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What Is Brachioplasty?

Also known as an upper arm lift, it’s a surgical procedure that improves age or weight-related sagging skin and fat. It addresses various cosmetic concerns around the bicep area. These include loose, sagging skin and excess fat that often occurs from significant weight loss, aging, or genetic factors. This procedure also reduces the “bat wings” appearance, for a more toned look. In surgery, Dr. Singh removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms, to enhance contours and alleviate discomfort. A main concern among those seeking brachioplasty is chafing or irritation. Many undergo this procedure when exercise and diet are insufficient at correcting these issues and improving the arms’ silhouette.

How Aging Affects the Arms

Aside from weight change and your genetics, there are a wide array of reasons that excess skin and fat can accumulate. Aging is the most common factor among patients. Over time, a natural decrease in collagen and elastin production causes the skin to lose its youthfulness.

Years of gravity’s pull only exacerbates this process’ effects and causes loose, hanging skin. Colloquially, people refer to these as “bat wings.” Additionally, aging may lead to a redistribution of fat, with the upper arms becoming a common deposit site. This leads to an undesired bulky appearance that brachioplasty can correct.

Weight fluctuations also play a critical role in the appearance of the upper arms. Significant weight loss (especially if rapid) often leaves behind excess skin that the body can’t retract. Similarly, extreme gain can irreparably stretch the skin.

Genetics on the other hand can predispose individuals to store more fat in certain areas. These factors make the upper arms a common area of concern that brachioplasty addresses. It can restore a more toned and contoured appearance.

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Brachioplasty Before & After

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Dr. Singh’s Approaches to Brachioplasty

Tailored to meet his patients’ unique needs, Dr. Singh performs this surgery with a variety of methods. He understands that everyone’s concerns and goals differ greatly. Some only need minimal treatment for their less severe droopiness. On the other hand, they might require Dr. Singh to reshape the entire upper arm, to correct significant sagging.

Traditional Arm Lift

Also known as a standard brachioplasty, this primarily corrects severe sagging and drooping. Ideal for addressing a considerable amount of excess skin and fat, it dramatically improves the contours and appearance.

Dr. Singh starts by creating an incision along the inner arm. It ranges from the armpit to the elbow, but sometimes, it extends onto the chest for better access to the treatment area. From there, he tightens and reshapes the underlying supportive tissues, for more definition. When finished, he uses sutures designed to minimize scarring.

Short Scar Arm Lift

This is a less invasive alternative to the traditional approach, removing only excess skin from the inner arm. Dr. Singh recommends this procedure for patients who don’t require extensive correction.

He hides the scar by placing the incision within the natural contours of the armpit. When healed, it is extremely difficult to spot. Through this incision, he can access and tighten the underlying tissues and remove excess skin and fat. The result is a smoother, more toned appearance with minimal scarring.

Limited Incision Arm Lift

Like the ‘short scar’ approach, Dr. Singh recommends it for patients who do not require extensive correction. While the former only removes excess skin, this procedure also targets fat. It offers a balance between minimal invasiveness and effective aesthetic enhancement to a larger area. This makes it a suitable option for those seeking noticeable improvement, without a traditional approach’s longer healing process.

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Upper Arm Lift Recovery

After the surgery, Dr. Singh applies a compression garment he advises patients to wear for several weeks. Though patients may experience mild to moderate discomfort, this minimizes swelling and supports new contours.

Dr. Singh also provides specific at-home care instructions, like keeping their arms elevated as much as possible. Most patients find they can return to work within 1-2 weeks, but should avoid strenuous activities for 4-6 weeks, post-op.

Ideal Candidates for Brachioplasty

Individuals concerned about the appearance of sagging skin on their upper arms may be fit for this surgery. Typically, they experienced weight loss that caused excess droopiness. Additionally, they’re healthy non-smokers, with realistic expectations about the outcomes of this procedure.

When you meet with Dr. Singh, you will find that he carefully examines each patient. Primarily, he evaluates their skin’s laxity and the amount of excess fat that is present in the arms. He aims to provide a thorough understanding, so patients can make an informed decision.

Consulting with Dr. Singh

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Expertise and experience play significant roles in achieving your desired outcome. So, choosing the right surgeon is most important. Dr. Mansher Singh, a Harvard and Johns Hopkins-trained surgeon, stands out in this regard for his technical skills and abilities. With great patient care, he can meet their unique needs and goals.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Singh, call his Manhattan office at (212) 470-4020, or visit his website to learn more.

Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) Before and After Photos

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View more before and after arm lift patient photos

Brachioplasty FAQ

What can I expect from the results?

Is it a pain-free procedure?

How much does it cost?

How long is the recovery?

Can I pair other procedures?

What can I expect from the results?

The procedure typically results in tighter, smoother skin and a reduction of sagging, often referred to as the 'batwing' appearance. The overall contour of the arm will be more toned and proportional to the rest of the body. While some scarring is likely, it is generally well-hidden and tends to fade over time with proper care.

Is it a pain-free procedure?

Dr. Singh commonly uses local anesthesia with IV sedation, which helps patients remain comfortable throughout the surgery. Most patients experience only mild discomfort during the procedure, and this approach also minimizes potential side effects compared to general anesthesia.

How much does it cost?

The cost of an arm lift varies based on several factors, including the surgeon's expertise, the extent of the surgery, the specific approach used, and the geographic location. Prices can vary widely between practices, and because it is a cosmetic procedure, insurance typically does not cover it. For a detailed estimate, it's best to contact Dr. Singh’s office directly.

How long is the recovery?

Patients generally need about 1-2 weeks off from work and regular activities, with mild swelling and bruising that usually subsides within a few weeks. Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for 4-6 weeks to ensure proper healing. After a couple of months, the recovery process is mostly complete, allowing patients to fully resume normal activities.

Can I pair other procedures?

Yes, patients often combine brachioplasty with other surgeries, such as breast lift, tummy tuck, or liposuction, for more comprehensive body contouring. Combining procedures can be more convenient and reduce the overall recovery time compared to undergoing separate operations. However, it’s essential to consult with Dr. Singh to determine the best approach tailored to your goals and needs.

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