Arm Lift


If you are working toward a slim, toned body, your goal probably includes strong, well-defined upper arms. But the upper arms can be notoriously tricky to shape. At Dr. Andrews Plastic Surgery, we frequently encounter patients who are afraid to bare their arms because they aren’t happy with the way they look. They may avoid tank tops, wear long sleeves at the beach or never leave the house without a cardigan. Many of these clients have tried targeted exercises but were underwhelmed by the results. Part of the problem is that the skin of the upper arms is very prone to sagging and drooping.

Your upper arm has localized fat deposits that are typically helpful in supporting arm muscles and plumping other tissues in the area. But weight changes, aging or genetics can cause upper arm skin to lose elasticity, which allows these fat deposits to sag — when this happens, they further weigh down the loose skin and cause the laxity or bagginess that so many of our patients find frustrating. Since the problem is not related to musculature, it is all too common for people to experience upper arm laxity even if they are in otherwise good physical shape.

Often, the most direct solution to this concern is an arm lift, or brachioplasty. This simple surgical procedure can address loose skin and sagging fat in the upper arms, improving the overall appearance and restoring a firm, youthful look to your arms. Our team wants your dream physique to become a reality — arm lifts are just one of the ways that we can help you achieve your aesthetic goals and feel great about your body.

How Does an Arm Lift Work?

The concept of an arm lift is quite simple. Since the sagging is caused by non-essential loose skin and fat, your surgeon can easily remove the excess body tissues. Once the extra skin is eliminated, Dr. Andrews will close the skin producing a tighter more sculpted contour. The scar after an arm lift is positioned in the back of the arm, in a location that is not seen by people you are interacting with while having a normal face-to-face conversation. The overall result is a tighter and smoother upper arm area that will showcase the results of your fitness routine with visibly toned muscles.

Is an Arm Lift Right for You?

Since arm lifts are relatively low-risk cosmetic surgeries, they are appropriate for a wide range of patients — women and men, older and younger and with varying degrees of upper arm sagging. They are also commonly performed alongside other body sculpting surgeries, such as tummy tucks, especially in the case of drastic weight loss that has left behind stretched and sagging skin. The best way to know if an arm lift will accomplish your goals is to schedule a visit with a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Andrews — their evaluation can help you find out if you are a good candidate for an arm lift and clarify what you might expect from your results.

In all, the main requirements for an arm lift are that you have noticeable sagging skin on your upper arms, are in good health, do not smoke and do not have any significant health concerns that would prevent you from successfully undergoing and recovering from surgery. Dr. Andrews always ensures his patients’ utmost safety, and this includes suggesting alternatives to surgery for people who are at particular risk for complications. If you are not a good candidate for an arm lift now, you can always work with Dr. Andrews to find other options or to make lifestyle changes that will allow you to become a candidate for the procedure in the future.

Your Arm Lift Procedure

Dr. Andrews has performed many successful arm lift procedures, and each one is slightly different depending on the patient and their needs. During your consultation, Dr. Andrews will take plenty of time and care to understand your personal goals and expectations as well as any particular concerns you may have. Then, if you decide together than arm lift is your best option, he will work with you and his team to develop a surgical plan tailored just for you.

Your surgery will take place in an accredited operating room. We typically use general anesthesia for our arm lift patients, especially if it is combined with other procedures like a tummy tuck or liposuction. However, you can talk to Dr. Andrews about your options — it may be possible to use local anesthesia instead. You will need a friend or family member to bring you to and from your surgery since you will not be able to drive yourself. You should plan for your surgery to last about three hours, though this will differ if you have chosen to combine your arm lift with any other procedures.

Recovering From Arm Lift Surgery

Since your arms are usually in very constant use, you will need to take plenty of time for rest and recovery after an arm lift so that you avoid compromising your results. Usually, arm lift patients need to take about two weeks away from work and daily activities to allow for a full recovery. You should avoid activities that use your arms significantly– such as driving or household tasks — for at least ten days after surgery, and more intensive activities like exercise or lifting for about a month. When you visit for your follow-up appointments, Dr. Andrews can discuss with you when you can resume certain activities.

Dr. Andrews will give you personalized recovery instructions after your surgery, including best pain management practices, ways to keep swelling down and suggestions to keep you comfortable. Complications from arm lift surgery are rare, but you can always contact our office if at any point during your recovery you are concerned that what you are feeling is not normal.

To learn more about arm lifts, other body contouring surgeries and the full suite of cosmetic procedures we offer, contact Dr. Andrews Plastic Surgery today. We provide top-quality plastic surgery and aesthetic treatments in Iowa, serving the Coralville, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Cedar Falls, Waterloo and surrounding area. We also treat patients who come to us from other cities, we can discuss with you how we can safely perform your surgery and arrange a follow-up and recovery regimen that is convenient for you. Call us at 319-800-6877 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Kahlil Andrews and find out how we can help you achieve your beauty goals.

