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Body / Arm Lift

Arm Lift

An arm lift in Toronto with Dr. Marc DuPéré tones the upper arms by removing this excess tissue, resulting in sleeker, fit-looking arms. Tighten your upper arms with an arm lift performed by a Royal College-certified plastic surgeon.

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How Can an Arm Lift Help?

Tight, well-defined upper arms signify health and physical fitness. While exercise can build these muscles, it cannot eliminate excess skin and fat that may obscure them. Flabby arms can result from aging, genetics or significant weight loss. An arm lift eliminates sagging and tightens the upper arms by:

  • Removing excess skin and fat
  • Re-contouring the arm
  • Tightening lax skin to create a smooth appearance

Tighten your upper arms with an arm lift performed by a Royal College-certified plastic surgeon. Request a consultation with Dr. Marc DuPéré or call our office at (416) 929-9800.

Dr. DuPéré’s Arm Lift Techniques

Arm lifts take place under general anesthesia or IV sedation with local anesthesia. Several techniques exist depending on the amount of excess skin. The mini-arm lift, most appropriate for mild arm sagginess, involves an incision tucked in nicely in the underarm hair-bearing area. For significant weight loss patients (usually more than 100 pounds of weight loss), a full-length upper arm incision might be indicated. This can also be combined with a breast lift and an upper torso lift.

For patients requiring liposuction with their arm lift, Dr. DuPéré may use the harvested fat for fat grafting to re-contour other areas of the body.

Dr. DuPéré often performs arm lift surgery as part of surgery after weight loss.

  • Recovering From an Arm Lift

  • Most patients having only an arm lift can go home the same day. If needed, we can arrange a supervised overnight stay.

  • Dr. DuPéré will place dressings or bandages on your incisions following your arm lift. He uses mostly dissolving internal sutures and removes the few external ones after a week. You can usually resume showering within 5 to 7 days. Patients must wear a compression garment for 4 week

  • Lymphatic drainage, offered at our med spa, can also help with your recovery.

Who is a Candidate for an Arm Lift Procedure?

An arm lift procedure, also known as brachioplasty, is a transformative surgery for both women and men. Ideal candidates for an arm lift typically include individuals seeking to address loose, sagging skin and excess fat in the upper arms, often caused by significant weight loss, aging, or hereditary factors. The procedure aims to sculpt and contour the arms, resulting in a more toned and youthful appearance.

Suitable Candidates:

  • Loose and Sagging Arm Skin: Candidates should have noticeable loose and sagging skin in the upper arms, which may create a “bat-wing” appearance. This excess skin can be challenging to improve through diet and exercise alone.
  • Significant Weight Loss: Individuals who have experienced substantial weight loss, either through bariatric surgery or lifestyle changes, often find that their upper arms have excess skin that requires surgical intervention.
  • Good General Health: Suitable candidates should be in good overall health and have no underlying medical conditions that could increase the risks associated with surgery.
  • Stable Weight Maintenance: Candidates should have reached a stable weight before considering an arm lift procedure. Significant fluctuations in weight can impact the results of the surgery.
  • Realistic Expectations: It is important for candidates to have realistic expectations about the outcomes of an arm lift procedure. While the surgery can significantly improve the appearance of the upper arms, individual results may vary based on factors such as skin elasticity and scarring.
  • Commitment to Aftercare: Following the arm lift procedure, candidates should be committed to following post-operative instructions, including wound care, wearing compression garments, and avoiding strenuous activities during the initial healing period.

What to Expect During an Arm Lift Consultation with Dr. DuPéré in Toronto

During a personalized consultation, Dr. DuPéré will attentively assess the candidate’s arms and discuss their specific goals and concerns related to the appearance of their upper arms. A comprehensive evaluation will determine the most suitable approach for achieving beautifully sculpted and contoured arms.  It is common with massive weight loss to address the excess skin in the chest wall region at the same time, with or without a breast lifting procedure.

