An arm lift, or brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from the upper arms, resulting in a more defined and toned appearance. It is particularly beneficial for individuals who have experienced significant weight loss, aging, or natural skin laxity. The result is firmer, well-proportioned arms. The benefits of Dr. Coville’s arm lift technique include:
The natural aging process we all go through also causes our skin to lose elasticity. Many individuals find the arms, in particular, lose their firmness as the layers of muscle and supporting fat become thinner. Some call this a “batwing” or “Bingo wings.” The procedure restores and tightens these areas, leaving you more confident to wear sleeveless tops and dresses.
Although a brachioplasty may be the correct procedure for you, there are other options as well. Be sure to ask about BodyTite arm lift without surgery to understand the difference between the procedures and what is realistic to achieve with each of them.
There are different degrees of ptosis (drooping) deformities of the upper arm. At Cornerstone Plastic Surgery, we treat all types of sagging upper arms. We even treat elbows! You may have large upper arms that are out of proportion for you, or maybe you have extra skin and fat tissue that you would like removed. Many patients have only loose, lax skin without any excess fat that comes from weight loss or aging. It doesn’t matter what your particular issue is. Dr. Coville’s brachioplasty removes any excess tissue and reduces the circumference of your upper arms in a way that is best for you. Which type of surgical correction depends on how much extra skin is present and how loose the supporting tissues may be. This is where Dr. Coville’s surgical technique and experience are most beneficial for his patients. Each patient’s surgical plan is unique, whether you want a subtle improvement or more dramatic results. Dr. Coville knows which surgical technique he will employ to address your concerns and sculpt beautiful, toned arms that you will love to flaunt.
This is Dr. Coville’s innovative method that is perfect for the more mature patient or those with a great deal of weight loss who suffer from the common complaint of loose, crepy skin of the arms with little extra fat. Dr. Coville removes the extra skin and uses a tensionless skin closure leaving only a very fine, thin scar that becomes almost invisible. Recovery is quick, and our patients love this.
You may only have some extra skin that doesn’t require an extensive procedure to correct. The Mini Arm Lift addresses this minor sagging by making small incisions near the armpit. For many patients, this is the ideal option for those with a small amount of excess skin looking for a more subtle improvement with minimal scarring and downtime.
This involves an incision from the armpit to the elbow along the inner arm. It’s perfect for those with moderate to severe sagging and a larger upper arm. Dr. Coville will remove excess skin and fat and reshape your entire upper arm. This procedure will involve a bit more recovery time, but the results are truly dramatic.
Usually, the Extended Arm Lift is best for people who have lost a significant amount of weight and are left with large amounts of excess skin. The incision most often extends beyond the arm onto the side of the chest and addresses considerable sagging and fat deposits. This procedure can be part of a total body contouring regimen after extensive weight loss.
Your arm lift journey with Dr. Coville is personalized and well-structured to ensure a smooth consultation and recovery process. Understanding the timeline helps you know what to expect at each step, from preparing for surgery to achieving your final results.
In your consultation, Dr. Coville will evaluate your health and explain which procedure may be best for you based on the condition of your arms and skin tone. Be sure to discuss your expectations frankly with him and our staff. He will be equally frank with you, describing your alternatives and the risks and limitations of each of your options. You must tell us if you smoke and if you take any medications, vitamins, or other drugs. Dr. Coville will also explain the type of anesthesia to be used, where your surgery will occur, and the costs involved.
Our Cornerstone Plastic Surgery staff will give you detailed instructions to prepare for your surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain medications. While making preparations, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home afterward. Someone should also be available to help you out for a day or two if needed. We can arrange a health aide to assist you if you would like. For those from out of town or traveling abroad for surgery, we will facilitate all the arrangements to make your recovery as comfortable as possible. Be sure to ask about our New Jersey Seaside Recovery options.
On your arm lift surgery day, you will be kept comfortable under general anesthesia, ensuring a pain-free experience. Dr. Coville removes excess skin from incisions along the inner arm, minimizing visible scars. Incisions often run from the elbow to the armpit, addressing both skin and deeper tissues. In some cases, a smaller armpit-only incision is used. Liposuction may also be applied for contouring. The surgery typically lasts 1.5 hours, using dissolvable stitches with minimal need for drainage tubes.
