Arm Lift | Des Moines Plastic Surgery

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Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) at Des Moines Plastic Surgery®

At Des Moines Plastic Surgery®, our experienced team, led by board-certified surgeon Dr. Robbins, specializes in transformative arm lift surgery (brachioplasty). This procedure helps patients achieve a more toned and youthful appearance by addressing sagging, excess skin on the upper arms—often referred to as “bat wings”.

Whether you’re looking to address sagging skin, improve arm definition, or regain confidence in your appearance, Dr. Robbins and his dedicated team are here to support you every step of the way. With a commitment to safety, precision, and artistry, we strive to help you achieve results that not only look natural but also perfectly complement your unique physique. Turn your vision into reality—because you deserve to love the way you look.

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West Des Moines Ankeny

Arm Lift Overview

Aging and weight loss often lead to sagging, loose skin on the upper arms that’s hard to improve with exercise alone. At Des Moines Plastic Surgery™, arm lift surgery (Brachioplasty) with quadruple board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. David Robbins can reshape and contour your upper arms by removing excess skin and fat. This procedure tightens the area from the underarm to the elbow, restoring a more sculpted, proportionate look. With board certifications in four surgical specialties, Dr. Robbins is one of Iowa’s most trusted surgeons, delivering results that enhance both your appearance and your confidence.

How an Arm Lift Works

Arm lift surgery is designed to remove excess skin, tighten the remaining skin, and sometimes incorporate liposuction to target stubborn problem areas. Typically performed under general anesthesia, the procedure is tailored to your individual needs. For mild sagging, a discreet incision may be made within the armpit. For more significant lifts, incisions might extend from the armpit to the elbow.

By reshaping and smoothing the upper arms, an arm lift enhances your arm contour, giving you a slimmer and more toned appearance. Dr. Robbins ensures precision and care throughout the process, helping you feel confident in your refreshed look.

Choosing The Right Surgeon

Dr. Robbins is Iowa’s only quadruple board-certified plastic surgeon. Des Moines Plastic Surgery™ has an operating suite on site that provides you with privacy and continuity of care. Dr. Robbins and his highly trained staff are available to answer any questions you may have and help you through your journey to look and feel your best.

Are You a Candidate for an Arm Lift?

You may be an ideal candidate for arm lift surgery if you:

Have significant sagging or loose skin on your upper arms.
Are in good overall health and maintain a stable weight.
Have realistic expectations about the procedure’s results.

Benefits of an Arm Lift Treatment

Streamlined Appearance: Removes excess skin and fat for a more toned and defined upper arm.
Improved Comfort: Eliminates chafing and irritation caused by sagging skin.
Confidence Boost: Helps you feel more comfortable wearing short sleeves or tank tops.
Long-lasting Results: Maintain a youthful appearance for years with proper care.

The results are long-lasting, especially for patients who maintain a stable weight and engage in a healthy lifestyle after surgery. Additionally, the boost in self-esteem can positively impact how you interact with others and approach challenges in your daily life.

Arm Lift vs. Other Treatments

Mini brachioplasty involves a smaller incision near the armpit, resulting in less visible scars and a quicker recovery time. On the other hand, extended brachioplasty, similar to a traditional arm lift, includes an additional incision along the chest wall to remove excess skin and improve contouring.

Liposuction permanently eliminates fat cells from the arms but does not address loose skin. For the best results, liposuction is often combined with one of the above procedures to create smoother, more sculpted arms.

When To Consider Arm Lift Surgery

Arm lift surgery can help you achieve a slimmer, more contoured look.

You may be a candidate for brachioplasty if you:

Are you unhappy with the shape, tone, or proportion of your arms
Have excess skin and fat on your upper arms
You are healthy, a non-smoker, and at your ideal weight
You are willing to trade a scar on the back of your arms in exchange for the removal of loose, hanging arm skin
Have tried to tone your arms through diet and exercise, but have been unsuccessful

The best candidates for arm lift surgery are in good overall health and have realistic expectations. Before considering surgery, it’s also important to be at a healthy and stable body weight. Significant changes in weight can negatively impact your results long-term.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

Take the first step toward achieving beautifully contoured arms by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Robbins at Des Moines Plastic Surgery®. With his expertise and compassionate care, you can feel confident in your journey to enhanced confidence and appearance.

Call us at (515) 221-9999 or fill out our online contact form to book your appointment today. Let us help you achieve the toned, youthful arms you deserve!

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Arm Lift Before & After Gallery

arm lift before and after performed by des moines plastic surgery

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Before, During, and After an Arm Lift

What To Expect Before an Arm Lift

During your consultation, you’ll discuss your goals and concerns in detail. Dr. Robbins will assess your arms, review your medical history, and provide a customized surgical plan tailored to your needs.

