Upper Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) in Dallas, TX

One big challenge when getting older or losing weight is finding excess skin. At Phillip Dauwe, M.D. Plastic Surgery, we offer upper arm lift surgery (also called brachioplasty) as a correction for people who cannot manage to tone or tighten the arms with natural methods. Excess skin from the elbow to the shoulder is very typical, particularly for people who are getting older or have lost significant amounts of weight. An upper arm lift excises this loose hanging skin, sometimes known as "bat wings." Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Phillip Dauwe is very knowledgeable in fat removal and skin tightening surgeries. If you want to hear more information about how brachioplasty can improve the look of your upper arms, please contact us for an appointment at Phillip Dauwe, M.D. Plastic Surgery in Dallas, TX.

At Phillip Dauwe, M.D. Plastic Surgery, individuals who request arm lifts enjoy a variety of outstanding benefits following their procedure:

• Can target problem areas that may be stubborn despite training or diet changes
• Enhanced confidence and enjoyment when buying sleeveless tops
• Decreased scraping, itching, and inflammation in the chest and arm areas
• Addresses sagging skin caused by major weight loss or getting older

An upper arm lift is a plastic surgery that uses advanced methods to contour and eliminate unwanted skin. If you are tired of hiding your "bat wings" and would prefer them to appear fit and healthy again, you are a great candidate for an arm lift. You need to be in overall good health so that your skin will recover properly. Some of the main symptoms for potential arm lift patients are hanging loose skin on their upper arms, plus minimal tautness of the skin. It is critical that you are at or close to a healthy, stable weight before your surgery.

In most cases, your upper arm surgery will be performed in an outpatient facility, except in cases where several cosmetic surgeries are to be performed at one time. An upper arm lift may be done with other surgeries (often completed at a facility with inpatient monitoring), including a tummy tuck, thigh lift, or mommy makeover — as long as Dr. Dauwe considers it appropriate. An upper arm lift is typically done with the patient under general anesthesia and can require a few hours to finish. The loose skin will be surgically removed, starting at the elbow and continuing to the armpit. The incision will be placed to be as hidden as possible, although it will become a visible scar. In some cases, liposuction is included as well to address stubborn pockets of fat. After the skin is pulled taut, it will be stitched together. You will have to care for the incisions by keeping them cleaned, covered, and supported with compression garments.

A typical recovery timeframe may take an estimated two weeks with lots of rest. Give your body time to heal. You use your arms for almost everything so most patients should slowly make their way back to their daily activities. If needed, a suture removal appointment will be scheduled about ten days following surgery. Compression garments must be kept on until you receive permission from Dr. Dauwe. For at least one month, all exercise and strenuous activity must be eliminated, except for frequent, short walks. If you observe uncontrolled bleeding, excessive swelling, fluid buildup (hematoma), signs of infection, numbness in the hands, or unusual scarring, please contact Phillip Dauwe, M.D. Plastic Surgery as soon as possible.

How much does arm lift surgery cost?
The total cost for an arm lift will be based on several things. Before he can estimate your costs, Dr. Dauwe will start with a consultation to understand your concerns and goals. Following this, he will develop your unique surgical plan and break down your costs. In order to make it easier to choose an experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Dauwe and get the results you want, Phillip Dauwe, M.D. Plastic Surgery takes several payments. We will also give you information on low-interest financing.

Can I combine an arm lift with other surgeries?
It's normal for patients who want an arm lift to create a custom treatment plan with another surgery. This is often known as an upper body lift and can combine liposuction, a breast lift, or tummy tuck. In your initial consultation with Dr. Dauwe, complementary surgeries can be talked about so your personal treatment plan matches all your needs and goals.

Will there be scars?
A surgical arm lift needs incisions in order to cut away excess skin, which leads to scars from sutures. However, Dr. Dauwe will make every effort to place the small incisions in inconspicuous areas. Following your arm lift, creams that help with healing will be suggested along with our tips for minimizing scarring. Dr. Dauwe also suggests you limit UV exposure for at least one year to protect the scar from becoming discolored. In general, patients consider the overall benefits of an arm lift are worth the minimal scars created.

What results can I expect from an arm lift?
A surgical arm lift is used to correct loose skin and small amounts of fat. You should follow a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet to avoid a dramatic change in your weight, which might undo your results. After your lift, as soon as you are recovered and Dr. Dauwe has given permission, you should start strength training. This is a good way to improve the shape of your upper arms by strengthening and toning the muscles.

Are there nonsurgical treatments to improve my arms?
Although there are a lot of noninvasive skin tightening options, they can only give you small improvements. To correct moderate to severe skin laxity, arm lift surgery is your best choice. In addition to treating loose skin, Dr. Dauwe also uses liposuction on small pockets of fat to create a slimmer contour. If you're interested in learning about nonsurgical procedures, Dr. Dauwe can tell you about these in your consultation and then help you choose which fits your goals.

No matter what you call your droopy skin or "bat wings" under your upper arms, plastic surgeon Dr. Dauwe sees it as a way to improve your appearance with cosmetic surgery. This innovative surgery provides physical and emotional benefits as well. If you're at or close to a healthy, stable weight but still can't get rid of the skin and flab that hang off your arms, please contact us to plan a consultation with Dr. Phillip Dauwe at Phillip Dauwe, M.D. Plastic Surgery. Look and feel fitter and younger with upper arm lift surgery.