Arm Lifts NYC & Connecticut

Surgery for the Arms – Brachioplasty

If you are unsatisfied with the appearance of your arms, or under the arm, arm lift surgery might be the right solution for you. Excessive weight loss, aging and genetics may result in a “bat wing deformity” of the upper arms. Skin that has been stretched loses its elasticity and tone. Flabby, hanging and swinging skin becomes “wing like”.  An upper arm lift removes excess skin and underlying fat to create a firm and trim appearance. If you would like to learn more about arm lift surgery in NYC or Connecticut, contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Is Arm-Lift Surgery the Only Option for Slimmer Arms?

The “Bat Wing” look

The first approach to get slimmer, toned and a more pleasing shape of the upper arms is weight loss and exercise. Some people find that neither of these options is effective. Aging, genetics, and changes in weight result in decreased elasticity of the skin along with the destruction of collagen and extensive deposits of fat in the upper arms (brachium). Flabby and hanging skin from the armpit to the elbow is the result.

When you extend your arms, and the loose skin looks like a bat prepared to fly, you may be experiencing what is commonly described as “bat wing deformity.” People with the “bat wing” look may use oversized clothing cover the arms. They may feel embarrassment and self-consciousness, which takes away from self-esteem and confidence.

There are many factors taken into consideration when deciding upon the right approach needed to obtain the best possible improvement from your arm lift surgery. Liposuction, surgical excision of excess skin and fat or a combination of both procedures are the options we will discuss when you have your patient consultation. Dr. Moynahan will thoroughly explain all your options. You are welcome to ask as many questions as you’d like, which will be answered to your satisfaction.

An arm lift is used to improve the appearance of the arms. De-bulking of the arms includes removal of excess skin and fat and restoration of normal, pleasing contours.

Some common Arm-Lift Procedures

• Upper Arm-Contouring – may involve liposuction, surgery or a combination of both procedures which are focused on slimming, firming and toning the upper arm.
• Classic Arm Lift – may involve liposuction, surgery or a combination of both focused on slimming, firming and toning selected areas of the arm as needed.
• Brachioplasty – the medical term for an Arm Lift

What Can an Arm Lift can do for you

Any person who is committed and serious about having arms that appear fit and toned will often commit to a workout using weight machines and free weights. Overall upper-body strengthening can burn off excess fat in troublesome arms. Unfortunately, this approach is not effective for many persons. You may find that your exercise and diet regimens aren’t working, so a different avenue of treatment is needed such as an arm lift.

When arms jiggle and fat deposits are unresponsive to exercise, contributing factors must be considered. Genetics, aging, weight gain and weight loss, excessive fat deposits, loss of skin elasticity and less collagen create an unattractive appearance along with difficulty wearing clothing.

Liposuction is the procedure of choice to remove excess fat if the overlying skin has very good elasticity. Arm flab combined with underlying fat (bat-wing deformity) is generally managed through more involved arm-lift surgery.

A consultation with Doctor Moynahan can help. We get your complete medical history, and Dr. Moynahan does a thorough physical examination with a focus on your arms. She will discuss your options and advise on the best way forward for your particular case.

You are an ideal patient for an arm lift if

• You have realistic expectations from the procedure
• Your weight is stable
• You don’t smoke
• You’re healthy with no increased risks from surgery
• Your upper arm skin/flesh is extremely lax

What Arm Lift Surgery with Dr. Paula Moynahan Involves

An initial consultation with Dr. Moynahan for arm lift surgery (Brachioplasty)

Your arm lift surgery consultation begins with a discussion about the appearance of your arms and what you don’t like about them. She will review your medical records, discuss your lifestyle, exercise and weight gain and weight loss history, as well as the goals you hope to achieve from your arm lift.

A careful and thorough examination of your arms follows. Dr. Moynahan is praised by her peers as having a superior aesthetic eye. She will evaluate the symmetry and proportion which will align your upper arms with your body.

