BOARD CERTIFIED PLASTIC SURGEON IN RENO

There is minimal discomfort associated with this operation. Dr. Dahan recommends elevation of the hands when sleeping and sitting for the first couple of weeks. Compression sleeves should be worn to minimize swelling during the first few weeks of the recovery period and Dr. Dahan's brachioplasty postoperative instructions should be closely followed. Most patients return to sedentary work or school within the first week after surgery and may begin exercising and lifting at approximately 3 weeks postop. Over the next several weeks to months, scars will fade and should be protected from the sun to prevent darkening.*

In most cases, Dr. Dahan will make a well-hidden incision on the underside of the arms from the armpit to the elbow. In less severe cases, the incision may be shorter. Excess skin and fat is removed allowing him to sculpt the underlying tissues resulting in shapelier upper arms with better-defined muscle contours. Dr. Dahan very meticulously reapproximates the incision with a new type of suture significantly improving the outcome of the scar.

As with any surgery, there are risks associated with brachioplasty which Dr. Dahan will discuss with you during your initial consultation. Possible risks include a loss of sensation in the area, fluid accumulation and nerve, blood-vessel or muscle damage.

Within 1 to 2 weeks after surgery, most of the swelling and bruising that have occurred will be gone. You may return to many of your normal activities at that time but need to be careful not to put stress on incisions for at least another week. Many patients are advised to wear their compression garments for 6 weeks and to resume exercise slowly, beginning with activities that do not require the arms to stretch very far or lift heavy objects. When resuming exercise, it is imperative to listen to the body and stop the activity if discomfort occurs.

Surgical skin tightening is the only effective way to address excess skin in the upper arms. Although some nonsurgical treatments may help tighten mildly sagging skin, there are no arm lift alternatives that can address any significant amount of loose, hanging skin.

It is common for patients who desire an arm lift to seek liposuction to further improve upper arm contours by reducing excess fat deposits in the arm area in addition to addressing excess skin.

Arm lift patients may also benefit from the other procedures that address excess skin elsewhere on the body, including tummy tuck, and/or body sculpting. This is typically due to the fact that excess skin in the arms is often caused by significant weight loss, which can leave loose, stretched skin all over the body.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of an arm lift is $4,550. This is a nationwide average. Costs vary by region, the doctor’s training and experience, where the surgery is performed, anesthesia options, and other details. It is imperative to have a board-certified plastic surgeon to perform your Brachioplasty. The outcome of surgery is the primary objective, not cost.

Brachioplasty is typically not covered by insurance because, like many plastic surgeries, it is classified as a cosmetic procedure. There are some exceptions, however. If you have undergone weight loss surgery or have lost a substantial amount of weight and are experiencing adverse consequences of sagging skin, you may qualify for medical necessity. This is something that is handled between you and your insurance company before your consultation for an arm lift.