Arm Lift
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Tijuana, Mexico
An arm lift, also known as a brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure performed to reshape and smooth the upper arms. This procedure removes excess skin and fat around the upper arms to create a more sculpted appearance and is commonly performed after significant weight loss or to combat the effects of sagging skin. (1)
Dr. Manuel Gutierrez is a board-certified plastic surgeon at the Cosmetic & Bariatric Surgery Center. With more than 25 years of experience, he has established himself as one of the best plastic surgeons in Tijuana and even all of Mexico. Dr. Gutierrez is proud to offer this procedure to help patients refine their overall appearance.
If you are ready to learn more, please schedule your consultation by contacting us online. To schedule a consultation over the phone, patients from the United States should call (619) 572-8981, and patients from Mexico should call (619) 779-1230.
Contents
Before and After Photos
About Arm Lifts
During weight gain, the skin stretches out; this prolonged stretching can cause the skin to lose its elasticity. After undergoing a weight-loss transformation, many patients realize that this same skin is no longer elastic and now hangs loosely around their arms, causing a flabby appearance and a bothersome feel. This not only affects each patient’s appearance but also the fit of their clothing, their daily comfort, and even their confidence. Dr. Gutierrez can perform an arm lift to address these concerns, restoring a tighter and more natural-looking appearance.
Benefits
Undergoing an arm lift can provide numerous benefits, including:
- Reduction of Excess Skin: An arm lift is designed to address sagging skin resulting from aging or significant weight loss.
- Improved Contours: This procedure can enhance the smoothness and shape of the upper arms, improving their overall appearance.
- Enhanced Confidence: Patients often feel more confident and empowered after seeing the results of their procedure.
- Long-Lasting Results: Unlike non-surgical treatments, an arm lift procedure offers durable results that can last for years to come.
- Better Fitting Clothing: Many patients find that their clothing looks and fits better after their procedure, especially short or sleeveless garments.
Candidates
Candidates for an arm lift include those with excess, hanging skin around their upper arms who wish to remove it for a more sculpted appearance. Patients should be at a stable and maintainable weight before treatment, as any weight fluctuation can alter the results.
All candidates interested in undergoing an arm lift should be in good general health and hold realistic expectations regarding the outcome of the procedure. Dr. Gutierrez will determine whether or not an arm lift is right for each patient during their personal consultation.
Personal Consultation
During a personal consultation, Dr. Gutierrez will meet with each patient one-on-one to discuss what the arm lift procedure entails and evaluate candidacy.
If you are ready to schedule your personal consultation and start your journey to smoother, more sculpted arms, please schedule your consultation by contacting us online. To schedule a consultation over the phone, patients from the United States can call (619) 572-8981, and patients from Mexico can reach us at (619) 779-1230.
Preparation
Before their arm lift, each patient will receive a set of preparation instructions from Dr. Gutierrez. These instructions will differ between patients, depending on their unique treatment plan and concerns, but should be followed for the best results.
- Discontinue the use of blood-thinning medications and supplements as directed.
- Avoid consuming alcohol before and after the procedure.
- Stop all nicotine use several weeks before surgery and continue avoiding it throughout recovery.
- Arrange transportation home before the procedure.
- Fill any prescribed medications in advance.
- Complete any required lab testing to confirm readiness for surgery.
- Review all additional instructions with Dr. Gutierrez during the consultation.
Procedure
An arm lift is performed under general anesthesia to ensure a comfortable procedure. Dr. Gutierrez will use a skin-safe marker to outline the treatment area, then begin the arm lift.
If there is a significant amount of fat in the upper arms, Dr. Gutierrez may use liposuction to remove the stubborn deposits before removing excess skin. During liposuction, he will inject a tumescent solution consisting of epinephrine, local anesthetic, and saline into the targeted area. This solution decreases bleeding, further numbs the area, and swells fat cells, making it easier to remove the fat. He will then use a specialized cannula to gently suction out the fat. (2)
The incision for the skin removal will be along the underside of the arm, its exact shape depending on the extent of skin removal. (1) Through the incision, Dr. Gutierrez will carefully remove the excess tissue from around the upper arms. Afterward, he will close the incisions and place protective bandages on the arms.
