Brachioplasty for Men

Why Men Consider Arm Lift Surgery

Whether the result of significant weight loss or the natural tolls of gravity and aging, hanging arm skin can make even the most routine activities uncomfortable. If you find yourself constantly hiding your arms or experiencing chafing during physical activity, brachioplasty, or arm lift surgery, may be a good option for you.

When performing arm lift surgery, board certified Bellevue cosmetic surgeon Dr. Alex Sobel combines liposuction and the surgical excision of loose skin to improve the contour of the arms. The end result is a firmer and more sculpted appearance.

Dr. Alexander Sobel Seattle Cosmetic Surgeon

Triple board-certified in general cosmetic surgery, facial cosmetic surgery, and otolaryngology
15+ years of experience specializing in cosmetic surgery
Operates in an on-site accredited surgical suite for patient safety and privacy
National leader in cosmetic surgery, including as Past President of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery and the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, and as an expert speaker at medical conferences
Former Seattle Met Top Doctor with hundreds of 5-star patient reviews

Meet Dr. Sobel

Who is a good candidate for an Arm Lift?

If you have experienced significant weight loss or have noticed a natural decline in skin elasticity due to aging in your upper arms, you are likely a good candidate for an arm lift. In general, arm lift candidates should be at a stable with they are happy with, non-smokers, and without significant medical conditions that impair healing.

Preparing for Arm Lift Surgery

During your arm lift consultation at our Bellevue office, Dr. Sobel will provide detailed pre-operative instructions so you can enjoy a smooth recovery and feel confident about your procedure. We believe in a holistic approach to surgery, where preparing both your body and mind plays a key role in your overall experience and results. If you have any questions or concerns leading up to your surgery, Dr. Sobel is always available.

Key Benefits
Glossary

Key Benefits

Removes excess, saggy skin
Enhances natural arm contours
Improves the appearance of the upper arms

Glossary

Body Contouring: Refers to a range of plastic surgery procedures that reshape and redefine various parts of the body by removing excess skin and fat deposits, commonly used after major weight loss.
Brachioplasty (Arm Lift): A cosmetic or plastic surgery procedure that reshapes the under portion of the upper arm from the underarm region to the elbow, and sometimes the full arm by removing excess skin and fat.
Complications: Undesired outcomes or problems that may result after a medical procedure or during recovery.
Compression Garments: Specialized clothing worn after body contouring procedures to help reduce swelling and support the healing tissues as they adjust to their new shape.
General Anesthesia: A medically induced coma and loss of protective reflexes used during surgery.
Healing Process: The body’s natural method of repairing and recovering from injury or plastic surgery, involving tissue repair, inflammation reduction, and regeneration.
Incisions: Cuts made in the skin during surgery, the location and size of which depend on the specific procedures being performed.
Liposuction: A cosmetic procedure that removes fat that you can’t seem to get rid of through diet and exercise.
Postoperative Care: Also known as post-surgical care, refers to the care and monitoring provided to patients after a plastic surgery procedure to reduce surgical risks and complications for a smoother recovery.
Recovery Time: The period required for a patient to heal following surgery, which can vary depending on the procedure, the patient’s health, and other factors.
Scars: Marks left on the skin after a wound has healed, often resulting from surgical incisions.

Your Upper Arm Lift Procedure

Your arm lift will be performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with IV sedation at Dr. Sobel’s accredited surgical suite in Bellevue. Depending on your level of extra skin, an incision may be placed either in the armpit or along the inner arm.

Brachioplasty Incisions

The incisions for an arm lift are determined by extent of the lift procedure. For those with a moderate amount of excess skin, a minimal incision arm lift, or mini arm lift, may be performed, using small incisions hidden in the armpits. More extensive cases may require an incision that runs from the elbow, along the arm, to the armpit.

Dr. Sobel’s Arm Lift Technique

Dr. Sobel uses the most advanced methods and techniques to provide you with the most desirable results. He will begin with small volume liposuction to remove any residual deposits of fat in the area and carefully sculpt along your natural contours to highlight underlying muscle definition. At this time, your tissues may also be tightened or reshaped to help improve muscle tone. Dr. Sobel will then surgically remove excess, loose arm skin and tighten remaining skin in the area. Your incision will be closed with dissolvable sutures and compression bands will be placed around the arms during the initial recovery period to promote proper healing and reduce swelling.

“I am very happy with my cosmetic surgery. It has given me a new beginning in my life. It has increased my confidence. Dr. Sobel and his team are amazing. Thank you so much for your skill & talent, Dr. Sobel!”

—Real patient review

Mini Arm Lift

Dr. Sobel also offers “mini arm lifts” for patients who have more moderate excess skin of the upper inner arm. Using laser liposuction and liposuction combined with Thermage, Dr. Sobel is able to achieve achieve maximal results with minimal surgery.

Recovery After Brachioplasty Surgery

After surgery, you may experience moderate tightness and swelling in the arms. Keeping the arms elevated can reduce swelling, and Dr. Sobel may prescribe pain medication to make recovery more comfortable. You should regain normal functionality within two to three weeks.

Arm Lift Results

An arm lift can provide dramatic improvements in the shape and tone of your upper arms and the appearance of your upper body. The final results of an arm lift are generally long-lasting, particularly when patients maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. For many patients, an arm lift helps boost their self-esteem, as they enjoying a more youthful, contoured arm appearance and feel more confident in clothing that reveals their arms.

Frequently Asked Questions about Seattle Arm Lift Surgery

What are the physical limitations after an arm lift?

After arm lift surgery, arm movements should be minimized to prevent stress on the suture line and you should wear compression garments to reduce swelling until Dr. Sobel directs you otherwise. It’s also best to sleep with arms elevated to further ease swelling. At your follow-up appointments, Dr. Sobel will clear you to resume your normal activities as you heal.

Will I be in much pain after arm lift surgery?

Pain following arm lift surgery is mild to moderate, with most patients finding recovery easily tolerable with pain medication and rest. You’ll feel more like yourself after 1-2 weeks following surgery! Following recovery protocols will help minimize unnecessary discomfort.

Is arm lift surgery worth it?

Yes, most patients find arm lift surgery to be worth the time and investment. According to Real Self, arm lift surgery has a 92% Worth It rating.

How much weight do you lose after an arm lift?

On average, the removal of unwanted skin and fat results in about 1-2 pounds of weight loss. Brachioplasty is not a weight loss procedure; however, this body contouring procedure does reshape the upper arms to reveal tighter, more defined arms.

Schedule a consultation to learn more

If you are concerned with excess or loose skin on your upper arms after weight loss, contact us today to schedule your complimentary consultation with Dr. Sobel. We will work closely with you to determine the best treatment plan to provide you with safe, successful results.