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Arm Lift

For those who are unhappy with the appearance of their arms due to sagging skin or excess fat, an arm lift with Dr. Rolando Morales can be an effective solution. This cosmetic surgery is designed to reshape and contour the upper arms, creating a slim, more toned and taut appearance. If you’re curious about how an arm lift could improve the look of your arms, Dr. Morales is here to guide you through the process with personalized care and attention to detail.

What Are The Benefits

An arm lift offers a range of benefits, both in terms of physical appearance and overall comfort, making it a popular choice for individuals looking to enhance their upper body contour.

One of the primary benefits of an arm lift is the significant improvement in the appearance of the upper arms. The procedure effectively removes excess skin and fat that often results from substantial weight loss or the natural aging process. This creates a smoother, firmer, and more toned appearance, allowing patients to feel more confident in sleeveless clothing or fitted tops. The improved contour can make the arms look more youthful and proportionate to the rest of the body.

An arm lift can also reduce the discomfort that comes with excess skin, like rubbing, chafing, and irritation around the arms and torso. These issues are particularly common in individuals who have experienced significant weight loss, where the remaining loose skin can be both physically uncomfortable and a source of frustration. By removing this excess skin, patients often experience a noticeable increase in comfort and ease of movement.

Despite dedicated efforts in fitness and healthy eating, some areas of the body, like the upper arms, may still retain excess fat and skin. An arm lift specifically targets these resistant areas, providing a solution where exercise and diet alone may fall short. This makes it an ideal procedure for those who want to achieve a more sculpted and defined arm shape that aligns with their overall fitness goals.

The results of an arm lift often lead to a significant boost in self-esteem and body image. Patients frequently express increased satisfaction when shopping for clothes, as they are able to fit into styles they may have previously avoided due to concerns about their arms. The enhanced confidence in their appearance can have a positive impact on various aspects of their lives, from social interactions to overall self-perception.

What Is An Arm Lift?

As one of Houston’s highly-skilled, board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Rolando Morales offers brachioplasty, commonly known as an arm lift, at his plastic surgery centers. This procedure is designed to remove excess skin, often referred to as “bat wings,” from the elbow to the armpit area. 

An arm lift is a powerful contouring surgery that greatly enhances the shape of the upper arms, making it easier to fit into clothing and feel confident in sleeveless styles. Most patients seek this procedure after significant weight loss through diet, exercise, or bariatric surgery, like a gastric bypass or gastric sleeve. To achieve the best results, patients should be at or near their stabilized, ideal weight before undergoing an arm lift.

What Happens During The Procedure?

During an arm lift, or brachioplasty, with Dr. Morales, the procedure is carefully designed to enhance the appearance of the upper arms by removing excess skin and fat, resulting in a smoother, more toned contour. This surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia in a hospital or outpatient facility and generally takes about 1 to 2 hours to complete, depending on the extent of the work required.

The procedure begins with the creation of an elliptical incision along the posterior medial aspect of the upper arm. This incision, shaped like an elongated oval, is strategically placed on the inner back side of the arm, running from the armpit (axilla) down toward the elbow. This location is specifically chosen to allow for the effective removal of sagging skin and fat while keeping the resulting scar discreet and well-hidden, even when wearing short sleeves or sleeveless clothing.

If there is significant excess skin, an additional incision may be made in the axilla to address the extra tissue. Once the excess skin and fat are removed, the remaining skin is pulled tight and sutured smoothly, creating a more natural and aesthetically pleasing arm contour. The careful placement of incisions and Dr. Morales’ precise technique ensures that the final results are both effective and minimally intrusive in terms of visible scarring.

While an arm lift can be a standalone procedure, it is often combined with other body contouring surgeries, like a tummy tuck or breast lift, for a more comprehensive transformation. However, Dr. Morales carefully evaluates the safety of performing multiple procedures at once and will discuss the best approach for your individual needs during your consultation.

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Arm Lift

FAQS

If you're frustrated with "bat wings" and want to achieve slimmer, firmer arms, you may be a strong candidate for an arm lift. It's important to be in good overall health to ensure proper healing. Common signs that you might benefit from this surgery include sagging or loose skin on the upper arms and a loss of skin tightness. Additionally, having realistic expectations and being at your target weight before surgery is essential for the best results.

After your arm lift, dressings will be applied to the incisions and carefully secured with a supportive bandage. There are typically no stitches to remove, as the sutures used are self-absorbing and placed beneath the skin. Any small external suture tails will likely be trimmed within 7-10 days. It's important to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities for several months. While swelling can take a few months to fully subside, your scars will gradually fade over time.

An arm lift is frequently paired with other body contouring surgeries, like a breast lift, tummy tuck, or liposuction. However, there's a limit to how many procedures can be safely performed at once, considering recovery time and the length of the surgery. Dr. Morales will discuss the safest and most effective approach during your consultation.

Recovery time varies from person to person, particularly if multiple procedures are done simultaneously. For a standard arm lift, most patients can expect to return to work within 2-3 weeks, depending on their individual healing process.

You should typically wait at least two months before resuming routine upper arm exercises. Swelling after an arm lift may persist for several months, so it’s important to follow Dr. Morales’ guidance on when it’s safe to start exercising again.

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Why Choose Dr. Rolando Morales For An Arm Lift

Choosing Dr. Rolando Morales for your arm lift surgery means entrusting your care to a highly skilled and recognized expert in the field of plastic surgery. Dr. Morales is a board-certified plastic surgeon with a proven track record of excellence. His expertise in body contouring procedures, including arm lifts, has earned him numerous awards and accolades, highlighting his commitment to patient safety and exceptional results.

Dr. Morales’ work has been featured in prominent medical journals and national magazines, further establishing his reputation as a leader in the field. His innovative techniques and dedication to achieving natural-looking, transformative outcomes make him a top choice for patients seeking an arm lift. With a deep understanding of the complexities of arm lift surgery, Dr. Morales customizes each procedure to the unique needs of his patients, ensuring that the results are both aesthetically pleasing and aligned with their goals. Begin your journey today by scheduling your consultation.