Arm Lift Surgery: 5 Things To Know!

Austin Texas Plastic Surgeon Dr. Paul Pearce discusses 5 things to know before having an arm lift surgery otherwise known as a brachioplasty. This surgery is a good way to improve the contours of your arms if you have a little excess bulk and also for massive weight loss patient with excess skin in the arm region after significant weight loss.
Dr Pearce is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.

[@PassionIsDead13]

I’m just like…. Tattoos to cover the scars 🤣🤦🏼‍♀️

[@ThePlasticLife]

It's certainly an option!

[@makeupfiend8426]

I’m having this done on 7/11/23. I’m excited because I’ve been wanting to do this for well over a decade if not more. I’m just terrified of the scarring. Really hope mine heals well. Can’t wait to wear a tank top though and not feel like everyone is staring at my big arms

[@ThePlasticLife]

Super excited for you!! I hope your recovery goes well! Talk to your surgeon about the scar management options they like to use post op. It may help diminish the appearance of the scars

[@michellesmith1436]

I've been thinking about doing it but I'm not sure about the scars.

[@makeupfiend8426]

@@michellesmith1436 I hesitated for the scars also, but the alternative is having my flabby arms that I know I already loathe. My surgeon is well versed in this procedure and has done so many and showed me scars and they look decent. Plus there are other treatments for this type of surgery that can help with the scarring to be less noticeable. Of course, that will be an additional cost, but to me it’s worth it. I’m excited yet scared cause I know the recovery will be painful but by this time next year I’m hoping I’ll be a changed person

[@commanderkeeno5552]

I'm having an extended brachioplasty combined with a breast reduction in just over 24 hours. This really helped me understand the process and feel much less worried about the scars and results. Thanks!

[@ThePlasticLife]

So happy to hear this!! Glad that it helped. I hope your recovery is going well!

[@100carats8]

Great. How did it go? I’m doing same in a few days.

[@commanderkeeno5552]

@@100carats8 seems my lady used my account to write these comments 😂 the surgery went well and looks great. She had to go back and get the bra line from the side of her boobs cut some more. I dont know the technical terms sorry

[@100carats8]

@@commanderkeeno5552 😂. So happy it went well. And thank you for your reply. The sides is definitely something I should mention to my surgeon. Thanks again. ☺️

[@dacockychic]

So I comment I liked and I subscribed because you are the bomb. I love you page on Instagram and TikTok, this is my first time visiting your KZbin page. Can’t wait to see part two after you surgery please keep me posted.

[@LeJennx33]

I would trade in my flabby arms from weight lost for big visible scars any day! I call them arm testicles by the way they flop around 😵‍💫 With all my weight loss I’d be so proud to show my scars to show my journey. One day. 💪🏼

[@ThePlasticLife]

Haha! That is the first time I have ever heard them called that! And congratulations on your journey!

[@sherry5667]

I’ve had the extended arm lift after weight loss. My scar is also on the side of the chest wall. No one has ever noticed or asked me about the scars. MANY people have commented on how great my arms look! DO IT. Oh, I also got a memorial tattoo on the inside of my left arm for a friend that died. I didn’t feel a thing! The insides of my arms are pretty numb but, you get used to that and don’t notice it.

[@brenolop3425]

Thank you so much doctor! I’m gonna call next week to schedule a consultation to your office! Im pretty excited!

[@ThePlasticLife]

We look forward to seeing you in the office! See you soon!

[@starbritegirl]

You explain things really well!

[@ThePlasticLife]

Thank you!

[@lifeisbutadream3598]

Thank you for your care explanations .

[@ThePlasticLife]

You’re welcome! Hope they helped!

[@marysicurello7273]

Thank you for sharing this information

[@ThePlasticLife]

You’re very welcome! I hope it helped!

[@rosemariecalci-besson7505]

Thank you for all the options you laid out....I have a consult appointment coming up soon

[@ThePlasticLife]

Excellent! Glad the video helped!

[@theycallmebeautiful3041]

Thank you for the information

[@ThePlasticLife]

You are very welcome! I hope it was helpful!

[@LivingWithGout]

“Please be kind to my arm! I have not seen a gym in years” - LOVE IT!

[@ThePlasticLife]

Haha! One day…….one day I’ll get back in the gym!

[@LivingWithGout]

@@ThePlasticLife lol sure…for the visceral fat, the rest can be trimmed!

[@dottierandall2475]

Thank you for sharing.

[@ThePlasticLife]

You're welcome! Thank you for watching!

