Arm Lift in Port Saint Lucie, FL

Hanging skin on the upper arm, also known as "bat wings," can be very frustrating when you get older or lose a significant amount of weight. When you have a lax appearance to your upper arm skin, you should consult with an experienced cosmetic plastic surgeon, like Dr. William Vinyard. He is a board-certified cosmetic plastic surgeon with many years of surgical skin tightening experience. At the Vinyard Institute of Plastic Surgery (VIPS), he offers arm lift surgery (also called brachioplasty) as a procedure for people who cannot seem to tone or tighten their arm skin with natural methods. Excess skin from the elbow to the upper arm is very common, especially for people. Sometimes known as "bat wings," an upper arm lift removes this excess skin and tightens the underlying muscle.

If when diet and exercise and consistent, and when doing all these things right, there are some situations where the skin just will not become firm. In this case, the only answer is to achieve a better contour through an upper arm lift (brachioplasty). Dr. Vinyard uses a specialized approach to a brachioplasty in which he tailors the upper arm through the excision of the excess skin and fat. He places the incision at the bottom of the arm where it is less perceptible. This placement allows the patient to begin wearing clothing that he/she would or could not wear such as tank tops and sleeveless shirts. Dr. Vinyard’s arm lift patients report their high satisfaction with their results and are happy to trade the scar for an improved upper arm skin and size. If you would like to learn more about how brachioplasty can modify the contour of your arms, please contact us for a consultation at VIPS.

The effects of heredity, aging, and weight loss can cause the skin to sag underneath the arms. Dr. Vinyard understands how this can affect your self-image and clothing choices. Brachioplasty is an outpatient surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from this area creating a better contour and more toned appearance of the arms. An upper arm lift is ideal for patients (that despite their efforts to eat a healthy diet, exercise, and lose or maintain their weight) but they cannot "fix" the situation of having the excess skin on the underside of the upper arm.

An arm lift is a plastic surgery employing innovative techniques to slim and tighten the skin. If you are tired of hiding your arms and want them to look trim and taut again, you are a great candidate for an arm lift. You should be in good overall health so that your body will heal well. It is crucial that you are at or close to a healthy, stable weight prior to your surgery.

In most cases, your upper arm surgery will take place in an outpatient setting, unless multiple plastic surgeries are to be performed at the same time. An arm lift can be done with other procedures (usually performed in an inpatient setting for monitoring), including a tummy tuck, thigh lift, or mommy makeover — if Dr. Vinyard decides it is safe. An upper arm lift is usually performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure that takes several hours to complete. The skin will be surgically removed through an incision that starts at the elbow and continues to the underarm. The incision will be made to be as hidden as possible, but it will become a visible scar. If liposuction is wanted to remove stubborn pockets of fat, this will be performed as well. Once the skin is tightened, it will be sutured together. You will need to keep the incisions cleaned, covered, and supported with compression garments.

Your recovery period may last an estimated two weeks with lots of rest while elevating your arms. Give yourself time to heal. You use your arms for many things, so patients should slowly make their way back into their daily routines. If needed, a suture removal appointment will be scheduled about ten days after surgery. Compression garments should be worn until you are released by Dr. Vinyard. For at least one month, all exercise and strenuous activity should be avoided, with the exception of frequent, short walks. If you have excessive swelling, uncontrolled bleeding, hematoma (fluid buildup), infection, loss of feeling in the arms or hands, or heavy scarring, please call VIPS for answers.

How much does arm lift surgery cost?
The total cost for an arm lift will depend on many factors. Before he can determine your costs, Dr. Vinyard will perform a consultation to listen to your concerns and goals. Following this, he can create your unique surgical plan and estimate your costs. To make it easier to choose a skilled plastic surgeon like Dr. Vinyard and get your best results, VIPS accepts many payment methods. We can also help you find low-interest financing.

Can I combine an arm lift with other surgeries?
It is common for arm lift patients to combine this surgery with another procedure. This is sometimes known as an upper body lift and may include liposuction, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), or breast surgery (breast lift). An arm lift is also commonly included as part of an after weight loss surgery for patients who have lost a large amount of weight and want full body contouring. During your consultation with Dr. Vinyard, complementary surgeries can be discussed so your personal surgical plan matches all your needs and goals.

Will there be scars?
A surgical arm lift needs incisions to cut away excess skin, which means there will be scars from sutures. However, Dr. Vinyard makes every effort to place the small incisions in inconspicuous areas. After your surgery, ointments to assist in scar healing will be recommended along with other tips for scar care management. Dr. Vinyard also recommends you avoid sun exposure during the first year to protect the scar from becoming discolored. Most patients believe the benefits of toned arms outweigh the appearance of scars.

What results can I expect from an arm lift?
A surgical arm lift is used to treat hanging skin and small amounts of fat. You should maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet to avoid a dramatic change in your weight, which might undo your results. Following your lift, once your arms are fully healed and Dr. Vinyard has authorized it, you can begin weight training. This is a great way to add shape to your arms by toning the muscles.

Are there nonsurgical treatments to improve my arms?
While there are a lot of nonsurgical skin tightening options, most will only provide mild improvements. To correct moderate to severe amounts of loose skin, arm lift surgery is your real option. Dr. Vinyard can also liposuction small amounts of fat under the remaining skin and tissue for a pleasing result. If you are interested in nonsurgical procedures, Dr. Vinyard can tell you about all possible treatments during your consultation and help you decide.

Whatever you call your "bat wings" or droopy skin on your arms, cosmetic plastic surgeon Dr. Vinyard sees it an opportunity to change your appearance with plastic surgery. If you are at or close to a healthy, stable weight and still cannot get rid of the flab and skin that hangs from your upper arms, please call and schedule a private consultation at VIPS. Look and feel younger and fitter with upper arm lift surgery in Port Saint Lucie, FL. We look forward to meeting you.