Invisible Arm Lift Surgery
Invisible Arm Lift Surgery is a procedure that reduces sagging skin and tighter around the armpits. It is also known as hidden or hidden scar miniorplasty, or arm tightening. With this procedure, excess fat and tissue under the arm can be reduced while creating an increasingly youthful look. We review the aspects of the invisible arm lift surgery procedure here and provide answers to commonly asked questions about it.
In this guide, we review the aspects of Invisible Arm Lift Surgery, What is a hidden scar brachioplasty, What is the best arm tightening procedure, and invisible arm lift surgery recovery.
Invisible Arm Lift Surgery
You’ve likely heard of the traditional arm lift surgery, which involves removing excess skin and fat and tightening the underlying tissue. But what if you want to get the same results with less downtime and fewer scars? An invisible arm lift can do just that! The procedure is performed under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis and requires no hospitalization. It’s often performed on an outpatient basis in a surgeon’s office or medical spa, though some patients opt for a hospital setting if they have other conditions that require monitoring during their surgery.
Who is a good candidate?
- You have a good amount of excess skin in your upper arm area.
- You are not overweight.
- You are unhappy with the appearance of your arms and would like to improve them through surgery.
- You have not had previous surgery on the arm, such as liposuction or breast augmentation (or other procedures that require general anesthesia).
If you meet these criteria, then an invisible arm lift may be right for you!
What are some advantages of the invisible arm lift?
Invisible arm lift is a procedure that can be performed in an outpatient setting and does not require general anesthesia. There are no incisions made to the skin, so there’s no visible scarring. The procedure also does not require drains or stitches, making it an appealing option for those who want to avoid any visible signs of surgery.
What can I expect during the procedure?
During the procedure, you’ll be under general anesthesia.
The doctor will make an incision on the side of your arm and remove fat and skin from it. He or she will then close the incision with stitches before closing off any other areas that were affected by excess skin (such as armpits).
If you have additional concerns about this cosmetic surgery procedure, feel free to contact us today for more information!
What can I expect after surgery?
After your surgery, you will spend 2-3 days in the hospital. You may have some soreness and bruising at first, but these symptoms should improve quickly. It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions on how much activity is appropriate during recovery so that you can get back to normal activities as soon as possible. After 6 weeks of recovery time, most patients are able to return to work and resume their daily routines without any complications or discomfort.
If you’re worried about scarring from an arm lift, this minimally invasive procedure may be a great solution.
If you’re worried about scarring from an arm lift, this minimally invasive procedure may be a great solution.
- No scars on the arms: The surgeon makes incisions under the armpits and at the side of each breast. These incisions are hidden by clothing, so they won’t be visible once you’ve healed.
- Scarring is usually minimal: Even though there are no visible scars on your arms, some people do experience some redness and swelling in these areas after surgery to help minimize any chance of scarring. To reduce this risk further, your doctor may recommend using a skin graft over any incision sites where there’s potential for excessive swelling or redness (such as at the tips of your breasts).
What is a hidden scar brachioplasty
Did you ever wave to someone only to be horrified at how the skin underneath your upper arm flaps back and forth? Unfortunately, as we age our skin becomes stretched and loose. The upper arms give away a person’s age, as the excess skin can’t be hidden, except by clothes. The traditional surgery for this condition is an arm lift. This surgery used to involve a long scar down the inside of the upper arm, from armpit to elbow. This has the effect of removing the excess, hanging skin but results in a scar that is worse looking than the original flabby skin.
Dr. Steven Varkony has developed an operation called the Hidden Scar Arm Lift. Utilizing his unique approach, this surgery gets rid of the old- fashioned, ugly, vertical scar and replaces it with a hidden scar, a scar lying transversely (horizontally) across the armpit. Now you can have tighter, younger looking arms without anyone knowing that you had surgery. Yes, you can wear short sleeves again! After surgery your arms are tighter, slimmer and younger –looking. People love the results of the “Invisible” Arm Lift. Over and over again, we hear how great a difference this surgery has made in our patients’ lives.
We are here to answer your questions!
For more information about arm lift surgery, call (310) 361-2517 or fill out the form. We will get back to you shortly to answer your questions and schedule the free consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Steven Varkony.
Frequently asked questions about the “Hidden Scar” Arm Lift procedure.
Am I a good candidate for a “Hidden Scar” Arm Lift?
Most people qualify as candidates for the Amazing “Hidden Scar” Arm Lift, especially those people with loose skin from aging, heredity (inheriting loose skin from their parents), or from moderate weight loss. This surgery is not, however, for those who have lost a substantial amount of weight from stomach stapling procedures, etc. For other arm procedures, please see the section on cosmetic surgery following weight loss surgery. If you feel you are the right candidate, please contact us today to schedule your complimentary consultation, and get one step closer to being the new you.