[@MsBeautifulAquarius]

I love the way he explained this. Makes me want to go to him! He's in Texas and I'm in California so I don't know how that would be. I'm glad I watched this video.

[@ThePlasticLife]

So happy to hear you enjoyed the video! We see patients from all over through video consultations and when people do fly in we only ask that they stay about a week to 10 days after so we can check on how things are before you head back home. After that we do our follow ups with video chats again.

[@stop_and_smell_the_roses]

Thanks for the info. A few decades ago great uncle got his arms done, and he had a massive scar line in a location that was very visible from the feont view. If the surgeon had done it an inch back, more toward the bone of the elbow, it would have barely been noticeable.

[@lisaterracciano2132]

Thank you for being honest about the scar issues and the time of seeing results

[@ThePlasticLife]

Honesty is always the best policy! Hope the video helped!

[@susanbassler7188]

I am likely going to be pursuing an arm lift later this year. I believe I will need an extended lift, with more extension to the chest wall vs forearm. My body is a size 10, but my arms are so large and misshapen that I still need at least an XL shirt so that they are not squeezed by the sleeves. The tissue is also very nodular and even painful at times. I am hesitant to have this level of scarring, but I would give anything to not have upper arms like this.

[@ThePlasticLife]

I hope you ha e a great result once you get your surgery!

[@myshellupchurch]

Have you looked into Lipedema? You may find some similarities.

[@hollywebster6844]

If you have not already been evaluated for lipedema, please do so! Lipedema is a connective tissue disorder that causes abnormal fat cells that cause tissue to be nodular and painful. One of the diagnostics features is abnormal fat formation, ie size 10 torso but needing a 14 to fit the arms.

[@careyblignaut2165]

Very informative video, and you have an engaging personality. I’m curious about warnings with regard to weight gain post surgery. What should a person be aware of? Thank you.

[@ThePlasticLife]

Thats a great question. Weight gain of 10 to 15 lbs after surgery can be tolerated well with the results as the skin will likely shrink back to the post surgical results. Massive weight gain again however will likely stretch the skin again possibly resulting in the need for more surgery if a better contour of the arms is desired again.

[@mskrazie]

hearing about the extended arm lift made me wanna cry but oh well.. its what i need and i rather the scars than the huge amount of skin hanging :(

[@ThePlasticLife]

I agree, the idea of the extended arm lift doesn’t sound pleasant but the new shape of your arms will be a lot better! Wishing you all the best whenever you have your surgery!

[@robynwinship6471]

Hi Dr! Thanks for the great video! I have scrolled through your other videos and am excited to see the video on how to minimize scaring!! Do you know when you’ll be doing that? Thank you!! 😀

[@ThePlasticLife]

I’ll put that one on the list and start working on it soon! Its another favorite topic of mine.

[@josie291662]

Thank you for sharing. I'm on my own weightloss journey and lots of noticeable skin to rid, and you were very informative of which procedure would be a possibility for me and my granny arms, or giggly wigglies. Thank you!

[@ThePlasticLife]

You are very welcome! Glad this video helped! Hope your weight loss journey continues and you get to where you want to be!

[@jejohn665]

Thank you Doctor! Excellent explanation of the different types of arm lifts and what to expect. **Questions: How long does the patient typically wear the compression garment and is the garment for the length of the scar area only? And when can the patient resume normal showers or baths? Thanks again Doctor!👍

[@ThePlasticLife]

Hi Jennifer! My apologies for the late reply but I typically have my patients wear their compression garments for about 2 to 3 months post op and the garments are typically longer than the scar. As for showers and things it depends on if I leave drains or not. Showers can begin once the drains are pulled typically after 7 to 10 days or if no drains are used around post op day 3 or 4 if the incisions are covered with surgical glue. But every surgeon has different protocols so make sure to follow your surgeons post op instructions. Hope this helps!

[@jejohn665]

@@ThePlasticLife no worries I know you are super busy with patients, thanks so much Doctor!👍👍👍

[@jewwjewwamaka2153]

Hi Doc please how much is the extended arm lift procedure

[@virginiastirnweis.6496]

The background is so dark on my iPad its hard to see anything but the left side of your face. Good information, very helpful

[@ThePlasticLife]

Thank you for letting me know! Looks like I need to work on that lighting a little more for the next one.

[@CateB9]

@@ThePlasticLife I’m on an IPad too and can see you fine. If I turn the dimmer all the way low it’s dark though.

