Arm lift surgery is a procedure that improves the appearance of your upper arms. Between the armpit and the elbow, excess skin and fat are removed, and the remaining skin is repositioned over the contoured features.

Many people choose to undergo an arm lift procedure because they are self-conscious or concerned by excess sagging skin and fat pockets in their upper arms (which is not improved with diet or exercise). The skin on your upper arms changes as you get older, sagging and loosening. Significant weight reduction might also cause sagging on the undersides of your upper arms.

While exercise can strengthen and improve muscle tone in the upper arm, it can’t address excess skin that has lost elasticity.

An arm lift reshapes the upper arms, reduces sagging skin, tightens/smooths the shape of your arm, and reduces localized fat pockets. You may want an arm lift if:

• You have tried exercise to tone your arms but have not seen any improvements

• You have sagging upper arm skin due to weight loss or aging

• You are embarrassed or self-conscious of your arms

If you meet the following criteria, you may be an excellent candidate for an arm lift:

• Have a significant amount of loose upper arm skin

• Be in overall good health

• Have a stable and healthy body weight

• Have realistic expectations

Step One – Anesthesia

You will be administered one of the following for your arm lift surgery:

• Intravenous sedation

• General Anesthesia

Step Two – The Incision

Depending on the amount and location of excess skin to be removed, the incision length and pattern will vary. Incisions are usually placed on the inside of the arm or on the back of the arm, depending on the surgeon’s preference. The incision may extend from the underarm just to above the elbow, and excess fat may be manually removed or treated with liposuction.

Step Three – Closing the Incisions

Your incisions will be closed with dissolvable sutures or stitches that will be removed after one to two weeks after your surgery.

Step Four – See the Results

The results of your arm lift procedure will be able to be seen immediately after your procedure, but there will be significant amounts of swelling and bruising.

• Traditional arm lift: The surgeon removes a considerable amount of skin and fatty tissue from the armpit to the elbow in a traditional arm lift. For individuals with significant amounts of excess skin and fat on the entire upper arm, this is the most effective choice.

• Extended arm lift: The surgeon removes fatty tissue and loose skin from beneath the arm, as well as any concerns about areas on the side of the body.

• Limited incision arm lift: A hidden arm lift, which is sometimes combined with liposuction, involves a surgical incision in the underarm crease. For patients with moderate quantities of fat and loose skin, this surgery may be a viable alternative.

An arm lift usually takes around two to three hours depending on your surgeon and the complexity of your procedure.

After your arm lift procedure is complete, your incisions will be covered in bandages, and you may have small tubes in your arms to drain any excess fluid or blood.

Your surgeon will give you specific care instructions. One to two days after surgery, the bandages and drains may be removed. To reduce swelling and speed up your recovery, you will be given a compression garment to wear. You should avoid strenuous activities, especially those that require you to lift your arms or bear any weight.

There will be a scar from the incision, but it will be as minimal and inconspicuous as possible. It normally takes two weeks for a full recovery.

As long as you maintain a healthy weight, arm lift surgery results are very long-lasting, and you will be able to maintain the results of your surgery. However, as you age, your skin will naturally lose elasticity and firmness, and some sagging might occur.

The cost of an arm lift surgery in Canada varies depending on the procedure’s scope and what province the procedure is performed in. A consultation with your surgeon will be able to give you an exact price for your procedure. In Canada, an arm lift surgery costs between $8,500-$10,000.

Arm lift surgery carries the same risks as any other major surgery; although rare, here are a few additional risks to consider:

• Bleeding 

• Damage to nerves, blood vessels, and muscles 

• Fat necrosis 

• Infection 

• Numbness around the incision site

• Poor wound healing 

• Scarring 

• Fluid accumulation 

358/380 people who have undergone an arm lift procedure have rated the procedure “Worth It” (94%)

• Source – Realself.com