Recovery
Following an arm lift, it is normal to experience swelling, bruising, or mild discomfort. These effects are temporary and typically start to subside after a week or two, but any discomfort may be managed using pain medications. Dr. Gutierrez may recommend gentle arm exercises to promote circulation and support recovery, but more intense movements and physical activities should be avoided for several weeks or until he approves. Because lifting objects is not advisable in the initial phases, it is recommended to arrange assistance during this time. You will also need someone to drive you home after your procedure.
Many patients find that they can return to work within one to two weeks, depending on the demands of their job. Dr. Gutierrez will provide a full set of tailored recovery instructions during your personal consultation.
Results
The full effects of an arm lift become more noticeable as patients continue to heal. Patients enjoy an improvement in the contour of their arms, and the skin will appear smoother, tighter, and firmer. As hanging skin is excised, patients can experience an improvement in mobility, as well as a reduction in chafing and irritation. Many also find that they feel more confident and comfortable when wearing short-sleeved or sleeveless tops. Each of these effects can contribute to a greater sense of self-esteem and body confidence. The results of an arm lift are long-lasting and durable, especially when paired with healthy lifestyle habits.
Medical Tourism in Tijuana
Medical tourism is the practice of traveling to another country to receive medical care, and aesthetic procedures are no exception to this. As one of the most respected cosmetic practices in Mexico, we often treat patients from all over the world, including the United States, Canada, Europe, and more. Our practice offers a safe and cost-effective alternative for each patient to achieve their goals, all under the care of one of Mexico’s top board-certified plastic surgeons.
Our office is located just two minutes from the San Diego border, and there are direct flights from most major cities and countries into the San Diego International Airport. Patients interested in learning more about medical tourism are encouraged to read Dr. Gutierrez’s blog!
Cost of an Arm Lift in Tijuana
The cost of each arm lift can vary depending on each patient’s treatment plan. Our team considers several factors when pricing a procedure, such as the type of surgical strategies being used, the extent of correction, as well as each patient’s desired goals. Dr. Gutierrez will discuss the cost of a patient’s arm lift after establishing a treatment plan.
The Cosmetic & Bariatric Surgery Center also offers several flexible financing options to help patients achieve their goals without a financial burden. We are partnered with several reputable companies to offer the most affordable plastic surgery in Tijuana and Mexico. Our patient coordinators can help you explore these options during your consultation.
If you are ready to learn more about the cost of your arm lift, please schedule a consultation by submitting our online contact form. To schedule a consultation over the phone, patients from Mexico can call our office at (619) 572-8981, and those from the U.S. may call (619) 572-8981.
FAQ
What is an arm lift?
An arm lift, also known as a brachioplasty, is a procedure that focuses on removing excess skin and fat in the upper arms to create a smoother, more defined contour.
Are the results of my arm lift permanent?
Yes, the results of an arm lift are long-lasting; however, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and stable weight is crucial to preserving the results.
How painful will my arm lift recovery be?
Discomfort can vary, but most patients report manageable levels of pain. Dr. Gutierrez can prescribe pain medications to alleviate any discomfort experienced during the initial recovery period.
Can I combine an arm lift with any other procedures?
Certainly! Many patients choose to combine their arm lifts with other body-contouring procedures for more comprehensive results. During your consultation, Dr. Gutierrez can make personalized suggestions depending on your goals and anatomy.
References
- Nalin Nagrath, Winters R. Brachioplasty. Nih.gov. Published July 25, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK585115/#article-145189.s4
- Di Pietro V, Colicchia GM, Cervelli V, Gentile P. Arm Contouring After Massive Weight Loss: Liposuction-Assisted Brachioplasty Versus Standard Technique. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery. 2018;11(2):73-78. doi:https://doi.org/10.4103/JCAS.JCAS_102_17