Why Upper Arm Lift Plastic Surgery Procedures Are Rising

Loose and sagging skin in the arms or “batwings” is one of the most common side effects of aging or excessive weight loss. Drooping skin typically doesn’t respond to workouts or dieting. Upper arm lift surgery (brachioplasty) provides the solution by removing the extra skin folds and fatty tissue and tightens and tones the area.

Arm lift surgery has seen a significant increase in popularity since 2000. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) reports that the number of arm lifts increased by over 5,000% between 2000 and 2018. The latest ASPS plastic surgery trends report shows that brachioplasty procedures rose 2% from 23,058 in 2023 to 23,527 in 2024. The growing popularity of sleeveless clothes and the desire for leaner, more defined arms inspired by celebrities are driving the demand for brachioplasty.

Why is Upper Arm Lift Surgery Becoming More Popular?

Many factors contribute to the rising popularity of arm lifts:

Aesthetic Benefits

Brachioplasty improves the contour and appearance of sagging upper arms by removing excess skin and fat, resulting in a firmer, slimmer, and more toned look. It creates better body proportion and enhances confidence in wearing sleeveless or fitted clothing.

Medical and Functional Benefits

Though it is typically considered a cosmetic surgical procedure that improves the appearance of the upper arms, an arm lift can also provide certain medical and functional benefits, especially for people with significant excess skin post-weight loss surgery. Removing the excess skin can improve mobility and function while preventing rashes.

Availability of Minimally-invasive Treatments

Technology also plays a role in encouraging individuals to get this arm contouring procedure. Innovative, minimally-invasive options like BodyTite and VASERlipo involve only small incisions and deliver exceptional skin tightening benefits.

How an Upper Arm Lift is Performed

The procedure reshapes the upper arm’s underside from the armpit to the elbow by removing excess skin and fat. It can be performed using general anesthesia or intravenous sedation. Incisions are generally placed on the inside of the arm or on the back of the arm, depending on the surgeon’s preference, and may extend from the underarm to just above the elbow. Excess fat may be directly removed or treated with liposuction. The underlying supportive tissue is then tightened and reshaped with internal sutures. Finally, the skin is smoothed over the new contour of your arm.

Depending on your specific condition, incisions may be more limited or smaller. For instance, in contrast to conventional surgery, arm lift surgery in NYC plastic surgery centers is performed using minimally invasive techniques that involve only small incisions in inconspicuous areas. They cause no visible scarring while delivering exceptional skin tightening benefits. These modalities need only local anesthesia, avoiding general anesthesia related risks.

The smoother, tighter contours that result from arm lift surgery are visible almost immediately following the procedure, although there will be some swelling and bruising. You will need to wear compression garments, limit arm movement, and avoid heavy lifting during recovery. Most patients return to light activities within a week and see noticeable contour improvements as healing progresses. Following your physician’s instructions is essential for smooth recovery and optimal results.

The results of arm lift surgery will be long-lasting, provided that you maintain a stable weight and general fitness. As your body ages, it is natural to lose some firmness, but most of your improvement should be relatively permanent.

What are the Benefits of Arm Contouring?

• Better Tone and Shape: One of the key benefits of an arm lift is that it improves the firmness and contour of the supporting tissues. By reshaping and toning the underlying tissues, a skilled surgeon can enhance the appearance of the patient’s underarms significantly.
• Smoother Contours and Skin: This arm rejuvenation treatment essentially modifies the upper arm’s shape, improving its aesthetic appeal.
• Better Proportions: Following the procedure, you can expect to have upper arms that are more proportionate to the rest of your body.
• Improved Physical Function and Reduced Discomfort: Excess, sagging skin on the upper arms can interfere with physical activities, limit range of motion, and cause skin rashes and discomfort. Removing this excess skin can allow for greater freedom of movement, reduce the risk of skin conditions, and improve overall comfort levels.
• Enhanced Weight Loss Results: By eliminating extra skin and fat, the surgery can help patients who have already lost a significant amount of weight achieve better outcomes.
• Customizable and Long-Lasting Results: The treatment plan can be customized to match your specific needs and goals. As long as patients maintain their weight with a healthy lifestyle, results are long-lasting.

Different Types of Arm Lifts

Limited Arm Lift

Those with loose skin are best suited for this procedure. Since the incision is made inside the armpit, the extra skin is removed, and the scar or incision is not readily noticeable.

Short-scar Arm Lift

This option addresses mild upper arm tissue laxity. The T-shaped scar is used in the short-scar arm lift procedure to correct the skin on the arms. To create a toned appearance, the skin is lifted toward the armpit.

Extended Arm Lift

This procedure is recommended for people with severe skin and tissue laxity. The back of the arm as well as the inside of the armpit are cut. Upper arm tissues and superfluous loose skin are removed during this procedure.

L-arm Lift

This procedure can help those with severe arm laxity. It corrects armpit sag by excising fatty tissue or excess skin.

When considering upper arm contouring, it’s important to understand the differences between non-surgical vs surgical arm contouring. Patients with significant skin laxity may require conventional surgery for more dramatic and lasting results.

Choose the Right Plastic Surgeon

Choose a plastic surgeon who is experienced in performing the procedure. Review upper arm lift before and after results to get an idea about the surgeon’s skill and the extent of changes the procedure can bring about. However, it’s important to have realistic expectations as results can vary based on individual considerations. An experienced plastic surgeon will recommend the right arm lift option and provide tailored treatment to help you achieve the best results.