[@shenellelittrean7963]

I need a arm lift bad I have bat wigs it looks horrible I want the surgery hopefully when I saved up my money I will definitely get the arm lift surgery done

[@guayabita27able]

Dr were is your consultation located? I really like the way you communicated this procedure and the perception I have is you are honest and self confident of what you are doing. Thanks 🙏

[@ThePlasticLife]

Thank you Gigi! I'm glad that you enjoyed the video. My office is located in Austin Texas. You can find us at www.pearceplasticsurgery.com. You can find our phone number and our contact form there if you would like to see about a consultation.

[@sheliafryar-ashley559]

He did explain everything clearly. I'm interested now!

[@ThePlasticLife]

@@sheliafryar-ashley559 Thank you for the kind words and glad this video helped explain some things!

[@edithkurashige1483]

@@ThePlasticLife I'm interested to in this procedure, I go to the website you share, ,,, but there a warning about no privacidad, to any other can stolen you credit card Information. Please public you contact number.

[@rainwash1365]

I’m looking into this. My arms are extremely big for my size

[@ThePlasticLife]

Glad I could help! Hope you get the results you are looking for!

[@elizabethcantu9128]

How much is the average

[@waffahmae8707]

Hm it cost?

[@chanitawilliams4427]

Love your video I’m having this done 5/28/24

[@ThePlasticLife]

Congratulations!! Hope you have a smooth recovery!

[@amyfreeze9772]

How did it go?

[@chanitawilliams4427]

@@ThePlasticLife thank you everything went great 😀

[@chanitawilliams4427]

@@amyfreeze9772 everything went great 😀

[@Charley0213]

Would you ever recommend liposuction and instead of skin removal, a skin tightening device like thermage or morpheous?

[@ThePlasticLife]

You can certainly do lipo with a skin tightening like body tite, thermage or J plasma if you just have extra bulk in your arms but no loose hanging skin. You could maybe get away with a good result if you had maybe even minor loose hanging skin. But anything more than mild/minor would best be treated with excision of the loose skin.

[@starrwilliams0127]

Do you accept insurance???

[@vamelogo]

I had a bypass surgery 3 months ago how long should I wait till I be able to get arm lift surgery?

[@ThePlasticLife]

This is a great question and one that I get quite a bit. If you just had bypass surgery the best thing to do is wait. You'll want to have reached a stable weight and maintained that weight for at least 6 months prior to getting your surgery. If you get it while you are still rapidly losing weight you may end up with less than desirable results as you continue to lose volume which may require a repeat excision of the excess skin if you lose a significant amount of weight after your surgery. So the best thing to so is wait and get it done when you've been at your stable weight for at least 6 months.

[@lachurysify]

How long after arm procedure can you fly? You're in TX, I'm in IL ☹

[@ThePlasticLife]

Great question! I ask that any of our patients that fly in for surgery stick around for 7 to 10 days post op at minimum so that we can see them twice before they leave. Ideally I would love it if patients could stay for 2 weeks but sometimes that is not possible.

[@esmygarcia9575]

How long after brachioplasty is it recommended to start exercising the arms?

[@ThePlasticLife]

I usually have my patients take it easy for 4 weeks post op until they can begin light cardio exercise. Full work out with weights and running is at 6 weeks for my patients. Other surgeons may have different post op instructions.

[@ellyhouser1169]

Do you recommend compression sleeves after having liposuction and skin removal. Or only when having liposuction on the arms. ?

[@ThePlasticLife]

Great question! I tend to put all of my patients in compression garments after a arm lift since the vast majority of the time there is liposuction involved and that really helps with the swelling as well as taking tension off the wound.

[@ktmenifee]

My surgeon was against compression garments and had me wrap with an ace bandage from fingers to arm pit for 3 weeks.

[@greedy14u]

@@ktmenifee did your doctor say why they were against compression sleeves and preferred bandages 🤔

[@ktmenifee]

@@greedy14u no, I even asked the nurse and she didn't know why he would suggest one over the other.

[@ktmenifee]

@@greedy14u are you thinking about have it done ?

[@sweetpfitkerr7875]

Hi Dr, I have a consultation in a couple of months. I need to lose some weight about 30lbs. Is there a diet that I can follow to get the best results?

[@ThePlasticLife]

Congratulations! Very excited for you! My advice for diets are always the same: find one that you think you can stick with, but more importantly an exercise routine that you enjoy because that exercise will help you keep the weight off and get you in great shape for your surgery.