The surgical procedure of choice for you (liposuction, excision of fat and skin or a combination of both) will be thoroughly discussed. Dr. Moynahan will let you know what results you can realistically expect.

Before your Arm Lift surgical procedure (Brachioplasty)

Prior to your arm lift surgery, Dr. Moynahan’s office gets medical clearance from your primary care physician. We take Pre-op photos, and you will receive your pre-op instructions. This will include discontinuing specific OTC (over the counter) medications, botanicals, herbals and food supplements that may interfere with your surgery. Standard lab tests are needed, and some are carried out at the discretion of your primary care doctor.

Your Arm-Lift Surgery Details (Brachioplasty)

The surgery is performed on an ambulatory basis. Upon arrival at the Surgi-center, you will be welcomed and made comfortable by an experienced surgical team comprised of Doctor Moynahan, nurses, and your anesthetist.

Upper arm-lift surgery is performed as an outpatient under general anesthesia or IV sedation. Doctor Moynahan indicates the location of the incisions with a “marking pen” while the patient is in the “pre-op area” and while standing with your arms extended. Your questions are welcome and you’ll have them answered to their satisfaction before you’re transferred to the operating room.

What is the Length of Time Required to Perform Arm-lift Surgery (Brachioplasty)?

The difference in the time required to perform arm-lift surgery depends on the complexity of the operation. Usually, the operation is performed within two to three hours and recovery is about an hour to two. The patient is discharged to leave for home when totally awake, in the care of a responsible adult.

The Different types of Arm-Lift surgery

• Limited incision arm-lift is used in cases of the least amount of excess tissue to be removed, where the incision is made in the armpit (axilla).
• Mid-portion arm-lift involves removal of a greater amount of excess skin and fat. The incisions extend from the armpits to the elbow.
• Classic arm-lift allows for the maximum removal of the extensive bat-wing defect. Incisions are made from the armpit to the elbow to remove the maximum amount of skin and fat.

Recovery after an Arm-Lift

Strenuous activities such as push-ups, weight lifting, tennis, and golf must be avoided during the immediate post-op period. Depending on the extent of surgery you’ve undergone, certain activities will be prohibited from 3-6 weeks after the operation. Dr. Moynahan and you will observe the operation sites and the doctor will determine when you can resume normal to strenuous activities.

Post op visit

At your first post-op visit with Dr. Moynahan, your dressings will be removed and the wounds will be inspected. Dr. Moynahan will evaluate how the wounds are healing, as removing the sutures depends on the healing, which is unique for each individual.

Scarring after an arm lift

Dr. Moynahan understands concerns people have regarding the extent of scarring as a result of arm lift surgery. The incisions are placed from the armpits extending onto the skin of the inside of the arm which results in minimal scarring possible. The length of the scar is dependent upon the extent of the surgery.

What can I expect from Arm Lift Surgery?

Immediately following your operation, you can expect bruising and swelling. As healing progresses, swelling and bruising slowly disappear. Aesthetic contours emerge, showcasing slimmer arms. You may find that normal clothes fit comfortably.

Permanent repair results from Arm-Lift Surgery

The arm lift surgery produces permanent results which depend on the patient maintaining a reasonable weight, and taking into consideration normal changes due to the aging process.

You may gain improved confidence from an Arm Lift

Improved comfort, enhanced hygiene, and the ease of buying and wearing clothes are added benefits. Many of our patients report an increase in self-confidence and self-esteem, reporting being “happier” and looking and feeling their “best.” Many patients say they felt a positive impact on their lives.

Why is Dr. Paula Moynahan the best choice for your Arm Lift Surgery?

Paula Moynahan is qualified & credentialed. Dr. Moynahan is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and The American Board of Surgery. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons ensures their members are highly trained, possess the appropriate qualifications and participate in continuing medical education.

Arm Lift Before & After Photos

The benefits of plastic surgery are more than physical.

• Many satisfied patients experience increased confidence
• A rise in self-esteem then follows.
• Patients have reported being “happier” and looking and feeling their “best.”
• Many said they felt a positive impact on their quality of life.