Arm lift surgery addresses loose, sagging skin on the upper arms (often called “bat wings”) that remains after significant weight loss or develops due to aging. An arm lift in Albany at The Plastic Surgery Group can be used to tighten and contour your arms to restore a more youthful and sculpted appearance. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Susan M. Gannon performs this transformative procedure to help patients feel more confident in sleeveless clothing.
What Is an Arm Lift?
An arm lift, medically known as brachioplasty, is a surgical technique to remove excess skin and tissue from the upper arms. The underlying supportive tissue is tightened, and the arm is reshaped to create smoother, more defined contours.
Dr. Gannon often combines brachioplasty with liposuction to eliminate stubborn fat deposits and further improve results. Arm lifts are frequently performed as part of a comprehensive body contouring plan alongside procedures such as the thigh lift, tummy tuck, or other treatments.
FEATURED PATIENTS
Arm Lift Before and After
Am I a Good Candidate For Arm Lift Surgery?
Ideal arm lift patients have sagging skin on their upper arms that does not respond to diet and exercise. Patients who have lost substantial weight and are bothered by the resulting loose skin often achieve excellent results with this procedure. They must already be at or near a healthy BMI.
You may not be a suitable candidate if you have significant medical conditions that could impair healing, if you smoke, or if you plan to lose additional weight. Dr. Gannon will evaluate your individual situation during your consultation to determine whether arm lift surgery is right for you.
The Procedure
Brachioplasty is typically performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia. The procedure usually takes 1-2 hours to complete.
Dr. Gannon begins by making incisions on the underside of the arms, typically extending from near the armpit down toward the elbow. The length and pattern of the incisions depend on the amount of skin being removed. Through these incisions, Dr. Gannon removes the excess skin and tissue, and then repositions and tightens the remaining skin to create smoother, firmer contours.
Once the desired upper arm shape is achieved, Dr. Gannon closes the incisions with sutures and applies bandages to support the arms during initial healing.
After Your Arm Lift in Albany, NY
Following your arm lift procedure, you may experience some mild discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed medication. Swelling in the treatment area is normal and usually subsides within a couple of weeks.
Most patients can return to work within one week, though you should avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting during this time. Dr. Gannon will provide specific instructions on caring for your incisions and gradually restarting daily activities. Most patients can resume exercise routines within a few weeks after surgery.
Benefits of Arm Lift Surgery
- Eliminates loose, sagging skin on the upper arms
- Creates firmer, more toned arm contours
- Improves confidence in sleeveless and short-sleeved clothing
- Provides long-lasting results with proper weight maintenance
- Enhances overall body proportions
How Much Does an Arm Lift Cost in the Capital Region?
The cost of arm lift surgery varies based on several factors, including the extent of correction needed, whether additional procedures are performed simultaneously, and the specifics of your surgical plan. During your initial consultation, Dr. Gannon will evaluate your needs and provide a detailed price estimate tailored to your individual treatment plan.
Arm Lift FAQs
Is the cost of arm lift surgery covered by insurance?
In most cases, the cost of arm lift surgery is not covered by insurance. But you should contact your insurance company to make sure and discuss this with our team at The Plastic Surgery Group.
Can the sagging skin come back?
Arm lift results are generally long-lasting, and the extra skin that was removed will not grow back. However, significant weight gain, natural aging, or additional loss of skin elasticity over time can cause new sagging to develop.
Contact Us For More Information
If you’re interested in learning more about receiving an arm lift in Albany, New York, schedule a consultation with Dr. Susan M. Gannon at The Plastic Surgery Group. During your visit, Dr. Gannon will assess your concerns, discuss your goals, and create a plan to help you achieve the sculpted, youthful arms you truly want.
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