Arm Lift In Grass Valley, CA
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You’re rightly proud of yourself for dropping a serious amount of pounds, but you’re still avoiding many of those sleeveless fashion styles. Following major weight loss, the skin may not rebound quite like it used to, resulting in excess pockets of fat and loose, hanging skin throughout the body–including the arms. Patients who desire an arm lift might call their arms “bat wings,” referring to the tendency of hanging skin to look like wings when the patient holds their arms up.
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Dr. Lattyak and his team at the Élan Clinic understand that body contouring procedures following massive weight loss–like the arm lift–play an essential role in getting patients back to normal and feeling great about their bodies. Our mission is to get you the best possible natural-looking result from your arm lift and help you reach your goals.
What Is an Arm Lift?
Sometimes called brachioplasty or upper arm reduction, an arm lift is a cosmetic procedure that removes loose skin and fat from the upper arms. Usually performed on post-bariatric patients or after major weight loss, an arm lift can remove excess skin that detracts from the arms, revealing a more sculpted contour and visible musculature.
Request A ConsultationWhat Are the Benefits of an Arm Lift?
Following massive weight loss, the skin may not be able to snap back into place due to a loss of skin elasticity. For patients who have successfully lost weight, whether through diet and exercise, undergoing surgery to lose weight, or using popular weight loss drugs, the resulting loose skin around the upper arms can be quite disappointing, detract from their weight loss results, and even become a source of insecurity. An arm lift can help restore a more pleasing aesthetic to the arms, in addition to providing:
- Boosted confidence after major weight loss
- Slim, toned arms
- Visible arm muscles and contours
- Eliminated loose skin
As with most body contouring procedures, an arm lift can help patients restore a normal appearance and function to their bodies following major changes.
Am I a Candidate for an Arm Lift?
An arm lift is a specialized procedure in that the subset of patients who are ideal candidates is quite narrow. Most patients who want to undergo this procedure are post-bariatric, post-massive weight loss, or have loose skin due to aging. Candidates for an arm lift:
- Should be close to their goal weight
- Primarily have an excess of skin on their arms and possibly a modest amount of excess fat
- Are in good health
- Have realistic expectations for results
- Are nonsmokers, or are willing to quit
It’s important to note that body contouring procedures, like an arm lift or body lift, work best when the patient has lost enough weight and has been able to maintain their weight for some time. While it may be tempting to seek this procedure at the first sign of weight loss, you should wait until your weight loss is complete and you have maintained your new weight for at least six months to ensure the longevity of results. If you gain the weight back, this can negatively affect your results and may necessitate a subsequent procedure.
What Are My Arm Lift Options?
Standard Arm Lift
Dr. Lattyak offers a standard arm lift to his patients, which involves the removal of hanging skin throughout the upper arm. Most patients who undergo a standard arm lift exhibit predominantly loose skin that runs from the elbow up through the upper arm and biceps/triceps to the chest wall. This procedure aims to remove the loose skin via an incision that runs the length of the upper arm and to reveal the slimmer, more contoured arm muscles and shape underneath.
Arm Lift with Liposuction
For some patients, Dr. Lattyak may recommend an arm lift with liposuction. This may be ideal if you present with both loose skin and modest excess pockets of fat. The end result is similar to a standard arm lift, as this procedure aims to slim the arms and drape the skin in a more pleasing contour.
Combining Your Arm Lift with Other Procedures
If you have lost a significant amount of weight, you most likely have excess skin throughout other areas of your body, not just your arms. Additional body contouring procedures can be extremely beneficial in creating a cohesive result. Dr. Lattyak may find it applicable to combine your arm lift with another procedure, or he may advise you to have your additional procedure performed at a later date to ensure safety. Some complementary procedures include:
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Tummy Tuck
Abdominoplasty is almost a must-have for post-massive weight loss patients, as this body contouring procedure allows Dr. Lattyak to surgically tighten the abdominal muscles that commonly become stretched with significant weight gain. Additionally, Dr. Lattyak will remove excess skin throughout the midsection for a smooth, tightened result.
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Body Lift
A body lift, sometimes called a belt lipectomy or circumferential tummy tuck, also tightens the abdominal wall, but it involves a 360-degree skin-tightening result for patients with extensive excess skin. The body lift removes fat and skin in a belt-like shape, resulting in a comprehensive skin tightening and slimming result throughout the midsection, thighs, lower back, and buttocks.
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Breast Lift/Augmentation
Many women suffer from deflated, droopy breasts after massive weight loss. This can be corrected with a breast lift (also called a mastopexy) or, more commonly, a combination breast lift and augmentation (augmentation mastopexy).
