The best candidates for an arm lift are healthy and possess realistic expectations. If you are self-conscious about the appearance of your upper arms, you may be a candidate for surgery. An arm lift can treat:

• Excess fat deposits
• Sagging or excess skin
• Skin dimpling

Arm lifts are performed to target areas of the upper arms that are resistant to traditional diet and exercise. Aging compounded with genetics, weight fluctuations and gravity can contribute to diminished arm contour.

An arm lift can give you slimmer, younger-looking arms. After surgery, you can benefit from enhanced self-confidence and body image.

An arm lift is performed under either general anesthetic or intravenous sedation. Incisions lengths vary depending on the extent of your arm lift. Minor arm lifts will only require small incisions that can be concealed in the armpit.

Those who have only a small amount of excess skin and fat may be eligible for this incision length. In more significant arm lifts, incisions will extend from the armpit to the elbow. When at all possible, incisions will be concealed within the natural contour of your arms.

Once the incision has been made, excess fat and tissue will be removed or repositioned. The skin is then stretched into a tighter, firmer position and excess skin is trimmed away. All incisions will be secured with sutures. In some cases, liposuction can be used to remove excess fat during surgery.

Bandages and compression garments will be applied to minimize swelling. You will experience some bruising, swelling and discomfort for a couple of weeks. This can be managed with prescription medication from your surgeon.

Recovery times vary. In most cases, you should be able to resume normal activities in 7-10 days. At this point the stitches will also be removed. Strenuous activity should be avoided for a month or more.