Arm Lift in San Diego, CA

Many adults develop excess skin or fatty deposits that create the appearance of “wings” below their upper arms. Brachioplasty (or arm lift surgery) performed at Pollack Plastic Surgery, may be the ideal solution. Located in the Hillcrest area of San Diego, Pollack Plastic Surgery serves residents of La Jolla, Alpine, and neighboring communities in California.

What is an Arm Lift?

An arm lift (brachioplasty) is a cosmetic procedure that tones and rejuvenates the upper arms by eliminating excess skin that has lost elasticity and firmness as a result of the natural aging process, genetics, or excessive weight loss, as well as extracting excess fatty deposits that hang like wings from the upper arms.

What is the cost of an Arm Lift in San Diego?

Arm lift surgery will vary in cost between patients depending on whether or not other procedures are combined with the surgery, as well as the amount of fat to be removed. Because brachioplasty is a cosmetic procedure, health insurance providers will not cover it. To help patients manage the cost of an arm lift or other cosmetic procedure, Pollack Plastic Surgery proudly provides CareCredit® financing for all of our qualified patients. Our office also accepts cash, personal checks, and credit cards to provide maximum flexibility for our patients’ convenience.

How can an Arm Lift improve my appearance?

The arm lift procedure rejuvenates and tightens the entire upper arm area, creating a more toned and defined contour.

Who should consider an Arm Lift?

The arm lift procedure is safe for most healthy adults. Ideal candidates are men and women who are in good health and want to eliminate excess skin and fat from their upper arm region.

How is the Arm Lift performed?

The arm lift is a safe and simple surgical procedure typically performed under general anesthesia. The surgery requires a hairline incision running vertically along the inside of the upper arm extending from the elbow to the underarm region. By way of this incision, the surgeon extracts excess fat, trims away excess skin, and tightens and tones the remaining tissue. Immediately upon completion of the procedure, the area is wrapped in a compressive sleeve to reduce swelling and optimize the healing process and adapt to its new contour. Some patients may wish to combine liposuction of the upper arms with an arm lift in order to more precisely sculpt and tighten the upper arm region.

Recovery after an Arm Lift

It is normal to experience some soreness and swelling immediately after the surgery. Dressings will be removed after a few days, and you may shower at this time. You will be instructed to wear a compressive support sleeve for approximately four weeks. Although it is normal to experience some degree of soreness for several days after the procedure, most patients are able to resume light activity the following day, with some limitations. After four or five days, you may resume normal daily activities. However, rigorous exercise should be postponed for a period of four weeks, after which you may return to normal physical activities.

Does the Arm Lift leave visible scars?

Brachioplasty produces a vertical scar that is located on the inside of the upper arm from the armpit to the elbow crease and is mostly hidden when you stand with arms hanging at your side. Usually, these scars will fade gradually, becoming barely visible.

When is the best time to undergo Arm Lift surgery?

It is best to wait until you complete any weight loss plan and are close to your ideal weight to undergo an arm lift procedure. If you lose additional weight after surgery, you may have further sagging skin that will need to be removed in the future. For patients who maintain a stable weight after surgery, following a plan of healthy diet and regular exercise, the results of an arm lift are generally permanent.

Arm Lift FAQs

How painful is an arm lift?

The arm lift procedure may be performed with either general or local anesthesia, but in any case, the treatment area will be fully numbed, eliminating any pain during the surgery. However, patients will experience some discomfort, bruising and swelling during the recovery process, which is typically most severe within the first week following treatment. To help patients manage this pain and enjoy a safe and comfortable recovery process, we’ll provide a prescription for pain medication as well as clear recovery guidelines.

How long does an arm lift last?

Arm lifts produce permanent results, so patients can enjoy the results from an arm lift for several years. However, arm lifts do not stop the aging process or prevent changes in weight. An arm lift can tone the arms and reverse some of the effects of aging, but over time, the appearance of the arms may change as the aging process continues. Furthermore, changes in weight can affect the results of your treatment, so patients are encouraged to maintain healthy diet and exercise habits following their procedure.

Does an arm lift get rid of loose skin?

Yes! An arm lift uses surgical techniques to trim and tighten loose skin on the upper arms. This can successfully eliminate the appearance of flabby arms, sometimes called “bat wings”. As a result, patients can enjoy firmer, tighter and more sculpted arms.

You can learn more about how an arm lift may improve and rejuvenate your appearance by contacting Pollack Plastic Surgery, located in the Hillcrest area of San Diego, and serving residents in nearby communities such as La Jolla, Alpine, and surrounding areas in Southern California.