Loose skin on the upper arms can be frustrating, especially after significant weight loss or simply as part of the natural aging process. While exercise can strengthen the muscles underneath, it cannot tighten stretched skin. For many patients, an arm lift, also known as a brachioplasty, is the most effective solution for restoring smoother, firmer arm contours.
At SARA Surgery in Morton Grove, every brachioplasty is customized to the patient’s anatomy and goals, with careful attention paid to scar placement, recovery, and long-term results.
What Is a Brachioplasty?
A brachioplasty removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms to improve contour and create a more toned appearance.
Patients often seek an arm lift after:
- Major weight loss
- GLP-1 weight loss medications
- Natural aging
- Loss of skin elasticity
The goal is to create arms that better match the rest of the body’s proportions while improving confidence in sleeveless clothing and swimwear.
Posterior Scar Placement: A Thoughtful Approach
Every arm lift requires an incision, and where that incision is placed matters.
At SARA Surgery, Dr. Sara Dickie prefers a posterior scar placement, positioning the incision along the back of the arm whenever possible.
This approach offers several advantages:
- The scar is less visible when viewed from the front.
- It remains naturally concealed during most day-to-day activities.
- It creates a cleaner aesthetic when the arms are resting at your sides.
While every patient’s anatomy is unique, careful incision planning is an important part of achieving an excellent cosmetic result.
When Is an Extended Brachioplasty Needed?
Some patients—particularly those who have experienced significant weight loss—have excess skin that extends beyond the upper arm and into the armpit or side of the chest.
In these situations, an extended brachioplasty may be recommended.
This procedure continues the incision beyond the arm to remove additional loose tissue, creating a smoother transition from the upper arm into the chest wall and improving the overall silhouette.
Combining an Arm Lift with a Breast Lift
For many weight-loss patients, loose skin affects multiple areas of the upper body.
A common combination procedure is an arm lift with a breast lift (mastopexy). Addressing both concerns during the same operation allows Dr. Dickie to create a more balanced upper body contour while reducing the need for multiple recovery periods.
During your consultation, she’ll discuss whether combining procedures is appropriate based on your health, recovery goals, and surgical plan.
Recovery After Brachioplasty
Recovery is generally well tolerated, although patients should expect some temporary swelling, bruising, and tightness.
Most patients can expect:
- Light walking immediately after surgery
- Compression garments worn for several weeks
- Return to desk work within one to two weeks, depending on the procedure
- Avoidance of heavy lifting and strenuous upper body exercise for approximately four to six weeks
As with any surgery, following your post-operative instructions is essential for optimal healing and scar maturation.
Long-Term Results
Once healing is complete, patients typically enjoy slimmer, firmer arms with improved skin tone and contour. Maintaining a stable weight and healthy lifestyle helps preserve your results for years to come.
While scars are an expected part of brachioplasty, they generally continue to improve over 12 to 18 months. At SARA Surgery, we also offer advanced scar management, including silicone therapy and laser treatments, to help optimize healing.
Personalized Body Contouring at SARA Surgery
No two arm lifts are exactly alike. Whether you require a traditional brachioplasty, an extended arm lift, or a combination procedure with a breast lift, Dr. Sara Dickie develops a personalized surgical plan based on your anatomy and goals.
If you’re considering an arm lift or exploring your options for body contouring in the Chicago suburbs, schedule a consultation with SARA Surgery. Together, we’ll create a treatment plan designed to help you feel confident in every season.
