Arm Lift
in Austin, TX

Table of Contents

Table of contents

Our plastic surgery center in Austin offers arm lift procedures to improve the appearance of sagging upper arms. Performed by board-certified surgeon Dr. Venkata Erella, this operation provides cosmetic enhancements for patients after weight loss. It can also benefit people whose skin started sagging due to age or genetic factors. With his comprehensive care and attention to detail, Dr. Erella helps patients boost their confidence and feel more comfortable in their bodies.

What Is an Arm Lift?

Arm lift surgery, medically known as brachioplasty, corrects a problem that affects millions of people — loose skin in the upper arms. When fat melts away with weight loss, the remaining tissue cannot properly tighten itself, giving the arms a poorly contoured and somewhat “jiggly” appearance. Genetic factors and the natural aging process may also contribute to sagging. Arm lift surgery can address these cosmetic issues by removing loose skin and correcting the contours. Dr. Erella performs brachioplasty in 1-3 hours, allowing patients to return home the same day.

Types of Arm Lift

Standard Brachioplasty

Standard brachioplasty is the most common type of arm lift surgery. It involves making an incision from the underarm area down to the elbow. This... allows the surgeon to remove excess skin and tighten underlying tissue to reduce moderate to severe sagging of the upper arms. It is a good option for patients with a significant amount of loose skin in this area.

Mini Brachioplasty

Mini brachioplasty uses a shorter incision in the armpit. This less invasive technique suits patients with mild sagging and good skin elasticity. Dr. Erella can remove excess arm... skin and tighten the remaining tissue through the smaller incision. The main benefit of mini brachioplasty is that it leaves minimal scarring that is hidden in the armpit.

Extended Brachioplasty

This surgery extends the incision to the side  of the chest. It is performed for patients with severe sagging. The long incision allows the surgeon... to remove a lot of skin and fat from the upper arm and reshape the entire area. It is the most invasive arm lift option that dramatically improves contours.

Consultation & Preparation
for Arm Lift

Before undergoing brachioplasty, patients meet with Dr. Erella for an initial consultation. During this appointment, the surgeon evaluates their upper arms and discusses their aesthetic goals. He also reviews medical history and current health conditions to determine if they are eligible for the procedure.

If the patient decides to proceed with the arm lift, they may need medical clearance from their primary care physician. A month before the procedure, we recommend stopping smoking and avoiding medications and supplements that can increase bleeding risks. Arrangements should also be made for transportation home and help with daily chores during recovery.

Arm Lift Procedure

Anesthesia

The arm lift procedure is performed under general anesthesia. Our skilled specialist provides intravenous medications to cause a state of unconsciousness before the start of the surgery. This ensures that the patient is completely asleep and feels no pain during the procedure.

Incisions

Dr. Erella makes incisions on the inner portion of the upper arm, starting near the armpit and extending down to the elbow. The length and pattern of the cuts depend on how much skin must be removed. This may range from mild corrections with mini brachioplasty to serious interventions with an extended procedure. The incisions are placed strategically in the inner arm where they are less visible.

Removal of Excess Skin and Fat

Dr. Erella removes sagging skin with a scalpel, special scissors, and other surgical tools. The main goal is to sculpt the upper arm area and create a toned appearance. He may also use liposuction to remove excess fat. The extent of corrections depends on each patient’s anatomy and desired results.

Upper-Arm Tightening

Dr. Erella tightens the underlying tissues to support the new arm contours. He uses the best practices to ensure that the final shape is toned and youthful.

Closing the Incisions

Once the hanging skin and excess fat are removed, Dr. Erella closes the incisions with sutures, surgical tape, or skin adhesives. This is done very carefully to minimize scarring.

Recovery After Arm Lift Surgery

First 24 Hours

After waking up from general anesthesia, patients spend a few hours in the recovery room to manage initial symptoms and return home for healing. They need someone else to drive them back from the surgical facility. Patients are advised to get plenty of rest and limit their arm movement as much as possible. Pain medication is prescribed to manage discomfort. Patients may experience swelling, bruising, and numbness in the arms and armpits.