 

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Click the button to the right to view more before and afters.

Before & Afters

January 11, 2017

Dear Dr. Andrews,
Thank you so much for all you’ve done for me and my family. You are trustworthy, kind and personable. We really appreciate you and your talent. Thank you!*
5.0
2017-01-11T13:02:59-06:00
Dear Dr. Andrews, Thank you so much for all you’ve done for me and my family. You are trustworthy, kind and personable. We really appreciate you and your talent. Thank you!*

Everything is great!!

Just had my surgery from Dr. Andrews and everything is great!! He is the most kindest Dr. ever!*
5.0
2017-01-22T15:30:46-06:00
Just had my surgery from Dr. Andrews and everything is great!! He is the most kindest Dr. ever!*

You change peoples’ lives!

You change peoples’ lives! Words cannot express how much I love my new girls! Thank you so much for giving me exactly what I wanted. You are amazing!*
5.0
2017-02-24T14:28:06-06:00
You change peoples’ lives! Words cannot express how much I love my new girls! Thank you so much for giving me exactly what I wanted. You are amazing!*

I am a patient at Dr. Andrews!

I am a patient at Dr. Andrews! I highly recommend utilizing their services. Very thorough consultations, educational and informative. They give you lots of options to fit your needs and guide you through it. Amazing staff that is highly trained with the most up to date procedures and tools. I can't say enough about Dr. Andrews and his amazing staff!*
5.0
2016-09-28T15:22:01-05:00
I am a patient at Dr. Andrews! I highly recommend utilizing their services. Very thorough consultations, educational and informative. They give you lots of options to fit your needs and guide you through it. Amazing staff that is highly trained with the most up to date procedures and tools. I can't say enough about Dr. Andrews and his amazing staff!*

June 26th, 2013

Dr. Andrews is an artist. His academic credentials are second to none. You can see that sensibility in every aspect of his practice, and his life. His outcomes are exceptional, and there isn’t a surgeon anywhere that I trust more.*
2015-02-10T19:25:22-06:00
Dr. Andrews is an artist. His academic credentials are second to none. You can see that sensibility in every aspect of his practice, and his life. His outcomes are exceptional, and there isn’t a surgeon anywhere that I trust more.*

May 27th, 2013

I am beyond happy with my results. I had extra skin hanging from my abdomen after gaining weight from pregnancies. Dr. Andrews was compassionate and understanding about how this affected me and my self-esteem.*
2015-02-10T19:25:46-06:00
I am beyond happy with my results. I had extra skin hanging from my abdomen after gaining weight from pregnancies. Dr. Andrews was compassionate and understanding about how this affected me and my self-esteem.*

May 27th, 2013

I can now wear bikinis! I continue to work out and can finally see the results of my hard work. Thank you Dr. Andrews – a California gem in the midwest!*
2015-02-10T19:26:11-06:00
I can now wear bikinis! I continue to work out and can finally see the results of my hard work. Thank you Dr. Andrews – a California gem in the midwest!*

June 1st, 2013

Dr. Andrews is one of the best plastic surgeons I’ve worked with! His patients are very pleased with their results. I highly recommend him!*
2015-02-10T19:26:35-06:00
Dr. Andrews is one of the best plastic surgeons I’ve worked with! His patients are very pleased with their results. I highly recommend him!*

Jan 24th, 2013

Dr Andrews was wonderful!! Great Guy… awesome job on my reconstruction!!*
2015-02-10T19:26:55-06:00
Dr Andrews was wonderful!! Great Guy… awesome job on my reconstruction!!*

Nov 2nd, 2012

I had suffered debilitating Hidradenitis. He gave me the ability to have a normal life again. My scars look amazing and he was able to close with the most beautiful lines! He was such a caring doctor who is so gifted. I hope to follow his practice wherever he may go!*
2015-02-10T19:27:28-06:00
I had suffered debilitating Hidradenitis. He gave me the ability to have a normal life again. My scars look amazing and he was able to close with the most beautiful lines! He was such a caring doctor who is so gifted. I hope to follow his practice wherever he may go!*

Oct 29th, 2012

Dr. Andrews was the absolute best doctor for me - very informative, sensitive, and caring with just the right amount of humor during the appointments.*
2015-02-10T19:27:54-06:00
Dr. Andrews was the absolute best doctor for me - very informative, sensitive, and caring with just the right amount of humor during the appointments.*

Extraordinary doctor

Before saying that you are an extraordinary doctor, I want to tell you that you are an extraordinary human being. Thanks for showing me so much care and concern.*
2015-03-30T12:00:04-05:00
Before saying that you are an extraordinary doctor, I want to tell you that you are an extraordinary human being. Thanks for showing me so much care and concern.*

You Rock!!

