Significant weight loss can bring meaningful health and lifestyle changes, but it may also leave loose skin along the upper arms that exercise can’t improve. An arm lift can reshape this area by removing excess skin and, when appropriate, addressing stubborn fat to create a smoother contour.
At Cosmetic Surgery Specialists of Memphis, Dr. Patricia Eby is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, while Dr. Peter A. Aldea is certified and recertified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and trained in plastic surgery at Duke University Medical Center.
For patients considering an arm lift after weight loss, candidacy depends on factors such as skin laxity, weight stability, overall health, and treatment goals.
What Does an Arm Lift Address?
An arm lift, also called brachioplasty, primarily addresses loose or hanging skin between the underarm and elbow. This concern can become more noticeable after substantial weight loss because stretched skin does not always contract around the arm’s smaller shape.
The procedure may be appropriate when excess tissue causes cosmetic concerns, discomfort, chafing, or difficulty finding clothing that fits comfortably.
Signs You May Be an Arm Lift Candidate
A good arm lift candidate generally has realistic expectations and enough excess skin to benefit from surgical removal. Common considerations include:
- Significant loose or sagging upper-arm skin
- A stable body weight after weight loss
- Good general health for elective surgery
- No plans for major additional weight loss
- A willingness to accept a surgical scar in exchange for improved contour
- Realistic expectations about the procedure and recovery
Smoking can interfere with healing, so patients may also need to stop using nicotine before and after surgery according to their surgeon’s instructions.
Why Weight Stability Matters
Maintaining a steady weight helps support longer-lasting surgical results. Additional substantial weight loss may create new skin laxity, while significant weight gain can stretch the remaining tissues.
For this reason, an arm lift is typically considered once weight loss has leveled off rather than while major changes are still occurring.
What Happens During a Consultation?
An evaluation allows the surgeon to examine the amount and location of excess skin, discuss scarring, and determine whether fat removal should be combined with skin excision. The surgeon also reviews medical history, medications, previous weight changes, and personal goals before recommending an individualized surgical plan.
Explore Arm Lift Surgery in Memphis, TN
An arm lift may help patients who have reached a stable weight but remain bothered by loose upper-arm skin after weight loss. A personalized evaluation can determine whether the procedure fits an individual’s anatomy, health, and cosmetic goals.
To discuss arm lift candidacy with Cosmetic Surgery Specialists of Memphis in Memphis, TN, call 901-752-1412 to schedule a consultation.
