Unattractive, sagging upper arms can occur due to aging, genetics, or weight loss. While liposuction alone may be sufficient to improve the contour of the arm, Dr. Miguel Delgado may recommend an arm lift in San Francisco to obtain optimal results, particularly in cases where a patient has severely lax skin. Often done at the same time with liposuction, an arm lift procedure can reduce excess skin and fat in the upper arms.

WHO IS A
CANDIDATE?

Any healthy individual with heavy arms and loose skin may be a candidate for an arm lift in Marin County with Dr. Delgado. Generally, men and women interested in this procedure have either lost a significant amount of weight, resulting in excess or stretched skin, or have a genetic predisposition for excess skin and fat in this location.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW GOING INTO ARM LIFT SURGERY

Procedure	What It Does	Surgery	Recovery	Results
Arm Lift	Addresses excess skin and fat in the back of the arm (sagging upper arms)	Yes (includes liposuction)	7-10 days, avoid rigorous exercise for 6 weeks	Long-lasting
Liposuction	Removes arm fat via suction, does not address hanging skin	Yes	7-10 days, no exercise for 6 weeks	Long-lasting

Arm Lift Before and After Photos San Francisco, California

BEFORE ARM LIFT SURGERY

Patients from Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, or Napa Valley who are considering arm lift surgery in San Francisco would start with a consultation. Dr. Delgado asks the patient to discuss his/her concerns about the appearance of the arms during this appointment. In addition, he will explain the variables that will affect the procedure, such as age, size of the arms, and condition of the skin.

He may use digital photography and computer imaging to facilitate the discussion, as computer imaging can show the location of the incisions and generate a visual approximation of the outcome.

The patient will be given a comprehensive booklet that lists instructions for both before and after surgery care; there is detailed information about medications. For example, the booklet explains that all anti-inflammatory products, including aspirin and products that contain aspirin, must be stopped 14 days before and 14 days after surgery. These compounds can interfere with the blood’s ability to clot. However, Tylenol (acetaminophen) is safe to take. But, do not exceed 1 gram over 4 hours or 4 grams per day from all sources since this can cause liver damage.

BEFORE & AFTER

ARM LIFT SURGERY IN SAN FRANCISCO: WHAT TO EXPECT

Arm Lift surgery is done with general anesthesia and is performed in an outpatient surgery center or a hospital. Only a board-certified in anesthesiologist administers anesthesia at Marin Cosmetic Surgery Center.

The anesthesiologist will call the patient on the night before the scheduled surgery to go over his/her medical history, ask if there are any questions regarding the anesthesia, and confirm last-minute instructions. Dr. Delgado performs arm lift surgery in Marin County at his outpatient surgery center, which is fully accredited.

Marin Cosmetic Surgery Center (MCSC) is Dr. Delgado’s private surgery center located on the campus of Sutter Marin County Community Hospital, in his Marin County office. This allows him to give his patients outstanding medical care, with the reassurance and safety of a hospital next door. A surgical marking pen is used to draw a detailed map on the undersides of the arms before general anesthesia is given. This architectural drawing allows the plastic surgeon to make adjustments in the arms as one moves from lying to sitting.

The length of the incision is dependent on the amount of skin that needs to be excised. Incisions usually stop at the elbow, but they can extend from the armpit downward along the upper torso, if necessary. After general anesthesia is given, a solution of salt water, lidocaine (a local anesthetic), and epinephrine (a medication that restricts bleeding) are injected into the underarm area. Once this has taken effect, liposuction is performed in the underarm area. An incision is placed in the most inconspicuous location of the inner arm.

A long section of skin is excised. The incision is closed in multiple layers to achieve a tight, even closure. After surgery, an elastic sleeve compression garment is put on the arms to control swelling. The surgery takes about three to four hours, depending on the amount of skin removal and liposuction required. It is done under a general anesthetic, and most patients do not report the post-operative recovery period to be significantly painful. In some cases, the patient may be kept overnight to ensure that his/her first post-operative night is as comfortable as possible, especially if other surgical procedures are done. If you are traveling from Sonoma County or Napa Valley, we can recommend nearby hotels for your loved ones to stay nearby with you.

Arm Lift FAQS

What is the cost of an arm lift?

Where is the scar?

How long will it take for my scar to heal?

Is liposuction done as well?

Who is a good candidate for an arm lift?

When can I return to normal activities?

Can other procedures be done at the same time?

What risks are involved?

What is arm lift surgery?

How long does an arm lift last?

What is the best procedure for saggy arms?

Does insurance pay for arm lift?

How painful is an arm lift?

What is the cost of an arm lift?

The cost of arm lift surgery depends on the patient's anatomy, the complexity of the case and the length of time required to complete the surgical procedure. During your consultation with Dr Delgado, you will receive a more personalized price quote for your arm lift surgery in Marin County based on your unique needs and goals.

