Brachioplasty in Doylestown, PA

A frustrating side effect often associated with getting older or losing weight is dealing with loose skin. At Tamburrino Plastic Surgery & Med Spa, we offer upper arm lift surgery (also called brachioplasty) as a solution for anyone who can't tone or tighten their arms with the help of exercise and diet alone. Lax skin from the elbow to the shoulder is very typical, particularly for men and women who are advancing in age or those who have lost weight. An arm lift effectively removes this unwanted skin, sometimes referred to as "bat wings." To address this unwanted hanging skin, double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Joseph Tamburrino utilizes effective skin removal and tightening techniques to produce a slimmer shape and contour. If you would like to learn more about how brachioplasty can enhance the look of your arms, please contact our team to schedule your one-on-one consultation.

An arm lift is a cosmetic surgery that employs innovative techniques to remove unwanted skin and tighten the remaining tissue. If you are tired of hiding your flabby arms and want them to look trim and taut again, it may be worthwhile to consider the benefits of brachioplasty. To be an ideal candidate for this advanced treatment, patients must be in good overall health to ensure easier healing. Some of the key concerns experienced by potential arm lift patients are excess, hanging skin on their upper arms and minimal tautness of the skin. Patients should be at or near their ideal weight prior to their surgery.

Loose or excess skin can be embarrassing and cause health problems like rashes, skin irritation, and even infection. The benefits of arm lift surgery vary from patient to patient, but many men and women find it very helpful in improving their confidence and quality of life. Many of our patients are excited to fit into new tops and bathing suits and show off their results. Other advantages of arm lift surgery in Doylestown, PA, include:

• A slimmer, more contoured shape to your arms
• Reduced sagging skin and wrinkles
• Improved skin elasticity and tone
• No more "batwing" appearance

Typically, your upper arm surgery will take place in an outpatient facility unless multiple cosmetic surgeries are scheduled to be performed at one time (like in the case of after weight loss surgery). An upper arm lift may be performed with other surgeries (usually completed in an inpatient setting for monitoring), like tummy tucks, mommy makeovers, and thigh lifts, as long as it is deemed appropriate. An upper arm lift is usually carried out with the patient under general anesthesia and can take several hours to complete. The sagging skin will be excised from the elbow all the way up to the armpit, and an incision will be created in a discreet location. While the incision will be made as hidden as possible, a scar will still result. In cases where liposuction is needed to remove stubborn fatty deposits, this will be done as well. Once the skin is pulled taut, it will be stitched together. You will have to keep the incisions clean, bandaged, and in compression garments.

The recovery period will last around two weeks, requiring lots of rest. It is vital to allow yourself time to heal after undergoing major surgery. Since the arms are used for nearly everything, patients should ease their way back into their usual routines. A suture removal appointment will be scheduled approximately ten days following surgery. Compression garments should be worn until you receive permission from Dr. Tamburrino to stop using them. For at least a month (4 – 5 weeks), all exercise must be avoided with the exception of taking short walks. If you develop excessive swelling, uncontrolled bleeding, fluid buildup (hematoma), infection, loss of feeling in the hands or arms, or heavy scarring, please call Tamburrino Plastic Surgery & Med Spa for assistance.

Can I combine an arm lift with other surgeries?
It's normal for arm lift patients to combine the treatment with another surgery. These procedures can include liposuction, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), or breast surgery (breast lift). Arm lift surgery is also frequently included in an after weight loss surgery for those who have lost a large amount of weight and want contouring throughout their body. During your consultation with Dr. Tamburrino, each surgery will be discussed so your personal treatment plan can be developed.

Will there be scars?
Arm lift surgery requires incisions to remove excess skin, which leads to scarring from stitches. However, Dr. Tamburrino will make every effort to place the small incisions in inconspicuous areas. Following your arm lift, creams to assist in scar healing will be recommended along with our tips for scar care management. Dr. Tamburrino also suggests you avoid sun exposure during the first year to protect the incisions from any additional discoloration. Most patients believe the benefits of a more toned arm outweigh the minimal scars created.

What results can I expect from an arm lift?
A surgical arm lift is performed to address hanging skin and fat. You should follow a healthy lifestyle that includes diet and exercise to avoid a dramatic weight loss or gain, which could compromise your results. Following your lift surgery, as soon as your arms are recovered and Dr. Tamburrino has authorized it, you can begin strength training. This is a good way to add shape to your arms by strengthening and toning the muscles.

Are there nonsurgical treatments to improve my arms?
Although there are a lot of noninvasive skin tightening procedures, they can only provide mild improvements. To address moderate to severe skin laxity, arm lift surgery is your best option. Along with removing excess skin, Dr. Tamburrino also liposuctions small amounts of fat and smoothes the tissue and remaining skin. If you're interested in learning about nonsurgical options, Dr. Tamburrino can talk about all possible treatments in your consultation and help you decide which treatment may better suit your goals.

Whatever you call your droopy skin or the "bat wings" underneath your upper arms, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Tamburrino calls it as a way to improve your appearance with cosmetic surgery. This exciting procedure provides emotional and physical benefits as well. If you're at or near a healthy, stable weight but still cannot get rid of the skin and flab that hang from your arms, please contact us and schedule a private consultation at Tamburrino Plastic Surgery & Med Spa in Doylestown, PA.