What to Expect During an Arm Lift Surgery?

The incision length and pattern of your arm lift will depend on the amount of skin being removed its location. When the excess skin extends in a hanging, wing-like fold from the armpit to the elbow, the only option is the complete removal of the excess skin in a standard arm lift. Incisions usually begin either on the inside of the arm or on the back of the arm, and will extend from the underarm to just above the elbow. Once the incision is made, any excess fat will be removed using liposuction.

In certain specific conditions, incisions may be more limited. If excess skin is located within two inches of the armpit, Dr. Miguel Parra can pull up this excess skin into the armpit and tuck it away, a procedure called an axillary brachioplasty or mini arm tuck. Underlying supportive tissues may also be tightened and reshaped with internal sutures, finishing by smoothing the skin over the new contour of your arm.

Prior to undergoing the surgery, patients should consider whether an Arm Lift is appropriate. Patients with predominantly excess fat are much better served with first undergoing liposuction alone, without an Arm Lift. Patients with hidradenitis suppurativa — an ongoing, persistent infection of the sweat glands in the armpits – likewise should not have an arm lift surgery until the condition has been appropriately treated. Women who have had a radical mastectomy or other extensive breast cancer surgical procedure should be aware that after an Arm Lift they can develop chronic arm swelling.