I wanted to write you a thank you letter because I would never be able to find the words to say how much I appreciate everything you did for me. Thanks to you I can feel normal and not always worry if people will find out about my problem. I can’t even begin to say thank you enough or to show my gratitude. You’re an amazing person, wonderful doctor, and my hero. All in all, you ROCK!!!*
2015-03-30T12:00:42-05:00
I wanted to write you a thank you letter because I would never be able to find the words to say how much I appreciate everything you did for me. Thanks to you I can feel normal and not always worry if people will find out about my problem. I can’t even begin to say thank you enough or to show my gratitude. You’re an amazing person, wonderful doctor, and my hero. All in all, you ROCK!!!*

You all are the best!

Thank you so much for ALL of your help in my recovery thru “sometimes emotional” journey with my cancer. You all were always professional and took the time with my long list of questions. I can n0t thank you enough! Easter is my favorite time of the year and I pray God will continue to strengthen your gift and skills in healing because you all are the best!*
2015-03-30T12:02:02-05:00
Thank you so much for ALL of your help in my recovery thru “sometimes emotional” journey with my cancer. You all were always professional and took the time with my long list of questions. I can n0t thank you enough! Easter is my favorite time of the year and I pray God will continue to strengthen your gift and skills in healing because you all are the best!*

Amazing!

I’m ecstatic with my new body. It is PERFECT! I can’t even put in wordshow we feel, You are so compassionate unlike any Doctor I’ve met. I realize I’ve been a needy patient and you handled me well. You’ve gone above and beyond with me after hours for medications and issues. Also more quotes than necessary, but you did it! Your work ad attentiveness to my expectations I can’t say enough!! Now to pu the finale pictures in your gallery to show how complete I am now! You are AMAZING! Thank You! It’s been a very long, hard journey! Now to live life with the new ME!*
2015-03-30T12:02:20-05:00
I’m ecstatic with my new body. It is PERFECT! I can’t even put in wordshow we feel, You are so compassionate unlike any Doctor I’ve met. I realize I’ve been a needy patient and you handled me well. You’ve gone above and beyond with me after hours for medications and issues. Also more quotes than necessary, but you did it! Your work ad attentiveness to my expectations I can’t say enough!! Now to pu the finale pictures in your gallery to show how complete I am now! You are AMAZING! Thank You! It’s been a very long, hard journey! Now to live life with the new ME!*

With appreciation

With appreciation for putting me back together!*
2015-03-30T12:02:40-05:00
With appreciation for putting me back together!*

I am forever grateful

I consider myself blessed to be under your care as I navigated the stormy sea of breast cancer diagnosis, surgery, reconstruction, and recovery. I cannot thank you enough and am so pleased with the results! You have all been wonderful, and I will miss seeing you even though I am thrilled to be healed and moving on! The impact you have on patients who are scared and overwhelmed cannot be overstated...and I am forever grateful.*
2015-03-30T12:03:02-05:00
I consider myself blessed to be under your care as I navigated the stormy sea of breast cancer diagnosis, surgery, reconstruction, and recovery. I cannot thank you enough and am so pleased with the results! You have all been wonderful, and I will miss seeing you even though I am thrilled to be healed and moving on! The impact you have on patients who are scared and overwhelmed cannot be overstated...and I am forever grateful.*

Thank You

Thank you. For me, you are as similar as God because you created me again. It’s an amazing feeling. I feel my earlier life back again. Once again thank you very much from the bottom of my heart.*
2015-03-30T12:03:24-05:00
Thank you. For me, you are as similar as God because you created me again. It’s an amazing feeling. I feel my earlier life back again. Once again thank you very much from the bottom of my heart.*

April 12, 2016

Since my hysterectomy, sex has been extremely painful. I suffered from extreme dryness and discomfort. I had no sex drive and was no longer able to experience an orgasm. Until, recently, when a friend told me about Courtney Albritton and the ThermiVa treatment. I have had 2 of the 3 treatments and immediately experienced positive results. I am still in awe of the results I have experienced. The procedure was painless. Until ThermiVa, I had come to the realization that my sex life would no longer be what it once was pre-hysterectomy. I highly recommend this procedure.*
2016-05-05T11:40:35-05:00
Since my hysterectomy, sex has been extremely painful. I suffered from extreme dryness and discomfort. I had no sex drive and was no longer able to experience an orgasm. Until, recently, when a friend told me about Courtney Albritton and the ThermiVa treatment. I have had 2 of the 3 treatments and immediately experienced positive results. I am still in awe of the results I have experienced. The procedure was painless. Until ThermiVa, I had come to the realization that my sex life would no longer be what it once was pre-hysterectomy. I highly recommend this procedure.*
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