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Facelift
Loose skin does not just affect the body–the face also displays notable changes following major weight loss. Excess skin, a loss of youthful volume, and a lack of facial definition are all common issues. A facelift can lift and tighten underlying tissues as well as remove excess skin for a more youthful result.
How Is an Arm Lift Performed?
Your Consultation
Your arm lift consultation with Dr. Lattyak is essential to determine whether you are a good candidate and which specific procedure is most appropriate to maximize your results. Dr. Lattyak will examine your arms and discuss your goals for the procedure, including realistic expectations.
He will also go over your medical history with you, including any supplements or medications you are currently taking, to ensure there are no contraindications that can affect your surgical outcome. Be sure to tell Dr. Lattyak if you smoke, use any nicotine products, or take any medications that can affect clotting.
If you decide to have an arm lift and Dr. Lattyak agrees it is a good fit for you, he will explain the techniques used, where the surgery will be performed, and the risks and costs involved. Don’t hesitate to ask Dr. Lattyak if you have any questions or concerns, especially those regarding your expectations and concerns for results.
If you are interested in brachioplasty and would like to find out more about which arm lift option is best for you or which procedures you can combine with your arm lift, call the Élan Clinic today at (530) 273-3400 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Lattyak.
The Arm Lift Procedure
Your arm lift will be performed using techniques specific to your needs and anatomy. However, generally, you can expect the following:
Dr. Lattyak will perform your upper arm reduction using general anesthesia for your comfort. Arm lift incisions may run from the elbow to just under the armpit, or he may use a shorter incision, depending on the amount of skin that must be removed. The incision may run along the back of the arm or under the arm.
Once the incision is made, Dr. Lattyak will remove any excess fat via liposuction or direct excision. He will then tighten the underlying tissues before redraping the skin into a taut, pleasing contour. The excess skin is removed, and the incisions are closed.
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What Is Arm Lift Recovery Like?
Following your arm lift, you may feel tired, sore, and groggy as you recover from the anesthesia. For this reason, we require a responsible driver to take our patients home after surgery. Your arms will be wrapped in gauze or bandages, and you may have a surgical drain placed to reduce fluid build-up. Pain is usually manageable with over-the-counter medications or pain medication prescribed by Dr. Lattyak.
You will have limited mobility in your arms for quite some time, so you will need to plan ahead by asking a friend or family member to stay with you and help with daily activities such as preparing meals. Or, you may wish to prepare your home by setting everyday objects in more accessible locations and preparing meals ahead of time.
During recovery, be sure to get as much rest as possible and to eat a healthy diet, as both will help speed up your healing process greatly. Most patients can return to work about 10 to 14 days after the procedure, depending on how much activity your job requires.
Dr. Lattyak will give you more specific instructions related to your procedure, which may include the following guidelines:
- Avoid strenuous activities for at least two weeks
- Be sure to care for your incisions and avoid alcohol, steam baths, and saunas
- Most importantly, get plenty of rest and listen to the needs of your body
Be sure to call the Élan Clinic if you have any questions or concerns throughout your recovery process. Dr. Lattyak and our team are always available to help!
When Will I See My Arm Lift Results?
You will notice immediately after surgery that your arms are much slimmer and without loose, hanging skin. However, they will be swollen and bruised for some time following your procedure, so do not be too discouraged.
As you heal, your arms will continue to improve. As the swelling decreases, you will be able to see the tightened contours and details of your underlying muscles. When you are fully healed, your arms will be slimmed and sculpted. You should be advised that even after your incisions are healed, the scarring may be prominent for some time. Arm lift scars are typically pink for several months after surgery and may take up to a year to become less visible.
After your upper arm reduction, you can feel confident wearing short sleeves to show off your new arm contours; however, it is important to minimize sun exposure to the scars and use strong sun protection for one year after surgery to reduce the risk of pigmentation complications.
How Much Does an Arm Lift Cost in Grass Valley, CA?
Each arm lift that Dr. Lattyak performs is unique to the needs and anatomy of the patient; therefore, the cost is determined by the details of the surgical plan. Once Dr. Lattyak creates a unique surgical plan for you, he will be happy to provide you with an accurate cost estimate.
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What Our Patients Are Saying
“I really appreciate the time taken to explain procedures and options by Dr. Lattyak when I came in for multiple procedures stemming from a car accident 10 years ago. Quality work and practically painless!” “I’m a 60 year old teacher, not quite ready to retire. For my end of career time in the classroom I wanted to look more refreshed and youthful. Dr. Lattyak and his staff helped make this dream come true. The results of upper eyelid and brow lift are beautiful and the recovery period was over quickly. Thanks for everything.”
“I am so happy with my experience with Dr. Lattyak, his staff, and my surgery results. I will (and do!) recommend this office to anyone considering surgery.”
“Never had a better treatment. Nurses were great and Dr. Lattyak is remarkable.”