During the initial recovery phase, you can anticipate some soreness and fatigue, which is entirely normal. Most patients are encouraged to start gentle movements within 24 to 48 hours. After a few days, your dressings will be removed, and you’ll need to wear a compression garment to minimize swelling.
An arm lift can improve your appearance and self-confidence. Still, it won’t necessarily change your looks to match your ideal or cause other people to treat you differently. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with Dr. Coville. The best candidates are men or women looking for improvement, not perfection in the way they look. If you’re physically healthy and realistic in your expectations, you may be a good candidate. However, if you have “wings” associated with aging, then a brachioplasty may be right for you.
This surgery is not suitable if you’ve had a mastectomy where the lymph nodes were removed or from other operations in the armpit lymph nodes. Those with multiple infections of the sweat gland may also be poor candidates for brachioplasty. Dr. Coville will happily discuss your suitability for the procedure during your consultation at our Linwood or Toms River, NJ offices.
In most cases, an arm lift is a very straightforward procedure. Nevertheless, as with any operation, there are some risks. Anyone considering surgery should be aware of these potential complications before deciding to move forward. The most common risks include infection, bleeding, and a potentially unsightly scar. Dr. Coville will discuss these details with you during your consultation in Atlantic County and give you as much time as you need to feel comfortable understanding the procedure.
For most patients, the results of an arm lift are incredibly satisfying. Your decision is a highly personal one not everyone may understand. What is important is how you feel about it. If you’ve met your personal goals, then your surgery is a success.
You’ll likely feel tired and sore for a few days following your surgery, but you’ll be moving in 24 to 48 hours. Before your surgery, Dr. Coville will prescribe medication to control any discomfort you may have, so you have them with you when you need them.
Within several days, we will remove the dressings if you have them, and you will need to wear a compression garment. The garment reduces swelling and assists in shrinking and tightening the skin. You should wear it as directed by Dr. Coville.
Elevating your arms with pillows will help you feel more comfortable as you recover. Most patients can return to work within 1 week, depending on the level of activity required for their job. Limiting lifting is essential. Follow our advice on when to begin exercises and to increase activities after surgery. Expect your scars to be firm and pink or red for at least 6 weeks. They may remain the same size for several months or even appear to widen before they begin to fade, although they will never disappear completely. Dr. Coville will continue to see you during this period to determine if you require treatment of your scars so they heal as inconspicuously as possible.
For some patients, non-invasive procedures may be a more suitable option:
Dr. Coville inserts a needle under the skin that emits radio frequency waves to heat up excess fat and then remove it from your body. He uses a tiny incision to perform BodyTite, which also results in moderate skin tightening of the skin in the area.
An arm lift can often be combined with other procedures to achieve a more comprehensive body upliftment and reduce recovery time. Common surgeries that pair well with an arm lift include:
Enhances the shape and position of the breasts.
Reduces excess male breast tissue, offering a more masculine contour.
Tightens the abdominal area, often performed together to address sagging skin on the arms and torso.
The cost of arm lift surgery varies based on individual needs, the extent of the procedure, and anesthesia fees. Consult with Dr. Coville to get a personalized cost estimate.
With proper maintenance, the results can last for many years. Staying active and maintaining a healthy weight will prolong the results.
While arm lift scars are permanent, they do fade over time and are strategically placed to be as inconspicuous as possible.
Most patients can resume driving after about one to two weeks, provided they are no longer taking prescription pain medications.
Written By: Dr. Frederick Coville
Frederick A. Coville, M.D., Cornerstone Plastic Surgery’s Owner and Medical Director
Frederick A. Coville, M.D., Cornerstone Plastic Surgery’s Owner and Medical Director, has been an Aesthetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon for over 25 years. He firmly believes each of us possesses an inner “Foundational Beauty.”
As a student of beauty all his life, he calls upon his naturally artistic eye and God-given talents as a surgeon to deliver the results you demand. Dr. Fred likes to say, “It’s my job to help you find Your Beautiful!”
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Dr. Fred Coville, is a renowned Aesthetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon. He proudly extends his services to Toms River, Atlantic County, Cape May County, Ocean County, South Jersey and the greater Philadelphia area. With a distinguished career spanning 25 years, Dr. Coville is a trusted professional delivering personalized and natural-looking results. His expertise caters to clients in locations such as Atlantic City, Trenton, Toms River, Vineland, Bridgeton, Hammonton, Cape May, and Cherry Hill.
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