October 18th, 2024 — by Dina Eliopoulos
If you’ve ever felt self-conscious about your upper arms, you’re not alone. For many women, feeling uneasy about the appearance of our arms not only impacts our confidence but also influences the choices we make about our wardrobe and daily activities. By now, you’ve probably realized that it’s practically impossible to avoid showing off your arms — but what if you didn’t have to hide them?
Many women turn to arm lift surgery, or brachioplasty, to regain their confidence and reopen their choices to ideas they had said goodbye to, like wearing sleeveless tops or walking down the beach with confidence. Explore the reasons why you may want to consider arm lift surgery, along with a variety of alternative options that could also help you achieve the slimmer, more toned arms you desire.
Arm lift surgery is a procedure to improve the contour under the upper arm. It’s designed to reduce any excess sagging skin and pockets of fat — commonly referred to as bat wings or bingo flaps — while also tightening the underlying supportive tissue in the upper arm. The procedure targets the area from the axilla (armpit) to the elbow that a proper diet and exercise alone often cannot tone.
Arm lift surgery is a two-step process performed under general anesthesia. First, a surgeon will remove excess fat in the upper arm with liposuction. Next, they will remove excess skin from the under arm to the elbow, creating a strategically-placed scar that runs along the undersurface of the upper arm. The scar is not visible from the front when the arms are down or extended outward.
For many patients, arm lift surgery feels like the only option for making their upper arms more proportionate to the rest of their body. However, like any body contouring procedure, brachioplasty isn’t a one-size-fits-all treatment.
Whether you're contemplating arm lift surgery or just exploring your options, you deserve all the details necessary to make a well-informed decision. Alternatives to arm lift surgery include non-surgical and less invasive methods to improve the appearance of the upper arms. The most common alternatives include exercise and strength training as well as diet and weight management.
However, if you’ve recently lost a significant amount of weight or developed sagging skin under the arms, hitting the gym and watching your calories may not provide the tightening effects of surgery. Instead, you may want to consider less invasive contouring methods like CoolSculpting and BodyTite:
CoolSculpting is the most non-invasive non-surgical procedure to target unwanted fat. During CoolSculpting treatment, a cooling applicator is applied to an area of pinchable fat to freeze and eliminate the fat cells gathered there. Approved for use along the arms, abdomen, flanks, and thighs, CoolSculpting helps slim and tone trouble areas within four to five months of treatment.
BodyTite is a skin tightening and fat reduction device that slims and tones areas like the arms, thighs, and abdomen using Radiofrequency Assisted Liposuction (RFAL). A BodyTite procedure remodels the soft tissue and subcutaneous fat layer for a more sculpted appearance in just one visit. It also uses targeted RF energy to stimulate collagen production for firmer, tighter skin over time.
Bear in mind, alternatives like CoolSculpting and BodyTite may only be suitable for individuals with mild to moderate skin laxity or those who prefer not to undergo arm lift surgery. A consultation with a cosmetic plastic surgeon can help determine the best option based on your specific goals.
The truth is, arm lift surgery is the gold standard and the most effective way to improve the contour of the upper arm. Exercise simply cannot eliminate loose skin under the arm, so whether you’ve recently lost weight, are showing signs of skin aging, or are genetically predisposed to excess skin, you may need to seek alternatives for removing it. For most patients, arm lift surgery is the answer.
It's important to consider that arm lift surgery, just like other surgical procedures, tends to require a bit more downtime and recovery period compared to non-surgical treatments. Although surgery leaves a well-placed — and cleverly hidden — scar on the underside of each arm, patients accept it for the significant improvement. Consider the top five benefits of undergoing arm lift surgery:
Surgery is a decision that demands careful consideration. That’s why a thorough consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon is essential to determine the best approach based on your individual goals. Fortunately, Dr. Dina Eliopoulos is one of the top Chelmsford brachioplasty specialists to help patients in the greater Boston area feel safe and well-informed about arm lift surgery options.
See Our Patient's Incredible Results
During your consultation, you’ll meet with Dr. Eliopoulos to learn more about the arm lift procedure. She will review your current health and body goals, explore your medical history, and determine if you’re a good candidate for the procedure based on a brief physical exam. If you’re ready to determine if arm lift surgery is right for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Eliopoulos today.
Plastic surgery isn’t just about people changing their look—it's about making you feel good about being you. Whether you need breast augmentation, a breast lift, liposuction or Botox, Dr. Dina Eliopoulos is here for you. For over 20 years, patients have sought out the care and results that Dr. Eliopoulos can create in her beautiful Chelmsford, Massachusetts office. The peace of mind that comes from a board-certified, residency- and fellowship-trained plastic surgeon is hard to parallel. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Eliopoulos today to experience the difference for yourself.
