Arm Lift in Houston

A brachioplasty, or arm lift, is a surgical procedure designed to dramatically improve the appearance of the upper arm by removing loose or lax skin and tissue. The upper arm is sculpted to an aesthetically pleasing look, correcting arm shape in a manner that cannot be achieved through exercise alone. Liposuction can be performed in addition to Brachioplasty, to further enhance the arm’s appearance.

As smoking interferes with circulation and can delay wound healing, patients should be non-smokers or commit to quitting two weeks prior to surgery and not resuming smoking for at least eight weeks afterwards. Your Brachioplasty presents a good time to quit smoking for good.

To perform your arm lift, Dr. Vitenas will first make an incision on the inner side of the upper arm, between the elbow and the axilla (armpit area). The extent of the incisions may vary according to each patient’s individual needs. After the incision is made, liposuction (if included) will be used to remove excess fat deposits from the arm. The unneeded, unsightly extra skin will be excised, and then the remaining tissue will be tightened and sutured.

The incision for a brachioplasty will run from the elbow to the axilla (armpit area).

Yes, there is a scar from a Brachioplasty procedure. While this will fade over time, the scar can be noticeable. Few patients, however, are displeased with the scar once they see the remarkable sculpted arms that result from their Brachioplasty procedure.

Dr. Vitenas normally performs the Brachioplasty under general anesthesia.

An Arm Lift surgery will take between one to two hours, with additional time needed for the recovery from anesthesia.

Dr. Vitenas’ Arm Lift is an outpatient procedure, performed at Houston Surgery Center, an outpatient facility conveniently located in the same building as Vitenas Cosmetic Surgery.

During your procedure, an accredited anesthesiologist will be in the room, keeping you comfortable during surgery. Your recovery may include some mild discomfort, but Dr. Vitenas will prescribe appropriate prescription pain medications during this time – usually the first two to five days.

You may experience some swelling for the first seven to 14 days, but this will slowly dissolve on its own. A compression garment will need to be worn for the first few days after surgery, to aid in healing of the arm. Dr. Vitenas will remove your bandages at your follow-up visit. Bruising, if any, is usually minimal.

The recovery from an Arm Lift will take about a week; during this time most swelling should resolve, pain should significantly subside, and bandages come off. You will then be able to return to work and slowly return to all of your normal, daily activities.

After your brachioplasty, you will be able to return to work in about a week.

After your Arm Lift, light exercise can be resumed after two weeks; you should hold off on any vigorous exercise or strenuous lifting for about four to six weeks.

A Brachioplasty is an extremely safe procedure but there is the rare occasion for complications. Unusual, but possible, risks include unfavorable scarring, bleeding, infection, poor wound healing, asymmetry, skin discoloration, or loss of sensation in the arm.

After your Brachioplasty, you will be able to immediately notice an improvement in the contour of your upper arm. The final results from your Arm Lift will take up to six months to appear, once all swelling diminishes and the scars heal.

The results from your Brachioplasty can last for many years to come if you are careful to eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and avoid any large fluctuations in weight. All of these things, plus the normal aging process, can affect tissue laxity and cause a recurrence of the loose upper arm skin over time.

Liposuction is not an alternative to Brachioplasty if you are dealing with loose, droopy skin on the upper arm. Liposuction can remove localized fat deposits, but will not address lax tissue. At your consultation appointment, Dr. Vitenas will discuss all of your options for an upper arm contouring procedure.

Depending on your individual situation, a Brachioplasty will cost between $9,000-$11,000. This includes the doctor’s fee, the cost of the surgical suite, anesthesiology, and all follow-up care. At your consultation appointment, Dr. Vitenas will go over the exact cost of your Arm Lift surgery.

Your Brachioplasty consultation with Dr. Vitenas will provide an opportunity for you to discuss your aesthetic wishes and surgical goals. He will review your history, go over the Arm Lift procedure and recovery, and show you Before/After photos of his previous Brachioplasty surgeries.

Yes, Vitenas Cosmetic Surgery accepts cash and major credit cards; to assist with the cost of your Brachioplasty, we also accept healthcare financing through CareCredit.