Also known as brachioplasty , an arm lift reshapes the under portion of the upper arm, from the underarm region to the elbow.

An arm lift, or brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure that:

• Reduces excess sagging skin that droops downward
• Tightens and smoothes the underlying supportive tissue that defines the shape of the upper arm
• Reduces localized pockets of fat in the upper arm region

Fluctuations in weight, growing older, and heredity can cause your upper arms to have a drooping, sagging appearance. This is a condition that cannot be corrected through exercise.

Arm lift surgery may be right for you if the underside of your upper arms are sagging or appear loose and full due to excess skin and fat.

In general, arm lift candidates include:

• Adults with significant upper arm skin laxity
• Adults of any age whose weight is relatively stable and who are not significantly overweight
• Healthy individuals without medical conditions that impair healing or increase risk of surgery
• Non-smokers Individuals with a positive outlook and realistic expectations

During your recovery from arm lift surgery, dressings or bandages may be applied to your incisions, and your arms may be wrapped in an elastic bandage or a compression garment to minimize swelling following surgery.

A small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid.

You will be given specific instructions on how to care for the surgical site and drains, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing, specific concerns to look for, and when to follow up with your plastic surgeon.

Be sure to ask your arm lift surgeon specific questions about what you can expect during your individual recovery period:

• Where will I be taken after my surgery is complete?
• What medication will I be given or prescribed after surgery?
• Will I have dressings/bandages after surgery? When will they be removed?
• Are stitches removed? When?
• When can I resume normal activity and exercise?
• When do I return for follow-up care?

The smoother, tighter contours that result from arm lift surgery are apparent almost immediately following your procedure. Initial results will be obscured by swelling and bruising, and a scar will remain where the incision was made.

You can view arm lift surgery before and after photos in our gallery.

Although good results are expected from your procedure, there is no guarantee. In some situations, it may not be possible to achieve optimal results with a single surgical procedure and another surgery may be necessary.

The results of arm lift surgery will be long lasting, provided that you maintain a stable weight and general fitness. As your body ages, it is natural to lose some firmness, but most of your improvement should be relatively permanent.

Following your physician's instructions is essential to the success of your surgery.

It's important that the surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, swelling, abrasion, or motion during the time of healing. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to care for yourself.

In preparing for tummy tuck surgery, you may be asked to:

• Get lab testing or a medical evaluation
• Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
• Stop smoking
• Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding

The decision to have plastic surgery is extremely personal, and you'll have to decide if the benefits, risks and potential complications of arm lift surgery are acceptable.

You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure.

These risks and others will be fully discussed prior to your consent. It's important that you address all your questions directly with your plastic surgeon.

Use this checklist as a guide during your arm lift surgery consultation:

• Am I a good candidate for this procedure?
• What will be expected of me to get the best results?
• Where and how will you perform my procedure?
• What surgical technique is recommended for me?
• How long of a recovery period can I expect, and what kind of help will I need during my recovery?
• What are the risks and complications associated with my procedure?
• How are complications handled?
• How can I expect my arms to look over time?
• What are my options if I am dissatisfied with the cosmetic outcome of my arm lift?
• Do you have before-and-after photos I can look at for this procedure and what results are reasonable for me?