[@dlwilliamson5644]

QUESTION : Please let me know if I am an active and lifetime athlete at the age of 58.. .does liposuction of the upper arms produce a decent or improved result?

[@ThePlasticLife]

Its possible as everyones skin is different but for the vast majority of people over the age of 50 the skin is less elastic and lipo of the arms above age 50 without any skin excision would likely need some form of skin tightening like Bodytite or J plasma to help tighten the skin.

[@dlwilliamson5644]

@@ThePlasticLife Thank you for your time and generosity. I will research Bodytite and J Plasma.

[@Cynthia-qo9wu]

I’m having skin removal I’m skinny after my gastric bypass so it’s just lose skin…. . Thanks doctor after my arms are my inner thighs….

[@ThePlasticLife]

Congratulations on the weight loss!! Hope your recovery goes smoothly!

[@YourThirdEyePsychology]

Doc I have deep stretch marks does the surgery get rid of it

[@ThePlasticLife]

Great question! If the surgery involves removing excess skin then yes it will get rid of those stretch marks.

[@tudemoniiaa9351]

Hello, im getting that same surgery next month, i wanted to know if u can sleep on your stomach after surgery?

[@ThePlasticLife]

Thats a great question! I typically ask my patients to sleep on their back with their arms down by their side if they have had incisions so that not too much tension is placed on them post op. I’m not sure what type of arm lift you are having next month but definitely ask your surgeon how they want you to sleep post op. Hope you enjoy the new shape of your arms soon!

[@tudemoniiaa9351]

Thank you so much, i’am getting the standard arm lift. I feel confused because i’am also getting lipo 360+BBL since they be saying you cant sleep on your back after a BBL.

[@gladyscepeda3180]

Considering getting this done it’s my biggest insecurity 😩😭 Question doctor if I do get it don’t but in the future want to try for another baby would it affect it?

[@ThePlasticLife]

That's a great question. I usually recommend to my patients that they be done with child bearing if they are planing on having any cosmetic surgery done. The reason is that a weight gain of 5 to 10 lbs is unlikely to have significant impact on the results but 30 to 50 lb weight gains seen during pregnancy have a higher chance of altering the results and a increase in the chance of needing revision surgery. If you are going to make the investment in yourself with this type of surgery its best to make sure that you optimize all of your chances of having good long term results.

[@katieclemm6875]

Do you have to have significant weightloss to have an arm lift? Can you be plus size and get the surgery to remove fat, adjust the size and skin?

[@ThePlasticLife]

That's a great question! You can be plus size however there are certain criteria that surgeons like patients to meet in order to decrease the risk of surgical complications. If your BMI is too high we may recommend losing weight before hand to help decrease the risk of complications. Some outpatient surgical facilities will not accept patients over a certain BMI. So in a sense, yes it can be done but there may be an increase in the risk of complications if your weight is too high.

[@loshernandezes8523]

How can I go about getting a medical consultation?

[@ThePlasticLife]

Howdy! Anyone interested in a consultation can call our office at 512-764-9076. We look forward to meeting you!

[@lfuentes4098]

Hmm. When talking about the compression garments after liposuction in the arms makes me think mom was probably correct when she said after having a baby we should wear compression garments. I believed that was a wives tale. But I guess not. 🤔

[@ThePlasticLife]

That could make sense. After all, with the weight gain that comes with pregnancy comes the stretching of the suspensory ligaments in the arm. I don’t know of any studies that would confirm that it would help but, it can’t hurt.

[@vamelogo]

Is it truth that it takes about 1 month to be able to do regular work?

[@ThePlasticLife]

It really depends on the type of work you do. The stresses on your arms are different if you work in an office on a keyboard during the day vs if you work in manual labor. Every patient is different and its usually a conversation we have with each patient as each person has a unique situation with work post op.

[@tahlieshamclaurin8617]

Hello how much you you start at for a full arm lift? I’ve lost 100lbs and look disproportionate

[@ktmenifee]

I am 5 weeks post op. I was charged $7600 for surgery center, anesthetic, and surgeon fees.

[@TheEmmochka]

@@ktmenifee how you doing now ? Thanks

[@brilliantchepkwony5389]

Hello Dr how can help people in Africa especially Kenya

[@ThePlasticLife]

Hi there! I would love to be able to help in Kenya but I am not licensed to work there. Have you looked into the plastic surgeons there in Kenya?

[@amyfreeze9772]

Any before/after/6 mos/1yr post op pics?

[@ThePlasticLife]

You bet! Let me see what I can do for some videos for the before and afters.

