Arm Lift
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What is an Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)?
An arm lift, or brachioplasty surgery, can restore drooping and flabby skin under the upper arm caused by aging or significant weight loss. The surgery, also called brachioplasty, can correct this problem very effectively. An arm lift procedure is performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon works meticulouslt to remove excess skin and fat from the underarm and moves it from the armpit to the elbow. After we remove excess sagging skin from the upper arms, both edges are pulled tight and sutured together. The full procedure will take about two to three hours. Upon recovery from the surgical procedure, the remaining skin will be smooth, with carefully placed scars and firm arms that they could only have dreamed about.
During your consultation visit, your surgeon will show you before and after pictures of patients who have undergone a breast augmentation. You will be able to see firsthand the difference the procedure made for these people. Interested in viewing before and after photos before your consultation? Visit our online gallery.
Before & After Photos
What is the average cost of an arm lift? Is there a charge for the consultation?
The price of an arm lift varies for each person. The cost depends on the extent of surgery necessary to achieve your individual appearance goal.
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Is financing available? And will insurance cover any of my fees?
Heartland Plastic & Hand Surgery accepts several types of payment: cash, credit cards (Visa, Master Card, Discover, and American Express), money orders, cashier checks, and financing with an outside agency. An arm lift is not covered by commercial insurance and will need to be paid in full before surgery. It is, therefore, important to make financing arrangements in advance with a financing company of your choice.
Is there anything I need to do to get myself ready for surgery?
To reduce bruising and the risk of hematoma, patients must stop blood thinners and vitamin E at least two weeks before and after surgery. If you are on prescription blood thinners, you may need to get medical clearance and should ask your family doctor for instructions on how to stop these medications.
To minimize swelling, patients should wear their compression garment as directed. We also require all herbal medication and diet pills (prescription and over-the-counter) to be stopped at least two weeks before surgery and one week following surgery.
At Heartland Plastic & Hand Surgery, we require the patient to be in overall good health and a stable weight before the surgery can be performed. If there are questions regarding your health, medical clearance from your family doctor may be required.
Most people choose arm lift surgery because they are bothered by excess skin and/or fat on their arms. As with all surgical procedures, there are some things you should consider before deciding if arm lift surgery is right for you…. Heartland Plastic and Hand Surgery welcomes men and women from various communities of Missouri, including Farmington, Poplar Bluff and nearby Marion/Carbondale in Illinois. Occasionally we will have patients who will come in for a cosmetic consultation and be interested in… Cosmetic surgery can be performed any time during the calendar year. The best time to have cosmetic surgery is the time that best fits the individual patient’s schedule, demands of work and family. It is best to pick a time…
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Important Items To Know Before Getting Arm Lift Surgery
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Should weight loss be before or after surgery?
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When is the best time of year to have cosmetic surgery?
Do I have to stop smoking before the cosmetic procedure?
Yes, Dr. Humphrey requires the patient to stop smoking one month before surgery and one month after surgery. Nicotine in cigarettes, vapes, and other tobacco products decreases the blood supply to the skin, and blood supply is important to the healing process. We also require patients to eliminate secondhand exposure to all tobacco and marijuana products for the same duration.
Is there a better time of year to have arm lift surgery performed?
You should schedule your surgery for when you can allow yourself time to heal. You will have a 10-15 pound lifting restriction for at least three weeks following arm lift surgery (that will include lifting children). You also have to make adjustments at work due to swelling and being on pain medication. On average, patients at Heartland Plastic & Hand Surgery take 2-3 weeks off work, but some patients have more physically demanding jobs that can require 4-6 weeks off work.
How much loose skin and extra tissue is removed?
During a brachioplasty procedure, the amount of loose or sagging skin removed depends on the patient’s weight loss, skin elasticity, and the degree of aging or weight fluctuations. Once the extra skin is excised, the remaining arm skin is tightened and reshaped to improve the arm’s appearance. If excess fatty tissue is present in the underarm region, patients may combine the arm lift with liposuction.
What can I expect in the recovery process?
After arm lift surgery, you can expect some swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort for the first two weeks as your arm heals. Your elastic bandage or compression garment will help reduce swelling and support the remaining skin as it adjusts to its new shape. Most patients can return to light activity after a few days, but heavy lifting and strenuous exercise should be avoided for several weeks.
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What should I do next?
At Heartland Plastic & Hand Surgery in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, Dr. J. Stewart Humphrey, MD is board certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery. He offers plastic and hand surgery to patients across Missouri including Cape Girardeau, Jackson, and Sikeston. Our Cape Girardeau office is located 66 miles from Farmington, MO and 55 miles from Ste. Genevieve, MO. Your next step is to contact the Heartland Plastic & Hand Surgery office today at (888) 515-2847 to schedule your arm lift surgery (brachioplasty) consultation. Bring all your questions and concerns to your consultation so your surgeon can address them. Call us today and get the arms you have always dreamed of!
Dr. J. Stewart Humphrey is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. The American Board of Plastic Surgery is the gold standard for plastic surgery certification in the United States. Dr. Humphrey…
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
DR. J. STEWART HUMPHREY