Where is the scar?

The scar runs on the inside of the arm from the elbow to the armpit region. This posterior placement hides the incision very well. The incision may be continued into the underarm and possibly into the upper torso if extra skin extends into those areas.

How long will it take for my scar to heal?

The incision continues to heal for at least 12 months following surgery. During this time, the incision will change from a reddish pink to a lighter pink to a nearly natural skin color. There are scar management techniques that can improve the final appearance of the scar. A scar management program is started after the incision has healed for three to four weeks and is continued for a two-month duration.

Is liposuction done as well?

Yes, liposuction is always done with an arm lift. The purpose of liposuction is to reduce the volume of arm fat before excising skin.

Who is a good candidate for an arm lift?

Patients who have redundant skin with poor skin quality are good candidates. Usually, these patients have experienced massive weight loss. However, some individuals with excessively bulky arms may also benefit from the procedure.

When can I return to normal activities?

Most patients can return to work in seven to ten days, as long as his/her job does not require a lot of physical activity and exertion. A compression garment is usually worn for six weeks following surgery to reduce post-operative swelling. If a patient’s work is physically strenuous, he/she may not be able to return to work for two to six weeks, depending upon the exact nature of his/her job. Although patients may drive a car approximately five to seven days after surgery, exercise regimens should not be resumed for six weeks.

Can other procedures be done at the same time?

Yes, other procedures can be done at the same time. Procedures that are often combined include breast lifts, tummy tucks, and additional areas of liposuction.

What risks are involved?

Like all surgery, there are risks of bleeding and infection, as well as anesthesia risks. With a highly qualified plastic surgery team and a state-of-the-art surgical facility, these complications are rare.

What is arm lift surgery?

An arm lift, also called a brachioplasty, is a procedure to tighten loose, sagging skin on the upper arms for a more sculpted look. This procedure can help individuals look and feel younger and more confident.

How long does an arm lift last?

The results of an arm lift are permanent. In order to ensure optimal, long-lasting results, a healthy lifestyle including diet and exercise is recommended.

What is the best procedure for saggy arms?

The best procedure for correcting saggy, lax skin on the arms is an arm lift. This procedure addresses both the excess skin and fat in the back of the upper arm, as well as excess lax skin. The results are long-lasting for a boost in confidence.

Does insurance pay for arm lift?

An arm lift is not typically covered by insurance. This is because it is considered a cosmetic procedure that improves a patient’s appearance and is not a medical issue. If you have questions regarding insurance coverage, please reach out to your insurance provider directly.

How painful is an arm lift?

As with any surgical procedure, there is some discomfort to be expected during the first few weeks after an arm lift procedure. However, over-the-counter pain medication is often enough to manage discomfort, and most people can return to work within a couple of weeks.

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AFTER ARM LIFT SURGERY

After an arm lift in Novato with Dr. Delgado, the patient will be taken to recovery for a few hours. Once the patient is awake and has the assistance of a family member or friend, he/she can go home. To effectively manage the arm swelling that will occur, the patient should use pillows to keep his/her arms continually elevated above heart level for a week. The patient should maintain this position as much as possible throughout the day and night. The arm compression garment should be worn for four to six weeks following surgery to smooth and support the newly contoured skin. The incision lines must be kept clean and well covered with steri-strips until the removal of the sutures, which is about ten to fourteen days.

The arms will be bruised and swollen for approximately ten to fourteen days following surgery. Patients may experience swelling in the hands as well. Keeping the arms and hands elevated is the best deterrent for this. One can perform light work around the house in one week and start driving a car about this time. Work can be resumed in about 10 to 14 days, and exercise can begin at six weeks.

RESULTS

Most patients can expect to see a marked improvement in the shape of the arm after their brachioplasty in San Francisco. The only drawback is the scar, located on the inside of the arm, which will improve as it fades over time. Scarring can be minimized by the conscientious application of silicone sheet dressings. These can be applied after the incision lines are completely healed and continued for approximately two months after that.

This method of scar management encourages flat healing of the incision lines and is very effective in improving the quality of the scars. The goal is to achieve a thin, smooth contour of the arm, allowing the patient to fit into clothing more easily and comfortably and to have more self-confidence. The procedure has long-lasting results.

San Francisco is home to Dr. Miguel Delgado and his plastic surgery practices, located in the downtown Union Square area and Novato, Marin County. One of San Francisco’s most historic and notorious sites is Alcatraz Island, located about one mile offshore from the mainland. It’s one of many islands located within the San Francisco Bay area. Formerly a military fortification turned federal prison, it’s now a major tourist attraction with museums and tours dedicated to its history and inhabitants. It’s also now home to many local species of plants and animals. Patients who are traveling from Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, or Napa Valley can plan to take a detour and visit this historical island on the way to Dr. Delgado’s San Francisco practice.