Arm lift surgery, or brachioplasty, is a cosmetic procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms to create a slimmer, more toned contour, especially for people with “bat wing” sagging after aging or weight loss.
Chicago plastic surgeon, Dr. Florence Mussat, can reshape the upper arm by tightening loose skin and removing excess tissue from the underarm to the elbow, often combined with liposuction for more refined contouring. This procedure can be especially beneficial if exercise has improved your strength but not the laxity or drooping skin on the underside of your arms. Many patients choose brachioplasty after significant weight loss or simply to feel more confident wearing sleeveless and fitted clothing.
An upper arm lift is designed to reduce excess skin and fat between the underarm and the elbow, smooth and firm the upper arm, and restore a more proportionate, youthful arm shape. By carefully placing incisions along the inside of the arm or within the armpit, Dr. Mussat focuses on creating natural-looking results while keeping scars as discreet as possible.
Who Is an Ideal Candidate for Brachioplasty?
You may be a good candidate for an arm lift if your weight is stable, but you still struggle with underarm slackness that hides your true shape. People who have lost a large amount of weight and are now left with hanging “bat wing” skin and localized fat are often excellent candidates for this procedure.
Candidacy also depends on being healthy, a non-smoker, and free of medical conditions that could impair healing or increase surgical risk. It is important to be willing to accept a well-placed scar in exchange for slimmer, more attractive arms and to be devoted to maintaining a healthy lifestyle to preserve your results.
What Benefits Do Arm Lifts Offer?
A Chicago arm lift can dramatically improve the contour of the upper arms, helping clothing fit better and rebuilding confidence in your appearance. Many patients feel more comfortable wearing sleeveless tops, dresses, and swimwear, and they often report a more balanced, proportionate silhouette.
Results are typically long-lasting as long as you maintain a stable weight and healthy habits. While some natural loss of firmness occurs with aging, most patients continue to enjoy slimmer, smoother arm contours for years after surgery.
How Is Arm Lift Surgery Performed?
During your arm lift procedure, Dr. Mussat first makes careful markings on the arms, elbows, and armpits to plan incision placement and tailor the surgery to your anatomy and goals. Depending on your needs, you will receive either intravenous sedation or general anesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure.
Incisions are then created to remove excess skin and fat with the goal of concealing them as much as possible inside the armpits or along the inner arm. Liposuction may be used to improve the contour and address stubborn pockets of fat, followed by removal of extra skin and precise closure of the incisions to tighten and smooth the arm. Sutures are placed beneath the skin where they are gradually absorbed by your body, helping to minimize visible stitch marks and support a cleaner scar line.
What Can You Expect From Customized Consultation and Planning?
Every brachioplasty is customized, starting with a private consultation where your concerns, lifestyle, and cosmetic goals are discussed in detail. Dr. Mussat will examine the quality of your skin, distribution of fat, and overall body proportions to determine the most appropriate arm lift technique for you.
This consultation is also the time to review your medical history, medications, and prior surgeries to ensure that arm lift surgery is a safe choice. You will have the opportunity to ask questions about anesthesia, incision patterns, recovery expectations, and how an arm lift can be combined with other body contouring procedures if needed.
How Do You Choose an Arm Lift Surgeon in Chicago?
Selecting an experienced plastic surgeon in Chicago for brachioplasty can create a meaningful effect in both safety and aesthetic outcome. A skilled surgeon understands how to balance skin removal and contouring while protecting arm function and maintaining natural proportions with the shoulders and torso.
Patients in Chicago often choose an arm lift after weight-loss surgery as part of a comprehensive body contouring plan, or as a standalone procedure to address age-related laxity. Scheduling a consultation is the first step in learning whether arm lift surgery can help you achieve firmer, more youthful-looking arms.
Schedule Your Arm Lift Consultation Today!
Ready to discover if an arm lift is right for you? Contact Dr. Mussat’s office today to schedule your personal consultation and take the first step toward achieving smoother, firmer arms. Our team is here to answer your questions and guide you through every stage of the process. Call or visit us online to reserve your appointment and begin your transformation.
