Say Goodbye to Sagging Skin Under Your Arms

Are you troubled by sagging skin under your arms? Do you find it especially annoying because it won’t go away, no matter how much dieting and exercising you do?

That sagging skin could be the result of aging, genetics, or even rapid weight loss. It might be a combination of these. And even if you’re not particularly put off from an aesthetics perspective, you may be experiencing discomfort from a rash or inflammation caused by the extra folds.

Whatever the case, a brachioplasty (a.k.a. arm lift) can treat those saggy underarms to make your life a little easier.

Arm Lifts Are Not a One-Size-Fits-All

There are a few options available when it comes to arm lifts.

A traditional arm lift is usually recommended for those with a large amount of excess skin and fat on the upper arm. An extended arm lift addresses fatty tissue and loose skin underneath the arm and on areas on the side of the body.

On the other hand, a limited-incision brachioplasty, or hidden arm lift, may be recommended for those with moderate amounts of fat and loose skin. It utilizes an incision made in the crease of the underarm and may include liposuction.

In cases where there is only a small amount of fat, little to no excess skin, and good elasticity in the skin, the arm may be reshaped using liposuction only.

The Arm Lift Procedure

Given the different types of arm lifts, the incision length and pattern will be determined by your surgeon and will depend on the location of excess skin and fat, as well as how much needs to be removed.

Generally speaking, though, incisions are placed either on the back or the inside of the arm. They may extend from just above the elbow to the underarm. However, depending on your situation, incisions may be more limited.

Whatever the case, if there is excess fat, it will be removed with liposuction or directly excised. The supportive tissue underneath is then tightened and reshaped using internal sutures, and the skin is smoothed over to create a new contour. In some cases, additional body-contouring surgeries, such as a thigh lift, may be performed at this time as well.

Recovery from an Arm Lift

In the first few days after your brachioplasty, you’ll likely experience moderate pain. Your arms will be bandaged to limit your range of motion. This is intentional, as you don’t want to make any major movements with the arms. Your muscles may also feel sore and you’ll see bruising and swelling. Increased pain and pressure near the incision site are normal – especially when your arms are in motion.

You should not lift anything over five pounds in the first week of recovery. And since you need to avoid reaching over your head, be sure you have comfortable, loose button-up shirts on hand. Pain, swelling, and bruising will subside by the end of the week, and you should be able to transition to OTC pain management (if any is needed).

Bandages and any stitches are removed one to two weeks post-surgery and you’ll notice improved range of motion and arm mobility. You should be able to return to work and regular activities, but there will be lifting restrictions of 10 pounds in the second week and 15 pounds in the third. Stretching the arms is still not recommended.

Finally, after four to six weeks, you can expect any swelling or bruising to resolve. You may also be cleared to remove your compression garment and return to your regular exercise routine. And with improved confidence!

You Don’t Have to Accept Sagging Skin Under Your Arms

If proper diet and exercise are not addressing the problem of sagging skin under your arms, you don’t have to accept that the embarrassment and/or discomfort are just a part of life now.

An arm lift is a great option. So contact us today to set up a free consultation with our highly experienced and board-certified plastic surgeons to discuss the option of brachioplasty.

When paired with a healthy lifestyle, you’ll enjoy the comfort and confidence that comes with slimmer arms – year after year after year.