioplasty, most commonly in conjunction with liposuction techniques.

The conditions treated with an arm lift may develop in both men and women, most often due to a loss of elasticity in the skin and underlying tissue of the upper arm. This may be the result of significant weight loss and skin that has been so stretched it loses the ability to retract. Conditions may also result from the natural changes that occur with aging, heredity or a combination of these conditions.

An arm lift cannot correct weakened muscles of the upper arm; in fact many individuals who seek surgery are relatively fit individuals who are bothered by a condition that cannot be corrected through exercise. In general, good candidates for an arm lift are:

Adults of any age whose weight is relatively stable and who are not significantly overweight
Healthy individuals who do not have medical conditions that can impair healing or increase risk of surgery
Non-smokers
Individuals with a positive outlook and realistic goals for what an arm lift can accomplish

Where do I begin?

A body contouring procedure consultation with your plastic surgeon is the first step to learn how and on what can help you achieve a smoother and more normal contour of the arm. A consultation is designed to fully educate you about brachioplasty in a non-pressured environment, and will include:

A discussion of your goals and an evaluation of the individual case
The options available for an arm left
The likely outcomes of brachioplasty and any associated risks or potential complications
The course of treatment recommended by your plastic surgeon

Evaluation

Overall health and personal outlook can greatly impact the outcome of arm lift surgery. These will be carefully evaluated in a consultation with your plastic surgeon. The success of your Fort Worth plastic surgery procedure, safety and overall satisfaction require that you:

Honestly share your expectations
Fully disclose health history, current medications, the use of vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drugs
Commit to precisely following all of your plastic surgeon’s instructions

THE PROCESS

What to Expect With an Arm Lift

Your Arm Lift

An arm lift is a safe and satisfying procedure that can greatly improve the appearance of your upper arm. The procedure begins with an incision placed in the inside of the upper arm. The incision may extend from the underarm to the elbow, or be more limited in length. Incision length and pattern depend on the amount and location of excess skin to be removed, as well as the preferences and surgical judgment of your plastic surgeon.

If fat will be reduced during your arm lift, it will be excised or treated with liposuction techniques. The underlying supportive tissues are tightened and reshaped with internal sutures. Overlying skin is then smoothed over the new contour of your arm, with excess skin reduced. Your incisions will be closed with absorbable sutures, or stitches that will be removed within one to two weeks following your arm lift.

The trade off to an improved body contour and image through an arm lift is a resulting scar on the inside portion of your upper arm. In addition, uneven contours can develop in the arm after surgery. In some cases, skin elasticity is so poor that relapse of the skin is possible.

Preparing for Surgery

Your plastic surgeon will carefully explain the technique for your arm lift. Prior to any surgery, you will be given specific instructions that may include:

Pre-surgical considerations, diagnostic testing and medications
Day of surgery instructions and medications
Specific information related to the use of anesthesia
Postoperative care and follow up

In addition, you will be asked to sign consent forms to assure your plastic surgeon that you full understand the procedure or procedures you will undergo and any associated risks and potential complications.

Possible risks of an arm lift include bleeding, infection, fluid accumulation, delayed or poor healing, skin loss, blood clots, excessive or widened scars, numbness and other changes in skin sensation and irregular or asymmetric contour or scars. Any surgery carries risks associated with anesthesia. These risks and others will be fully disclosed prior to your consent.

It is important that you address all your questions directly with your plastic surgeon. It is natural to feel some anxiety, whether excitement for the anticipated outcomes or preoperative stress. Discuss these feelings with your plastic surgeon.

What to Expect

Brachioplasty may be performed in your surgeon’s accredited office-based surgical facility, an ambulatory surgical facility or a hospital, possibly with an overnight hospital stay. Procedures are most commonly performed under general anesthesia, although local anesthesia with sedation may be used. These decisions will be based on the requirements of your specific procedure and considerations of patient and surgeon preference.