Dr. DuPéré’s expertise in arm lift procedures ensures that each candidate receives a tailored treatment plan, resulting in a smoother, more toned, and youthful arm appearance. Whether candidates seek to regain arm confidence after weight loss or improve arm aesthetics due to aging, Dr. DuPéré’s meticulous technique and dedication to patient care ensure exceptional results.

If you desire to address loose, sagging skin in the upper arms and achieve a more defined and contoured arm silhouette, an arm lift procedure by Dr. DuPéré may be the perfect solution. Schedule a consultation today to explore the possibilities of achieving toned and youthful arms, boosting your confidence and achieving a more balanced and proportionate figure.

Risks and Complications

Every surgery comes with potential risks. Though serious complications are rare, Dr. DuPéré warns all arm lift patients of risks such as: scarring, opening of the wound, discomfort for 1 to 4 weeks, bleeding and bruising around the surgical sites, loss of sensation over the surgical site and around the scar, fluid accumulation (seroma and hematomas), infection (extremely rare), nerve and vessel injury (a risk with any surgery), skin necrosis (possibly treatable with wound care) and general anesthesia-related issues.

Arm Lift FAQ

  • What are the common reasons for seeking an arm lift?

    The common reasons for seeking an arm lift, aka brachioplasty, include significant weight loss resulting in loose skin, natural aging causing skin laxity in the upper arms especially post-childbirth and after hormonal changes associated with menopause, or dissatisfaction with the appearance of flabby or sagging arms. Dr DuPéré having a strong experience working with patients after severe weight loss and patients with lipedema, armlifts are common procedures in his practice.

  • How is an arm lift performed?

    An arm lift is typically performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia, that is for the classic full arm (elbow to underarm) technique. The surgeon makes incisions on the inner (preferred technique of Dr DuPéré) or backside of the arms, strategically placed to minimize visible scarring. Excess skin and fat are then removed, and the remaining skin is tightened and contoured to create a smoother and more defined arm appearance. The mini-armlift technique is a simplified technique thatcan be done under local anesthesia, with a light sedation; although its scars are hidden inside the dome of the underarm, the rejuvenating effects of the so-called mini-armlift are limited to the first third of the arm.

  • Will there be visible scarring after an arm lift?

    While incisions are carefully placed to minimize visible scarring, some scarring is inevitable. However, experienced plastic surgeons like Dr. DuPéré work diligently to ensure that incisions are discreetly hidden within the natural contours of the arms.

  • What is the recovery process like after an arm lift?

    The recovery period after an arm lift may involve some swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed pain medication and proper post-operative care. Patients are advised to wear compression garments to support the healing process and follow the surgeon’s instructions for arm care during the initial recovery phase.

  • Are the results of an arm lift permanent?

    The results of an arm lift are considered long-lasting, as the excess skin and fat are surgically removed. However, it is essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, along with avoiding large variations in weight gain and weight loss, to help sustain the improvements.

  • Can an arm lift be combined with other procedures?

    Yes, an arm lift can be combined with other body contouring procedures, such as liposuction or breast lift surgery with or without breast augmentation, to achieve comprehensive aesthetic enhancement. Dr. DuPéré will assess your unique body proportions and goals to create a personalized treatment plan that may include a combination of procedures for optimal results.

  • Are there any risks or complications associated with an arm lift?

    An arm lift is generally safe when performed by an experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. DuPéré. However, like any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications, including infection, poor wound healing, or changes in sensation over the arm or forearm, which is often temporary. Dr. DuPéré will discuss these risks with you during the consultation and take every precaution to ensure a safe and successful outcome.

  • How can I get started with an arm lift?

    To explore arm lift options and determine if you are a suitable candidate, schedule a consultation with Dr. Marc DuPéré. During this appointment, you will discuss your concerns about arm appearance and goals for the procedure, allowing Dr. DuPéré to recommend a personalized treatment plan that achieves beautifully contoured and toned arms, enhancing your overall upper body appearance and boosting your self-confidence.