Arm Lift Washington DC

Due to dramatic weight loss and the natural aging process, arms can become flabby, heavy, and uncomfortable. While diet and exercise can offer some help, they are often unable to adequately correct loose, hanging skin.

In these cases, an arm lift is the most effective way to achieve a leaner and firmer appearance to the arms. Continue reading to learn all about an arm lift at Cultura Plastic Surgery with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Kelly Bolden, including who’s a good candidate, how it’s performed, and what to expect from recovery.

What is an Arm Lift?

An arm lift is an outpatient surgical procedure designed to eliminate excess skin for more toned and defined arms. It’s well-suited for women and men who experience uncomfortable irritation and arm heaviness and those who wish to feel more confident in sleeveless and slim-fit shirts and dresses.

Your Arm Lift Consultation With Dr. Bolden

At Cultura Plastic Surgery, your consultation for an arm lift will be with Dr. Kelly Bolden. Dr. Bolden will go through the arm lift procedure in detail, including varying techniques to best achieve your treatment goals.
She will address all your questions to ascertain your specific needs. Together, you will decide the approach to giving you the best, long-lasting surgical results.

Your surgery will take place on site, in our certified surgical suite at Cultura Plastic Surgery Center in Washington DC.

Who’s a Good Candidate for an Arm Lift?

Good candidates for an arm lift are healthy women and men who are bothered by hanging skin and chafing. Many of these patients are hoping to improve the appearance of their arms as well as alleviate painful rubbing.

Successful candidates understand the associated benefits, risks, and recovery requirements and have realistic expectations of results.

It’s also important that patients are non-smokers or are willing to stop smoking at least four weeks before and after surgery.

How is an Arm Lift Performed?

An arm lift typically takes 1-2 hours to complete and may be performed under local anesthesia with IV sedation or general anesthesia.

During the procedure, an incision is made to allow for adequate sculpting and slimming of the arms. The extent of correction needed will dictate incision length. In most cases, the incision is placed on the interior portion of the arm and extends from the underarm to the elbow. Excess skin is then removed to reduce arm circumference and improve contours.

As a board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Bolden is an expert on arm lift surgery. Her extensive training allows her to use the shortest incisions, placed in a concealed part of the inner arm to achieve the most inconspicuous scars.

If localized fat is also present, Dr. Bolden may perform liposuction in conjunction with an arm lift for a more sculpted and overall slimming refinement of the arms.

Finally, absorbable sutures are used to close and limit the likelihood of scarring.

What Can Patients Expect from Recovery?

Following an arm lift, patients are placed in a compression garment to help decrease swelling and promote healing.

The recovery process typically takes 2 weeks, and patients may experience swelling, bruising, and soreness. Any discomfort can be managed with oral pain medication.

Patients should also take care to rest and elevate their arms in the days following surgery.

Within 1-2 weeks, people are able to return to work as long as it doesn’t require strenuous activity.

Interested in an Arm Lift?

If you are considering an arm lift, please call our office today to schedule a comprehensive consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Kelly Bolden.