What is the difference between the “Hidden Scar” Arm Lift and a Traditional Arm Lift?
The traditional Arm Lift surgery involves a long scar down the inside of the upper arm, from armpit to elbow. This has the effect of removing the excess, hanging skin but results in a scar that is worse looking than the original flabby skin. The “Hidden Scar” Arm Lift has a scar lying transversely (horizontally) across the armpit. Offering tighter, younger looking arms without anyone knowing that you had surgery.
What is the cost of a “Hidden Scar” Arm Lift?
The fee for a “Hidden Scar” Arm Lift varies from person to person, as no two people are the same. Dr. Steven Varkony and his patient care coordinator will be able to provide you with a quote following your complimentary examination.
What is the recovery time and when will I be able to return to work?
There is little discomfort and although it depends on the person and of course the job (!), most people can be back at work within 3 days. By 7-10 days, the incisions are usually healed well enough to allow patients to resume lower body exercise, including various forms of cardio (stair- stepper, elliptical machines, biking, walking and running). Also, possible at this time are lower body weight exercises. Arm exercises are delayed longer, however, usually 6-8 weeks.
What is the best arm tightening procedure
In Palo Alto, we can be in sleeveless fashion mode any day of the year, but if your upper arms are loose and saggy you’ll opt for sleeves every time! Whether due to a large gain and loss of weight or the simple march of time, the skin on the underside of our upper arms can become loose. In more extreme cases, the upper arms can begin to look like bat wings, swinging back and forth with arm movement. Addressing loose skin in the upper arms has always been difficult. No matter how many triceps exercises you do, the skin doesn’t seem to change.
Brachioplasty, the clinical term for an arm lift, has long been the solution for loose upper arms. But the surgery requires a lengthy incision from the armpit to the elbow, and leaves a long scar.
Now, Dr. Fisher is pleased to offer an alternative — scarless BodyTite arm lifts with radiofrequency-assisted liposuction. These arm lifts remove the accumulated fat and tighten the skin, all without leaving a long scar.
What Is a Scarless Arm Lift?
In place of a scalpel, the scarless arm lift uses radiofrequency-assisted liposuction to liquefy and remove unwanted fat cells, and provide lasting skin tightening. The BodyTite arm lift is FDA approved and very effective for tightening the upper arms without surgery and its requisite scarring.
How does BodyTite Arm Lift Work?
Dr. Fisher inserts the BodyTite radiofrequency probe through a small incision made in the skin which will provide very minimal scarring. The radiofrequency (RF) energy converts to heat under the skin and it liquefies the unwanted fat cells, which are then removed with a thin cannula. The RF energy also causes a skin tightening reaction in the treatment area. The body perceives the heat from the RF energy as a “wound” and it responds by remodeling collagen in the area and tightening the skin. This tightening process continues for months afterward.
Watch How BodyTite Reduces Fat in The Treated Area
Candidates for Scarless Arm Lift with BodyTite
For most people with moderate sagging and loose skin on their upper arms, a scarless BodyTite arm lift is a great procedure. It is also perfect if you have a good deal of fat in the upper arms. If, however, you have a large amount of excess skin, a scarless arm lift may not be able to tighten your skin enough to gain the results you seek. Dr. Fisher will discuss your options with you during your consultation.
Benefits of BodyTite
Dr. Fisher is able to use local anesthesia during BodyTite procedures, so the patient is awake and feels nothing. These are other benefits:
BodyTite vs. Brachioplasty
In a typical brachioplasty, Dr. Fisher makes an incision on the inside of the upper arm. This incision usually runs all the way from the elbow to the armpit. She then removes excess fat pockets with liposuction, repositions and tightens the underlying muscle tissue, and trims away excess skin. Surgical arm lifts require a one- to two-week recovery before returning to work. Also, the patient needs to avoid lifting any heavy objects for at least one month.
Scarless arm lifts only need a very small incision to insert the radiofrequency probe and the cannula to suction out the liquefied fat. The tiny incision is unnoticeable in a few months. Patients return to work in just one to three days, and there is very little discomfort.
Is a Scarless Arm Lift Still a Surgical Procedure?
While it doesn’t entail a long incision and lengthy recovery, Dr. Fisher still treats the scarless arm lift as a surgical procedure. It is performed under sterile conditions in the Premier Plastic Surgery facilities where our offices are located. However, the recovery from this procedure is not at all like that required by a surgical arm lift.
