Expert Arm Lift Surgery Near You in Tulsa
Arm Lift: Achieve Toned, Sculpted Upper Arms
Excess, sagging skin on the upper arms can be frustrating, especially after significant weight loss or as part of the natural aging process. This loose skin can make you feel self-conscious about wearing sleeveless clothing, prevent you from feeling confident at the beach or pool, and leave you avoiding activities where your arms might be visible. Even with dedicated exercise that builds arm muscle, excess skin simply won't tighten on its own, leaving many people feeling frustrated that their efforts aren't reflected in their appearance.
At South Tulsa Plastic Surgery, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Brenda Schiesel offers arm lift surgery, also known as brachioplasty, to remove excess skin and fat from the upper arms and create a more toned, sculpted appearance. This transformative body contouring procedure addresses the loose, hanging skin that diet and exercise cannot fix, helping you feel confident and comfortable in sleeveless tops, dresses, and swimwear. Whether your arm concerns developed from aging, weight loss, or genetics, an arm lift can restore a firmer, more youthful arm contour.
Ready to achieve toned, sculpted upper arms you'll be proud to show off? Contact South Tulsa Plastic Surgery today to schedule your complimentary consultation and discover how brachioplasty can help you feel confident in any outfit.
Understanding the Arm Lift Procedure
What Is Brachioplasty and How Does It Work?
Arm lift surgery, medically known as brachioplasty, is a body contouring procedure designed to remove excess, sagging skin and fat from the upper arms between the underarm and elbow. This surgical procedure addresses the loose tissue that commonly develops after significant weight loss or with natural aging, when skin loses elasticity. Unlike liposuction, which only removes fat, brachioplasty removes both excess skin and fat, then tightens and smooths the remaining tissue to create a more defined arm contour.
During brachioplasty, Dr. Schiesel makes carefully planned incisions along the inner or back portion of the upper arm, typically extending from the underarm area toward the elbow. The length and pattern of the incision depend on how much excess skin needs to be removed and where the excess tissue is located. Through these incisions, Dr. Schiesel removes excess fat (often using liposuction first), eliminates loose, sagging skin, and tightens and smooths the underlying supportive tissue to create better arm definition.
Dr. Schiesel uses advanced surgical techniques to minimize scarring and place incisions in the most discreet locations possible, though it's important to understand that arm lift surgery does result in visible scars along the inner arm. For many patients, these scars are a worthwhile trade-off for the dramatic improvement in arm appearance and the ability to wear clothing they previously avoided. That said, to help minimize scar appearance during recovery, we recommend Biocorneum, a surgeon-approved silicone gel scar treatment with SPF 30.
The procedure typically takes 1 to 3 hours, depending on the extent of correction needed, and is performed under general anesthesia in an accredited surgical facility. In some cases, arm lift surgery can be combined with other body contouring procedures such as liposuction, tummy tuck, or as part of a mommy makeover.
Recovery and Results
During recovery from arm lift surgery, you'll need to wear compression garments as directed to support healing and reduce fluid accumulation, avoid heavy lifting and strenuous upper body activity, and attend follow-up appointments so Dr. Schiesel can monitor your healing progress. Swelling and bruising are common initially but will gradually subside over the first several weeks.
Most patients can return to light activities and non-strenuous work between 1 to 2 weeks, with full activity clearance typically given around 2 months post-surgery. Your final results will become apparent over several months as swelling fully resolves and incision lines mature and fade.
The results of arm lift surgery are long-lasting, with the excess skin permanently removed. However, significant weight fluctuations or natural aging can affect your results over time. Maintaining a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle will help preserve your sculpted arm contour for many years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I a good candidate for arm lift surgery?
Good candidates for brachioplasty:
- Are in good overall health
- Have excess, sagging skin on the upper arms that doesn't respond to diet and exercise
- At or near a stable, healthy weight
- Have good skin elasticity in other areas of their body
- Don't smoke or are willing to quit before surgery and throughout recovery
Arm lift surgery is particularly beneficial for patients who have lost a significant amount of weight and are left with excess hanging skin, or those experiencing age-related changes that have caused their upper arms to sag. During your consultation, Dr. Schiesel will evaluate your arm anatomy, discuss your goals, and determine if brachioplasty is right for you or if alternative treatments like liposuction alone might be sufficient.
What will the scars look like after arm lift surgery?
Arm lift surgery does result in visible scars along the inner part of the upper arm, typically extending from the underarm area toward the elbow. The length of the scar depends on how much excess skin is removed; patients with more extensive skin laxity will have longer incisions. Dr. Schiesel places incisions strategically in the most discreet locations possible and uses advanced closure techniques to minimize scarring.
Initially, scars will be red or pink and may appear raised. Over time (typically 12 to 18 months), scars naturally fade, flatten, and lighten to become much less noticeable. Following post-operative care instructions, using recommended scar treatments like Biocorneum, and protecting scars from sun exposure all contribute to optimal scar healing. Most patients find that being able to comfortably wear sleeveless clothing and feel confident in their arm appearance is well worth it.
How long do arm lift results last?
The excess skin that is surgically removed during brachioplasty is gone for good and will not return. However, it's important to understand that your remaining skin will continue to age naturally over time, and significant weight fluctuations can affect your results. Substantial weight gain can cause remaining skin to stretch, while dramatic weight loss after arm lift surgery could result in new skin laxity.
To maintain your beautiful arm lift results for many years, it's essential to maintain a stable, healthy weight through balanced nutrition and regular exercise. Most patients find that their arms remain significantly improved compared to their pre-surgery appearance for decades, especially when they commit to a healthy lifestyle. The natural aging process will continue, but the fundamental improvement in arm contour achieved through brachioplasty provides lasting benefits, helping you feel confident wearing sleeveless clothing for years to come.
How do I schedule a consultation for an arm lift near me?
Scheduling your complimentary consultation at South Tulsa Plastic Surgery is simple and straightforward! You can call our office directly at (918) 518-5144 to speak with a member of our friendly team who will help you find an appointment time that works with your schedule, or request a consultation online.
During your consultation, you'll meet with Dr. Schiesel in a private, confidential setting where she'll listen carefully to your concerns about your upper arm appearance, evaluate your arm skin laxity and overall candidacy, explain the arm lift procedure and what results you can expect, show you before-and-after photos of previous brachioplasty patients, discuss recovery timeline and scarring considerations, and answer all your questions.
We look forward to helping you achieve the toned, sculpted arms you deserve!