Sagging skin can develop due to the natural aging process, genetics, or weight loss. An arm lift (brachioplasty) at Austin Face & Body is designed to tone sagging underarms by removing extra skin between the armpit and the elbow, tightening the underlying tissues, and trimming away excess fat. 

What is an arm lift? 

The older you get, the harder it is to target your upper arms with diet and exercise. This is largely due to the way skin in the area changes over time, becoming loose and less elastic. Although lifting weights and working out may strengthen your arm muscles, it can’t fix excess skin. The only way to address it is with a well-done arm lift. And for the right patients, this surgery can be a fantastic way to reveal defined arms that look youthful and feel beautiful.  

  • Reduce sagging skin
  • Tighten and smooth tissues under the arm
  • Prevent rashes and discomfort associated with excess folds of skin
  • Enhance your self-esteem and body confidence

Am I a candidate?

We can confirm your candidacy for an arm lift during your private consultation at our Austin office. However, as long as you are in good general health, at a stable weight, and struggle with excess arm skin that persists no matter how much you diet and exercise, you will likely be considered a candidate. 

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Your consultation: Planning your transformation

A great deal of thought and effort is involved in planning your arm lift at Austin Face & Body. Because we believe in a holistic approach to plastic surgery, we don’t just focus on your arms – we get to know the whole you. We believe that our unique method is the key to the excellent patient care and exemplary results for which we are known. 

To begin, we will review your medical history, perform a physical examination, and talk to you about your expectations – including how you want your arms to look and feel after surgery. From there, we will provide you with a detailed overview of your procedure, recovery, and expected results. 

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What to expect during arm lift surgery

Your arm lift will be done under general anesthesia to ensure your safety. Before your procedure, you’ll need to arrange to have a friend or family member drive you home and stay with you for the initial stages of your recovery period. 

The incision pattern used will depend on the location and extent of the excess skin you’re having removed. The three most common locations are:

  • Inner arm. This incision begins at the armpit and extends down to the elbow.
  • Back of arm. This opening also begins at the armpit and extends to the elbow, but it runs along the backside of the arm. 
  • Minimal incision. For patients with a limited amount of excess skin to remove, a minimal incision hidden completely within the armpit may be used. 

Once the incision is made, your surgeon will tighten the underlying tissues and excise small amounts of excess fat. Depending on the amount of fat present, we may perform liposuction as well. Once the underlying tissues are reshaped, we will drape your skin over the new contours and trim away any excess before closing the incisions. 

Recovery

We will cover your arms in bandages immediately after surgery. In many cases, we will also place tubes in the area to drain excess blood and fluids. You will be free to return home the same day to begin the healing process. During recovery, you’ll need to limit your activity for several days, and you won’t be permitted to lift your arms above your shoulders for about four weeks.

Your results

Once your arms have healed, the results of your firm and toned arms will be apparent. Although these results tend to be long-lasting, any future weight fluctuations can affect your appearance. As such, it’s important to maintain your weight moving forward.  

Arm Lift FAQ 

Will my arm lift scars be noticeable?

Because the incisions required for an arm lift usually extend from the armpit to the elbow, many of our patients are concerned about the visibility of the resulting scars. The reality is that an arm lift does result in some scarring, and that’s why it’s so important to work with an experienced plastic surgeon.

At Austin Face & Body, we have a proven track record of safely performing arm lifts and minimizing the appearance of scars. We are strategic in the placement of our incisions, and we utilize a host of advanced closure techniques to ensure that the scars are as discreet as possible.

Providers who perform Arm Lifts at Austin Face & Body

Dr. Chris Schneider

Dr. Chris Schneider is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon, who also specializes in microsurgery. He is a native Texan who is proud to return home to the Lone Star State after nearly a decade of intense surgical training.

Dr. Chris Schneider »

Dr. Cain Linville

Double board certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American College of Surgeons, Dr. Cain Linville is an outstanding cosmetic and reconstructive surgeon who delivers exceptionally patient-centric care.

Dr. Cain Linville »

Schedule a consultation today

A brachioplasty in Austin with our team can help restore a toned and youthful contour for patients with loose skin on the upper arms. If you’re interested in learning more about this procedure and what it can do for you, please contact Austin Face & Body today and schedule your private consultation. 

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