Arm Lift

in Albany, NY

What is an Arm Lift?

Brachioplasty, or an arm lift, is performed to reduce skin and fat of the upper arm. Aging, weight loss, and heredity can play a role in the appearance of your arms. Loose skin cannot be significantly tightened with exercise, so a surgical procedure like an arm lift can help you finally tighten and tone your arms. The procedure can be performed alone or as part of a larger set of procedures like body contouring after weight loss.

Who is a Candidate for Arm Lift?

The best candidates for arm lift surgery have loose skin and redundant fat of their upper arms. They have realistic expectations of what can be achieved with a surgical procedure and have a strong understanding of their goals for treatment. Candidates should be within their ideal weight range and understand that an arm lift is not a weight loss procedure, and a healthy weight still needs to be maintained for long-lasting results.

What Happens During an Arm Lift?

Brachioplasty surgery is performed in the hospital as an outpatient procedure. If it is combined with other procedures an overnight stay may be necessary. It is performed under general anesthesia. The length of the incision and the subsequent scar will depend on how much extra skin and fat you need to be removed. The incision is placed on the inner posterior arm where it is least noticeable. The incision can extend from the axilla (armpit) to the elbow. It can be carried down across the axilla and onto the lateral chest wall if necessary. The surgical site is repaired with multiple layers of buried sutures to take tension off of the incision. Drains are usually not needed.

Arm Lift FAQs

Can underarm fat be removed?

Yes, fat of the arm and axilla (armpit) can be removed. Techniques to do this include liposuction, surgical excision, or a combination of these two.

Does arm lift leave a scar?

As a surgical procedure, an arm lift will result in some scarring; however, for best results, the incision will be made in an area that is not easily visible.

Do compression garments help with loose skin?

Compression garments are worn after invasive procedures, such as an arm lift, to help reduce swelling and bruising. They do not affect the skins natural ability to tighten, which varies by person and part of the body.

What is arm lift surgery?

An arm lift is a surgical procedure that helps tighten and tone the look of the arms by removing excess skin and fat from the upper arms.

How long does it take to recover from an arm lift?

Most arm lift patients can return to work within two to four weeks after surgery, although strenuous activity should be avoided for six to eight weeks. Scarring will fade over time, with full results becoming apparent between six months and a year after surgery.

Does insurance pay for arm lift?

An arm lift is usually classified as elective cosmetic surgery and, as such, is not covered by health insurance.

Do arm lift scars fade?

There are steps you can take to fade the appearance of surgical scars during your recovery, including sun protection, silicone treatments, and good incision care. Generally, the final appearance of your scar will emerge within one year of surgery.

Does arm lipo hurt?

Although liposuction is a minimally-invasive surgery, its common to experience some discomfort during your initial recovery. Youll be prescribed medications by Dr. Kayastha to manage any pain.

How much does a Brachioplasty surgery cost?

According to statistics by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of an arm lift is $4,550. However, this does not include additional costs like facilities, surgeons fees, and recovery materials.

How long after Brachioplasty Can I exercise?

You can generally return to light workouts within a few weeks of surgery. Dr. Kayastha will give you the best timeframe for your return to exercises based on your recovery progress and lifestyle.

How long does it take for Brachioplasty scars to heal?

Most scarring will heal within a few months of surgery, but it can take up to one year for scars to settle in to their final appearance.

What Will my Recovery be Like?

After your arm lift your arms will be gently wrapped in lightly compressive bandages. After a few days, the bandages will be traded for compressive sleeves. Pain medication is used for 1-2 weeks as needed. The average length of time to be out from work is 2-4 weeks. Strenuous activities should be avoided for 4-6 weeks.

For more information on the arm lift procedure or other contouring procedures, we offer, schedule your consultation with Dr. Kayastha at K Plastic Surgery.

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Dr. Kayastha is a board certified plastic surgeon who serves Albany, NY and the entire Capital Region. Dr. Kayastha completed his undergraduate studies at Cornell University and graduated with distinction in all subjects. He then attended medical school at SUNY Buffalo. During his time in Buffalo he also completed a fellowship in surgical pathology at Roswell Park. Following medical school Dr. Kayastha gained a much sought after position in the Michigan State-Grand Rapids integrated plastic surgery residency. After finishing residency training Dr. Kayastha completed a one year fellowship in hand and microsurgery at the Buncke Clinic in San Francisco. To round out his training before starting private practice Dr. Kayastha spent an additional 6 months learning from some of the best cosmetic surgeons in San Francisco. Dr. Kayastha is Board Certified in Plastic Surgery by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

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I highly recommend Dr. Kayastha.

I highly recommend Dr. Kayastha. I had a unilateral breast reduction done and could not be happier with the results. Dr. K communicated very effectively from the start and he completely understood why I wanted to have this surgery. After having a different plastic surgeon try to dissuade me from getting the surgery done, I was over the moon to find a surgeon who was understanding of my problem and more than willing to help me. He explained everything that he was going to do in detail and made sure that I had realistic expectations. Dr. K did an amazing job and I am very impressed with the outcome!

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