What To Expect During an Arm Lift

Before your arm lift surgery, you’ll be given medication to ensure your comfort. This may involve either intravenous sedation or general anesthesia, depending on your needs.

The size and placement of the incision will vary based on the amount and location of excess skin. Typically, the incision extends from the underarm to just above the elbow, either along the inside or the back of the arm. If necessary, excess fat will be removed directly or with liposuction. Some cases may even allow for smaller, less noticeable incisions.

Dr. Robbins will carefully tighten and reshape the underlying tissue using internal sutures. This meticulous process ensures the skin is smoothed, creating a refined and natural-looking arm contour.

What To Expect After an Arm Lift

After your arm lift procedure, your incisions will be covered with dressings or bandages, and you’ll wear a compression garment to help reduce swelling. To aid recovery, small drainage tubes may be placed under the skin to remove excess fluid or blood.

Your healthcare provider will give you clear, detailed post-surgery care instructions, including a medication schedule to manage discomfort and prevent infection. You’ll also receive guidance on scheduling your follow-up appointments to ensure your recovery stays on track.

By following these steps closely, you can look forward to a smooth and seamless recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions About Arm Lift

Arm lift surgery is an outpatient procedure (you’ll be able to return home the same day) that requires general anesthesia. The procedure will take place at Des Moines Plastic Surgery™ in our fully accredited operating room. Our onsite operating room allows patients to experience privacy and continuity of care. The length and location of your incisions will depend on the severity of your lift. Mild lifts may only require a small incision concealed within the armpit. More significant arm lifts may require an incision that runs from the armpit to the elbow.

Using a combination of liposuction and excision (surgical removal), Dr. Robbins will firm, tighten and reshape your upper arms. Excess skin will be trimmed away and your incisions will be secured with sutures.

Yes. Arm lift surgery is a surgical procedure that requires time off from work and other daily routines so that you can rest and recuperate. Recovery times vary, but most patients are able to resume most normal activities, including work, within 2 to 4 weeks of surgery. Some more strenuous activities like heavy lifting and exercise may need to be avoided for longer.

It’s normal to experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort for the first several days to weeks following your arm lift in Des Moines. To minimize these symptoms, Dr. Robbins will provide you with a combination of oral pain medication, elastic compression garments, and cold compresses.

Cost can be discussed when you come in for your consultation. The price of your arm lift in Des Moines will be based on the techniques used to perform the procedure and several other factors that Des Moines Plastic Surgery will go over.

No. Scarring is an inevitable consequence of skin removal. However, when possible, your surgeon will try to conceal incision lines within the natural contours of your body. Unfortunately, the scars from an arm lift are usually not fully concealable because there are no creases or contours to hide them.

Your scars will be the most noticeable in the first few weeks following surgery — appearing raised and pigmented. Over time. they will gradually fade, flatten and become less visible. Because the skin is very thin in the upper arm area, the scars will most likely always be visible though. As with any surgery, Des Moines Plastic Surgery will offer to perform a revision of the scars and/or perform laser procedures and other treatments to help reduce scar appearance.

In certain circumstances, liposuction may serve as an alternative; however, liposuction cannot address inelastic or loose skin. Arm lift surgery is the only way to address significant amounts of sagging excess skin on the upper arms.

A full arm lift addresses significant sagging with longer incisions, while a limited incision arm lift is for mild cases, requiring a smaller incision typically hidden in the armpit.

To prepare for arm lift surgery, follow these key steps. Your surgeon may request lab tests or a medical evaluation to ensure you’re fit for the procedure. You may need to adjust, start, or stop certain medications as advised. Quitting smoking is crucial, as it aids healing and reduces the risk of complications. Additionally, avoid substances like aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements, as they can increase bleeding risks. These steps will help ensure a smoother surgical process and recovery.

During an arm lift, the surgeon removes excess skin from the upper arms, including areas with stretch marks. While this doesn’t eliminate stretch marks, it can significantly reduce their visibility by removing or tightening the affected skin.

The results of arm lift surgery can be long-lasting, especially if you maintain a stable weight and remain physically active. While some loss of firmness is a natural part of the aging process, the majority of the improvements from your procedure can be enjoyed for many years.

Compression garments are essential and help reduce swelling while supporting the healing tissues. Dr. Robbins will recommend the ideal garment for your needs to ensure optimal results.

Learn More About Arm Lift Surgery

If you’re interested in arm lift surgery in Des Moines and are ready to take the next step, it’s time to schedule an in-office cosmetic consultation with with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons. During your arm lift surgery consultation, we’ll go over important details regarding recovery and total cost. You’ll also have the chance to view our gallery of before-and-after photos. Call us at 515.221.9999 today or email us.