Following surgery

Once your arm lift is completed, dressing or bandages will be applied to your incisions, and your arms may be wrapped in an elastic bandage to minimize swelling and to support your new contours as you heal. Small, thin tubes may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain excess fluid or blood that may collect. Before you are released following surgery, you and an accompanying responsible family member, friend or caregiver will be given specific instructions that may include:

How to care for the surgical site and drains
Medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection
Specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in overall health
When to follow-up with your plastic surgeon

Progress and healing

Following your arm lift, your arms will be swollen and bruised, and you will experience some discomfort. Discomfort is common and can be controlled with medication. You will be instructed to keep your arms elevated for several days following surgery and return to light walking as soon as possible to minimize the potential for blood clots and other complications.

You will also be instructed to avoid lifting or bearing any weight on your arms for several days to weeks. Your surgeon may also advise you to limit your range of motion until internal healing is complete. You will be ready to return to work and light, normal activities within a few days, as long as you do not engage in any lifting or vigorous exercise. Follow all instructions carefully – this is essential to the success of your outcome.

Your incisions will heal within 7 to 14 days, after which time sutures will be removed if necessary. Additional healing will continue for many weeks as swelling resolves and incision lines continue to improve. Numbness and a firm feeling over the skin’s surface will resolve over time. You must practice diligent sun protection until the healing process is fully completed or skin in the treated area may develop irregular pigmentation and scars may become raised, red or dark. It may take a year or more following a given procedure for incision lines to refine and fade to some degree. Continue to follow your plastic surgeon’s instructions and attend follow-up visits as scheduled.

Results and Outlook

The dramatic improvement in arm contour following arm lift surgery can greatly enhance your body image. A smooth, toned arm that matches your body image and personal goals does, however, come with visible scars. This is a fair trade-off to achieving a body contour that matches your body weight and proportion.

The results of arm lift will be long-lasting, provided that you maintain a stable weight and general fitness. As your body ages, it is natural to lose some firmness. However, most of your improvement should be relatively permanent.

“Artist, sculptor, scientist, and physician, Dr. Polavarapu is renaissance in her scope. But more than that, she is a caring and compassionate person. I have known Dr. Polavarapu for more than 10 years, first as a colleague and then as a patient. She combines knowledge gained at prestigious institutions with her remarkable eye for the sublime and beautiful to achieve outstanding clinical results for her patients. That is why Dr. Polavarapu is one of my favorite doctors in Texas.”

Kevin H.

“Dr. P made me feel comfortable from the first visit. She explains everything very clearly and doesn't rush the appointment. She truly wants to make sure you understand all the information given. She went out of her way to make sure I received the best care possible. I'm so glad I was referred to her for my breast reconstruction after being diagnosed with breast cancer.”

Keri A

"Dr Polavarapu is AMAZING! She gave me exactly what I was wanting in my breast augmentation! She made my experience better than I could imagine & helped calm my nerves! She also answered every question I had and listened to me! If you’re wanting a breast augmentation I totally recommend Dr Polavarapu!"

Arm Lift in Fort Worth

If You’re Considering An Arm Lift…

What is an arm lift?

Where do I begin?

Evaluation

THE PROCESS

What to Expect With an Arm Lift

Your Arm Lift

Preparing for Surgery

What to Expect

Following surgery

Progress and healing

Results and Outlook

Kevin H.

Keri A

Abbee G

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION

817-615-8576

Polavarapu
Plastic Surgery

Plastic, Reconstructive &
Cosmetic Surgery

PROCEDURES

LINKS

Kiran Polavarapu, MD.

Arm Lift in Fort Worth

If You’re Considering An Arm Lift…

What is an arm lift?

Where do I begin?

Evaluation

THE PROCESS

What to Expect With an Arm Lift

Your Arm Lift

Preparing for Surgery

What to Expect

Following surgery

Progress and healing

Results and Outlook

Kevin H.

Keri A

Abbee G

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION

817-615-8576

Polavarapu Plastic Surgery

Plastic, Reconstructive & Cosmetic Surgery

PROCEDURES

LINKS

Kiran Polavarapu, MD.

Polavarapu
Plastic Surgery

Plastic, Reconstructive &
Cosmetic Surgery