Arm Lift in Largo, FL

A frustrating side effect that comes with losing weight and aging is the emergence of loose skin where the tissue was once firm and supple. At Urbaniak Plastic Surgery, we offer arm lift surgery (also known as brachioplasty) for anyone who cannot seem to tone and tighten their arms with exercise and diet alone. Loose skin from the elbow to the upper arm is very common, especially for women and men who are advancing in age or have lost weight. Arm lift surgery can improve your overall look by removing this excess skin, which is often called "bat wings." Roderick M. Urbaniak, M.D., a board-certified plastic surgeon in Largo and Clearwater, FL, is very skilled in skin tightening and fat removal surgical techniques and has undergone a great deal of training in the art of body contouring when compared to his peers. If you live in or around the greater Clearwater, FL area and would like to learn more about how brachioplasty can renew the contour of your arms, please schedule a consultation at Urbaniak Plastic Surgery.

At Urbaniak Plastic Surgery, patients who undergo arm lifts benefit from several significant improvements after their surgery:

• Less rubbing, itching, and discomfort between the chest and underarms
• Improves the look of unwanted skin following major weight loss or aging
• Solution for areas that are sometimes stubborn despite fitness efforts or diet changes
• Boosted self-esteem and choices when picking out clothes

An arm lift is an aesthetic surgery that employs innovative techniques to slim and remove unwanted skin. If you avoid sleeveless clothes because of your flabby arms and want them to look trim and taut again, then you could be an ideal candidate for arm lift surgery. To qualify, you should be in good overall health so that your skin is able to heal well following surgery. Some of the primary concerns patients who want an arm lift experience are excess, hanging skin on the upper arms and lost tightness of the skin. It is imperative that you are at or near your goal weight prior to your procedure.

Typically, your upper arm lift surgery will take place with the patient under general anesthesia. An arm lift can be added to other procedures (usually performed in an inpatient setting for monitoring), like a mommy makeover, tummy tuck, or thigh lift, if Dr. Roderick Urbaniak determines that the combinations are safe. This procedure often takes several hours to complete. The sagging skin will be surgically excised from the elbow up to the underarm. The incision will be made to be as concealed as possible, but it will leave a visible scar. If liposuction is required to remove stubborn fat, this will be done as well. Once the skin is tightened, it will be sutured in place. You will need to keep the incisions sanitized, covered, and in compression garments.

Your recovery period will last around two weeks and involve a great deal of arm elevation and rest. It's vital that you give yourself time to heal. You use your arms for everything, so patients are encouraged to ease their way back into their usual routines. An appointment to remove sutures will be scheduled for around ten days after surgery. Compression garments should be worn until you are released by Dr. Roderick Urbaniak. For at least 4 – 5 weeks, all strenuous activity should be avoided with the exception of short walks. If you experience excessive swelling, uncontrolled bleeding, hematoma (fluid buildup), infection, loss of feeling in the arms or hands, or heavy scarring, please call Urbaniak Plastic Surgery for assistance.

How much does arm lift surgery cost?
The cost for a surgical arm lift will depend on several factors. Before he can determine your costs, Dr. Roderick Urbaniak will perform a physical evaluation and assess your wants and goals. Once this is complete, he can create your treatment plan and estimate your costs. Urbaniak Plastic Surgery accepts many payment methods, and we can help patients secure low-interest financing.

Can I combine an arm lift with other surgeries?
It is common for arm lift patients to combine this surgery with another procedure. This is sometimes called an upper body lift and may include liposuction, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), or breast surgery (breast lift). An arm lift is also commonly done as part of an after weight loss surgery for patients who have lost a large amount of weight and desire full-body contouring. During your consultation with Dr. Urbaniak, other surgeries can be discussed so your customized surgical plan fits all of your goals.

Will there be scars?
An arm lift uses incisions to excise loose skin, which means there will be scarring. However, Dr. Urbaniak makes every effort to use small, thin incisions that are placed in less visible areas. After your surgery, ointments to assist in scar healing will be recommended along with other tips for scar care management. We also recommend that you avoid sun exposure during the first year post-op to minimize the potential for scar discoloration. Most patients believe that the benefits of having a more toned arm outweigh the appearance of scars.

What results can I expect from an arm lift?
Arm lift surgery is done to treat hanging skin and stubborn pockets of fat. You should maintain a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and regular exercise to avoid a significant change in your weight, which could ultimately affect your results. Once your arms are fully healed and Dr. Urbaniak has authorized it, you can begin weight training. This can be a great way to add shape to your arms by toning the muscles.

Are there nonsurgical treatments to improve my arms?
While there are several nonsurgical skin tightening procedures on the market today, most will only provide mild improvements. To address moderate to severe amounts of loose skin, a surgical arm lift is your best option. Along with eliminating excess skin, Dr. Roderick Urbaniak also removes small, stubborn pockets of fat and smoothes out the remaining skin and tissue for a better result. If you are interested in nonsurgical treatments, Dr. Urbaniak can talk about all possible treatments during your consultation and help you decide which is best for your goals.

Whatever you call your "bat wings" or the droopy skin on your arms, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Roderick Urbaniak considers it an opportunity to elevate your confidence and achieve the firm look you want. This advanced procedure offers emotional and physical benefits as well as a tighter body shape. If you are at or near a healthy weight but still cannot eliminate the flab and skin that hangs from your upper arms, please call and schedule a private consultation with a member of our team at Urbaniak Plastic Surgery. Feel younger and fitter with arm lift surgery.