[@tahitinui2010]

How long after surgery can you resume exercising?

[@ThePlasticLife]

Great question! Every plastic surgeon is different but I usually tell my patients I want them up and walking around 3x a day starting the day after surgery. More intense exercise where you might break a sweat such as running or brisk walking I usually say wait about 3 weeks. Any heavy lifting or weights at the gym will need to wait about 4 to 6 weeks depending on how things are healing.

[@tahitinui2010]

@@ThePlasticLife awesome. Thank you for your prompt reply.

[@flight101]

I have bird flaps. They are going next week along with my ugly conk... wish me luck !!! Ps I also have rubbery elephant/ chicken skin elbows...

[@ThePlasticLife]

I hope everything went well for you! Congratulations on your new arms!

[@accountantintraining4752]

I understand, my flab arms are genetics. I'm screwed and getting Kybella soon.

[@Jeannette.81]

I’m 42 and I work out at the gym for over a year, and I still have bat wings I’m not sure if it’s because of my age or it’s the hardest to tone up

[@ThePlasticLife]

Its possible that its loose skin. Unfortunately as we age the skin under the arms gets a bit lax, which then makes it non responsive to working out at the gym.

[@Jeannette.81]

Thank you for the information, is there anything I can do with loose skin under my arms ?

[@adrianabarrios5317]

How long after the surgery can we start going back to the gym?

[@ThePlasticLife]

Typically I tell patients that they can go back to the gym with light work outs around 4 weeks after surgery. No restrictions after 6 weeks

[@sashaclarke2749]

I’ve had big arms all my life to the point of asking me “If I work out?!” 13/14 inch arms on a woman, that’s not a body builder?! I’ll pass… But thinking of doing this, but don’t think that I need the scars, only lipo.

[@ThePlasticLife]

Whenever you decide to go through with the procedure, I hope you have a smooth recovery and great results!

[@tsitsimazambara4975]

Hie I want to do that

[@ThePlasticLife]

Hope this video helped you understand your options!

[@MeowwBakes]

Is it safe ? Does it have any side effects or will it bounce back in future

[@ThePlasticLife]

Arm lift surgery has some risks to it and I think I’ll make a video on that soon. In general though the extra skin and fat that is removed will not come back but if you have lost a large amount of weight it is possible that your skin may stretch again in the future causing your arms to appear a little loose later on. It definitely wont be to the degree you had before the surgery but you may notice it. Again, I typically only worry about that on my massive weight loss patients or my patients about age 60 as the older your skin is the less its going to have elasticity to it.

[@SheylaN994]

This was great thank you Dr! I am 2 days and a half into my arm liposuction. I have a lot of swelling in my lower arm and hands. I have been wearing my compression garment 24 hrs, I only took it off to shower and wash it. Other than the swelling and minor discomfort, I feel great and already love my new arms. 🩷💪🏽

[@ThePlasticLife]

I love it!!! Very happy for you!!! Sounds like things are going great!

[@sincerelycoco2034]

I'm really interested how was your pain level?

[@junerockstar9969]

I had arm lift surgery.. cut from my underarms to my elbows. When can I use a hammer🔨 again ? My job involves using a hammer, I’m a jeweler.

[@ThePlasticLife]

Hi June! Congratulations on your surgery! The best thing to do to figure out when you can swing a hammer is to talk with your surgeon who did the surgery. Every surgeon has a time frame for when they are comfortable for patients to get back to strenuous activity

[@nataliemeenakshithegreat7780]

Hahahaha you are so cute I want to do something about my arms too but I saw the scarf it is scary

[@ThePlasticLife]

It can be scary but none of my patients regret their scars and they love their new arms! There are a lot of options to help minimize the scars post op too.

[@ntravelvlogs706]

I don’t see any giggly thing

[@jenniferzamora1362]

Runs in the family I need them gone 😆 too big for my body

[@ThePlasticLife]

They definitely can run in the family!

[@alucylu9714]

You keep repeating yourself on this - no need , it makes it boring

[@ThePlasticLife]

Okay. Thank you!

[@richrosegold610]

Where's your video on the matter?

[@nikkigibson1978]

Do you suggest weight lifting before surgery if u plan to work out after recovery

[@ThePlasticLife]

Weight lifting before arm lift surgery is perfectly fine, but afterwards it is recommended to wait until you are cleared by your surgeon to start working out again. I typically ask my patients to take 5 to 6 weeks off from heavy lifting.