First Week

During the first week after brachioplasty, we recommend relaxing, watching movies, and doing other things that bring comfort and do not require physical exertion. Activities are restricted to protect the incisions and promote healing. Patients are instructed to avoid lifting, pushing, or pulling anything over 5 pounds. They must sleep on their back with their arms elevated. Pain and discomfort should gradually subside. Swelling usually peaks after several days of recovery before decreasing.

Weeks 2-3

During this period, symptoms become much milder. Patients can usually return to work after 7-10 days if it does not involve heavy physical activity. Stitches are removed after 2 weeks. Patients may start light exercise, such as: walking, with no pressure on the arms. Scars are usually red or pink during this time.

Weeks 4-6

Around weeks 4-6, patients can resume all non-strenuous daily activities. They should not expose their scars to the sun to avoid damaging tissues. The final results of brachioplasty will be visible after 3-6 months of recovery as all symptoms subside.

Candidates for Arm Lift

Good Skin Elasticity

Candidates for an arm lift must have relatively good skin elasticity. Their tissues should be able to shrink back after being stretched. People with insufficient elasticity may not get the best outcomes.

Near Ideal Body Weight

Candidates should be near their ideal weight before surgery. If a patient has significant fluctuations in body mass after an arm lift, it can negatively impact the results and cause sagging. Therefore, we recommend finishing weight loss before undergoing brachioplasty.

No Additional
Cosmetic Issues

The best candidates should not have serious cosmetic problems in the arms, except for excess skin. If there are significant irregularities in the underlying fat and muscles of the upper arms, the patient may need additional procedures to address these issues in addition to brachioplasty. In many cases, arm liposuction is recommended for optimal contouring.

Realistic Expectations

Ideal candidates have realistic expectations about the outcomes of this surgical procedure. While an arm lift can provide a more toned, youthful look, there will still be some visible scarring and possibly other imperfections. The results may not be flawless, so realistic expectations are essential for satisfaction.

Nonsmoker

Smoking can interfere with the healing process after an arm lift, potentially leading to complications. Therefore, it is best if candidates do not consume nicotine or stop using nicotine for a certain period before surgery, as recommended by Dr. Erella.

Benefits of Arm Lift

Brachioplasty can be highly transformative, helping patients eliminate the stubborn “bat wings.” According to a recent study, the number of arm lifts performed in the United States increased by 8% between 2022 and 2023. More and more patients are seeing the benefits of this procedure, which include the following:

Improves arm contour and shape By removing loose skin, brachioplasty achieves a dramatic upper body lift.
Provides wider clothing choices Patients can wear tighter shirts and dresses without their arms feeling restricted. Clothing fits better in the upper body, providing more satisfaction during shopping.
Boosts confidence Surgery can make patients feel confident in their appearance and improve their self-esteem. By removing excess fat and skin, brachioplasty reveals the underlying arm muscles, making the body look more toned.
Long-lasting results If maintained through a stable weight and healthy lifestyle, arm lift results can last 5-10 years and even more.

Cost of Arm Lift in Austin, TX

The cost of arm lift surgery in Austin ranges from $4,000 to $8,500. This includes the surgeon’s fee, facility charges, and other related expenses. The exact cost of an arm lift depends on several factors, including the doctor’s experience and credentials, the extent of the procedure, and the patient’s specific goals. Aspira Plastic Surgery & Med Spa provides accurate price quotes during the initial consultation with Dr. Erella.

Dr. Erella Is a Renowned Expert in Brachioplasty

Patients looking for an arm lift in the Austin area will be in excellent hands at Aspira Plastic Surgery & Med Spa. With over 25 years of experience and board certification, Dr. Erella is one of the most qualified and skilled surgeons in the state. He has mastered body contouring procedures and takes a highly personalized approach to make people comfortable and help them enjoy their transformative journey.

Dr. Erella meets with every patient to understand their goals and develop a customized surgical plan. He is dedicated to providing the safest care and achieving natural-looking outcomes. Each arm lift performed by Dr. Erella is carefully executed to make our patients happy and excited about their new appearance.