Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)

Over time, the pigmentation of scars tends to fade. Some patients may be more prone to hyperpigmented scars, depending on a patient’s complexion and ethnicity. Other methods to optimize scarring include adequate sun protection and Biocorneum. As the only FDA-approved scar treatment, Biocorneum is a silicone-based scar gel that also includes protection of SPF 30. We encourage our patients to always utilize medical-grade SPF and Biocorneum as soon as their incisions are fully healed.

Liposuction is a great procedure to reduce fat for patients who are at or close to their goal weight. It is not considered a weight-loss procedure; rather, it focuses on body contouring. While you can notice results soon after your surgery, final results are typically judged at three months after surgery. This allows sufficient time for swelling to subside and any irregularities to settle.

Yes, underarm fat can be removed through both surgical and noninvasive methods. Liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure that provides fat reduction and general contouring. This is a surgical procedure, meaning there is associated recovery and activity restrictions for patients who undergo liposuction. CoolSculpting is a noninvasive fat reduction technology that works to freeze fat cells to be eliminated from the body over time. Because it is noninvasive, there is no associated scarring, anesthesia, or recovery/downtime. The upper arms is a common area for patients to treat with either CoolSculpting or liposuction.

Compression garments are used during a surgical recovery period to aid in post-operative swelling. They can help reduce swelling and bruising after surgery. However, they do not directly improve the quality of loose skin. Skin quality is patient-dependent and is affected by several factors. Some treatments that target skin quality include Morpheus and/or BodyTite. Both procedures utilize a radiofrequency heat technology to stimulate collagen production and gradually tighten the skin.

There is no proven data that shows waist trainers effectively tighten loose skin. Procedures like Morpheus and BodyTite work to address skin quality through a minimally invasive approach. These procedures work to gradually tighten the skin through radiofrequency heat energy that stimulates collagen production.

A Brachioplasty, often referred to an arm lift, does have an associated scar as it is an excisional procedure. The scar can vary depending on the particular approach recommended by your board-certified surgeon. At CARE, Dr. Coan will determine the best approach to achieve your aesthetic goals while also considering your individual anatomy. With any scar, we recommend minimizing sun exposure for optimal scarring. Ultimately, scars do best with time, and optimal scarring can take up to 1 year after surgery.

Pain is a subjective matter that varies by patient and other factors. Patients who undergo liposuction typically experience soreness and achiness more so rather than direct pain. However, this tends to dramatically improve about two weeks after surgery. Additionally, the majority of our patients find our pain management protocol to be very effective at managing their discomfort in the early postoperative period.

A Brachioplasty procedure is typically considered cosmetic surgery and would be an out-of-pocket expense. At CARE Plastic Surgery, we are out of network with all insurance companies.

Incisions typically heal within a few weeks after surgery, but every patient will vary based on healing abilities and overall skin quality. Commonly, patients can expect scars to be fully healed by 3 months post-op, but they often take up to 1 year after surgery to fade and reach optimal appearance.

You should allow yourself 1-2 weeks for recovery after your arm lift. Dr. Coan will give you the most accurate indication of how long you can expect to recover based on your unique procedure.