Cosmetic Treatments for the Arms By Stuart Baker on May 14, 2016

A woman pinching the skin of her upper armBody contouring treatments can target trouble spots, like the upper arms, thighs, and abdomen, to help you achieve the toned and sculpted appearance you desire. For those wishing for slender, contoured arms, arm lift surgery and liposuction can be performed to transform their appearance. To find out which cosmetic treatment for the arms is right for you, schedule a consultation with Champaign, IL plastic surgeon Stuart Baker.

Arm Lift Surgery

Arm lift surgery, also called brachioplasty, can eliminate hanging skin from the upper arms. This excess skin is often caused by aging, heredity, or weight loss. Brachioplasty can be tailored to address the needs of each patient, allowing those with minor to severe hanging skin to achieve slender, toned arms. Arm lift surgery helps improve the appearance of flabby upper arms by removing excess skin and tightening the underlying structures of the arm. Liposuction may be combined with each arm lift method to further eliminate stubborn arm fat and enhance the results of brachioplasty. The different types of arm lift surgery include:

  • Minimal incision arm lift: For those with mildly drooping skin, the minimal incision arm lift may be the best option. During minimal incision arm lift surgery, a small incision is made in the underarm, extending slightly down the underside of the upper arm. From this incision, excess tissue is removed to create a streamlined appearance.
  • Traditional arm lift: Those with moderately sagging upper arm skin may benefit from a traditional arm lift. Traditional arm lifts are performed by making an incision at the underarm, extending as far down as the elbow. Excess skin is removed and the underlying tissues are tightened to achieve slender upper arms.
  • Extended arm lift: For those with significant sagging from the upper arms and chest wall, commonly seen with extreme weight loss, an extended arm lift may be the method of choice. With an extended arm lift, an incision is made along the chest wall and upper arm to remove excess skin, tighten underlying structures, and create a contoured appearance.

Liposuction

Liposuction may be performed with arm lift surgery to achieve greater results. Liposuction may also be performed alone if sagging is minimal and the skin has retained good elasticity.

Liposuction treatment is performed by making a small incision in a targeted treatment area. A small suction device, called a cannula, is then inserted through this incision and fat cells are removed to create svelte, slender arms. If liposuction is performed alone, most patients will be ready to return to their normal activities within a few days. Those who have liposuction combined with brachioplasty will require a longer recovery time.

Non-surgical Treatment

Those who are interested in improving the tone and texture of their upper arms, but would prefer to avoid surgery, may benefit from non-surgical treatment, like VelaShape. VelaShape is an FDA-approved treatment used to reduce the volume of fatty tissues, improving the appearance of cellulite and reducing the circumference of treatment areas in as little as four treatments.

Discover Your Treatment Options

Don't hide your arms this summer. You can enjoy beautiful, slender arms with treatment from Dr Potter. To find out which treatments are right for you, we invite you to schedule a consultation today.

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Dr. Stuart Baker

The Center for Cosmetic Medicine

Dr. Stuart Baker is a board-certified plastic surgeon with decades of experience. He has been recognized as a "master injector" by Allergan, the maker of BOTOX® Cosmetic and JUVÉDERM® products, for excellent patient outcomes. In addition to being a skilled plastic surgeon, he is also an orthopedic hand surgery specialist. His prestigious affiliations include:

  • American Society of Plastic Surgeons — ASPS 
  • American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery — ASAPS 
  • American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery — AACS 
  • American Medical Association — AMA 

Use our online form to schedule a consultation at a location near you in Monticello, Champaign, or Decatur. Or call us at:

(217) 877-9000

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