Recovery after BodyTite Arm Lift
Because there isn’t a lengthy incision, recovery after BodyTite arm lifts is quick and easy. Over three-quarters of patients return to work in just 1-3 days after their procedure. Arm exercise should wait for a week or so, but otherwise patients can return to their normal activities in just a few days. Other than the tiny incision to place the RF probe (which becomes virtually invisible in a few months), there isn’t any scarring.
invisible arm lift surgery recovery
Have you retired tank tops, short-sleeved shirts, and strapless dresses to the back of your closet to avoid putting your arms on display? Have you lost a significant amount of weight and now struggle with unattractive sagging, excess skin on the backs of your upper arms? Arm Lift surgery, or Brachioplasty, may be the perfect solution to achieve slimmer, more toned-looking arms and restore your confidence in wearing ANY fashion!
What is Arm Lift Surgery?
“Arm Lift surgery removes excess skin and fat on the upper arms, usually spanning the length between the inner elbow and underarm, through surgical excision and liposuction,” explains Dr. Nathan Leigh, a board-certified plastic surgeon with Edina Plastic Surgery.
“The goal of this surgery is to help patients reclaim more proportionate, toned, and defined looking upper arms. Results can be dramatic, and recovery can be relatively short, but it is still important to appreciate that each patient is different in both their outcome and healing process.”
Who is a Good Candidate for Arm Lift Surgery?
Although fluctuations in weight can contribute to the appearance of your upper arms, growing older and genetics can also cause arms to have a drooping, sagging appearance. Weight training may help improve the strength of the underlying muscle in your upper arms, but this will not address excess skin, underlying weakened tissues, and localized fat deposits. Arm Lift surgery may be right for you if the underside of your upper arms is sagging or appear loose and full due to excess skin and fat.
What is the Recovery Timeline after Arm Lift Surgery?
“Many factors can contribute to how quickly a patient heals after Arm Lift surgery,” says Dr. Leigh. “Your medical history, age, sex, and even occupation can play a role in how quickly you bounce back. Patients who are active and have healthy habits established before their surgery are often better able to handle surgery and its recovery time.”
1-3 Days Post Arm Lift Surgery – Most patients experience moderate pain the first few days after their Arm Lift which can be managed with prescription or over-the-counter medication. Expect that your arms will be bandaged and wrapped after surgery, impacting your range of motion and movements that you can perform. You may feel increased pain and pressure near your incisions and when your arms are in motion. The muscles of your arms may also feel sore, and bruising and swelling will be present.
“You’ll want a little extra help with regular activities around the house the first few days after your Arm Lift surgery,” advises Dr. Leigh. “Lean on family and friends for support and make sure you have someone who can stay overnight with you the first night you return home. Have some comfortable, loose button-up shirts on hand, as you’ll want to avoid reaching over your head to pull on a shirt.”
1 Week After Arm Lift Surgery – Although pain, swelling, and bruising will significantly subside one week after your surgery, anticipate that all of these may persist for up to a month following your procedure. Many patients transition to over-the-counter pain management after the first week, and many find that they need none at all by this point.
10 Days After Arm Lift Surgery – Any drainage tubes (if used), stitches, and bandages are usually removed at this time. Although your range of motion and arm mobility may have improved, it is still essential to follow your surgeon’s post-care instructions when it comes to lifting anything heavy and stretching your arms. Most patients return to work by this time and resume normal activities around the house. Compression garments are recommended to aid in the healing process.
2 Weeks After Arm Lift Surgery – “Two weeks post-surgery is generally when we begin a scar therapy treatment plan,” says Dr. Leigh. “This may include silicone-based taping products and/or scar creams. In the future, we may even recommend that you consult with an Advanced Practice Esthetician in our medical spa, Skin Artisans, to discuss further revising your scars with laser or other treatments.”
1 Month After Arm Lift Surgery – Any swelling and bruising from your surgery should be mostly resolved 4-6 weeks after your procedure. Your surgeon may also tell you that you no longer need to wear compression garments on your upper arms. Many patients are cleared to resume their regular exercise routine, begin to lift heavier objects and return to such sports as tennis and golf. Any treatment to address the appearance of scarring will continue for four to six months after Arm Lift surgery.
Is There Scarring with Arm Lift Surgery?
“There’s no way around it – you will have scars from Arm Lift surgery,” says Dr. Leigh. “As surgeons, we strive to place your incision in the most discreet location possible that will be easy to hide in the future, but anticipate that your scar from Arm Lift surgery will extend from the inner elbow to the underarm. These scars will blend and lighten significantly over time, and our medical spa, Skin Artisans, offers many cosmetic treatments that can further minimize their appearance.
“Although we tend to focus on facelifts, breast augmentations, and tummy tucks when we think of plastic surgery, the number of patients requesting Arm Lift surgery has dramatically increased over the last decade,” shares Dr. Leigh. “The appearance of sagging skin on the upper arms can really make people feel self-conscious, to the extent that it completely dictates what clothes they feel comfortable wearing. I encourage anyone dissatisfied with loose, excess skin on their upper arms to schedule a complimentary consultation to discuss Arm Lift. The procedure is affordable, has a faster recovery than many other surgeries, and can be life-changing!”