Over time skin loses its elasticity all over the body. This can lead to sagging skin around the upper arm area that leaves many feeling self-conscious. Dr. Judge understands that this feeling of unease and discomfort can deeply affect other aspects of the patient’s life like preventing them from wearing certain clothes and even performing certain activities. A brachioplasty (more commonly called an arm lift) reduces the excess skin and fat between the underarm and elbow, and reshapes the arm with smoother skin and contours.*
Dr. Judge believes in creating a safe environment where patients feel comfortable discussing their aesthetic goals. As a plastic surgeon she excels at marrying science and art for optimized results.* She believes that while she may be treating one specific part, that part is connected to the whole: each patient and surgery is tailored to the individual. Dr. Judge collaborates with her patients and listens to what they want; this nurturing approach sets her apart.
Factors like advancing age and fluctuations in weight cause the upper arms to appear loose or sagging. While exercise can certainly strengthen and improve the muscle tone, it cannot take care of excess skin that has lost elasticity or underlying weakened and localized fat deposits.
An arm lift can restore a youthful appearance to the upper arms and restore patient confidence.* When it comes to brachioplasty, attention to detail is critical and creating a proportional and contoured appearance is key. The best candidates for an arm lift surgery have pockets of fat or loose, sagging skin that have not responded well to diet and/or exercise. Dr. Judge will help determine if this operation is the best procedure to address your desires and aesthetic goals. Her goal is always to empower and inspire inner-confidence in her patients starting with the outward appearance.
Performed under general anesthesia with a licensed anesthetist overseeing the procedure, a brachioplasty can take anywhere from 2 to 3 hours. All of Dr. Judge’s arm lift surgeries are performed at an outpatient surgery center.
During the operation Dr. Judge will remove excess skin and fat from the upper arm that develops because of substantial weight loss, weight gain, or the effects of aging. The result is a firmer, more youthful look.*
A brachioplasty is often times done in tandem with other “lift” procedures such as a breast lift or body lift. Dr. Judge will discuss the best way to achieve your desired aesthetic during your consultation.
There will be postoperative discomfort, but this is typically managed with oral pain killers and will subside after a few days.* Drainage tubes may be left in for 7 to 10 days post-op to collect extraneous blood and fluid.* Although the patient may go home after the surgery, it is advised that a capable adult stay with the patient for a 24-hour period following the surgery to monitor recovery.
Swelling will typically subside within the first few weeks and a compression bandage may be worn to promote proper healing.* Strenuous activity should be avoided for 4 weeks. Scars from the operation will naturally fade within a few months following the procedure.*
*Individual results may vary. Not a guarantee.
Call (415) 409-9760 or click the Schedule Online button below to book an appointment with Dr. Judge.
