Arm Lift in San Antonio

Is there more than one type of arm lift?

There are multiple techniques for arm lifts. At Hill Country we will determine the type of arm lift in San Antonio you will need with a customized plan. The amount, location of the excess skin, and the incisions used for the procedure depend on what areas you would like to be addressed. A way to determine the amount of extra skin on your arm is to stand with your arms up like a goalpost. The skin that hangs down is the skin that is usually removed. Your arm lift may vary in the following ways: 

• A standard brachioplasty removes the skin from the elbow to the armpit. The scar may be visible in sleeveless clothing, but it is placed in an area where it should not be visible if the arms are at the side of the body.
• In an extended brachioplasty, additional skin extending from the armpit to the side of the chest is removed. This is done when patients have had massive weight loss. These surgeries can be combined with a breast and back lift in the appropriate patient. 
• For patients with limited extra skin, it may be possible to isolate the incision to the armpit area so there is no scar on the arm. This technique is limited and not all patients are candidates for this. Sometimes liposuction can be combined with the procedure. However, the best results are achieved when patients are at optimal and stable weight.
• If the patient would benefit from liposuction of the arm, we may also stage the procedure so liposuction is done. First, the skin is allowed to shrink as much as possible, and then a brachioplasty is performed.

What to expect on the day of your arm lift procedure?

• Your plastic surgeon will meet you in the pre-operative area to go over any last- minute questions or concerns you may have. 
• Your plastic surgeon will make some preoperative markings and perform extensive checks with careful attention to detail to ensure you receive the highest quality. 
• You will meet the anesthesiologist and their team, as well as the members of our plastic surgery operative team.
• On the day of surgery do not take the following blood pressure medications with generic names that end in “-pril,” “-sartan” before your surgery. If you are on metformin, you will be asked to not take it on the day of surgery.
• During the plastic surgery procedure, our plastic surgeons pay meticulous attention to detail and work as a highly experienced team to ensure superior results. 
• Your family will be updated of your status periodically and will be able to talk with the plastic surgeon in person after the procedure is completed. 
• The incisions will be placed in a dressing or a compression bandage. Instructions for care on these will be given to you in your preoperative paperwork.