Are you bothered by sagging skin on your arms, despite your efforts to lose weight? If so, you may be a good candidate for an arm lift, also known as brachioplasty. Many patients who have lost a substantial amount of weight, whether through diet and exercise or with the help of weight loss Semaglutide medications such as Ozempic® or Wegovy®, may experience sagging skin in the upper arms. This is because the skin stretches to accommodate the extra fat and tissue, and once the fat is gone, the skin may not retract to its original position. The result can be a “bat wing” appearance to the arms, with loose, hanging skin that can be uncomfortable, cause irritation, and make patients self-conscious.
What is Brachioplasty (Arm Lift)?
Brachioplasty is a surgical procedure that involves removing excess skin and fat from the upper arms, while tightening and smoothing the underlying tissue. This results in a more contoured and youthful appearance to the arms. Dr. Gallagher often combines liposuction with brachioplasty to get a more toned look.
What to Expect with Arm Lift
During your consultation with Dr. Gallagher, she will discuss your goals and examine your arms to determine whether you are a good candidate for the procedure. She will also discuss the details of the surgery, including the incision placement and whether liposuction may be needed to achieve the desired result. During the procedure, Dr. Gallagher will make incisions on the inner arm, where they can be hidden from view. She will then remove the excess skin and fat and tighten the remaining skin for a smoother, firmer appearance.
Recovery
The surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia, and most patients can return home on the same day. Dr. Gallagher uses advanced techniques to minimize scarring and discomfort, and most patients can return to work within two weeks. We never use drains in our procedures. While some swelling and bruising is normal, most patients are pleased with their results within a few weeks.
Weight loss can be a significant accomplishment, but it can also come with its challenges. Sagging arm skin is a common issue that many patients experience, but with the help of an experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Gallagher, an arm lift can provide a solution. If you are considering an arm lift after weight loss, schedule a consultation with Dr. Gallagher to discuss your options and achieve the toned and sculpted arms you desire.
