Arm Lift Surgery (Brachioplasty) at Des Moines Plastic Surgery®

At Des Moines Plastic Surgery®, our experienced team of board-certified surgeons, Dr. Robbins and Dr. Marcano, specialize 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.”

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What Is An Arm Lift?

An arm lift is a surgical procedure designed to:

Remove excess, sagging skin caused by aging, weight loss, or genetics.
Tighten and reshape the upper arm for a more contoured look.
Improve confidence and comfort in wearing sleeveless clothing.

This procedure is ideal for individuals who struggle with loose skin that cannot be improved through diet and exercise alone.

Benefits of an Arm Lift

Enhanced Contour: Achieve a sleeker, more toned arm shape.
Increased Confidence: Enjoy wearing short sleeves or sleeveless outfits without hesitation.
Long-Lasting Results: Maintain results with a healthy lifestyle and stable weight.

What to Expect For Arm Lift Surgery

Consultation

During your initial consultation at Des Moines Plastic Surgery®:

Dr. Robbins or Dr. Marcano will evaluate your concerns and goals.
A personalized surgical plan will be created to address your unique needs.
Questions about the procedure, recovery, and results will be thoroughly answered.

The Procedure

The surgery typically involves:

Incisions: Made along the inner or back of the arm, depending on your anatomy and desired outcome.
Excess Skin Removal: The sagging skin is carefully trimmed away.
Tissue Tightening: Underlying tissues are reshaped and tightened for improved contour.
Closure: The incisions are closed with sutures for a smooth, natural appearance.

Recovery After Arm Lift Surgery

Recovery from arm lift surgery varies for each patient. Most patients can expect:

Downtime: 1-2 weeks of limited activity.
Swelling and Bruising: Temporary and will improve over time.
Return to Normal Activities: Many resume regular routines within 4-6 weeks.

Our team will provide detailed aftercare instructions and schedule follow-up visits to monitor your progress.

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.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

Take the first step toward achieving beautifully contoured arms by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Robbins or Dr. Marcano at Des Moines Plastic Surgery®. With their 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!

Schedule Arm Lift Consultation

Arm Lift Before & After Gallery

arm lift before and after performed by des moines plastic surgery

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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 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 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.

Arm Lift Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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.

Schedule Arm Lift Consultation