Mini Arm Lift Richmond

Name: Mini Arm Lift
Brand: Virginia Institute of Plastic Surgery
Rating: 4.6 (518 reviews)

As we get older, our skin naturally begins to lose critical compounds we need to help our bodies stay fresh, healthy, and young-looking. This can cause the arms to sag, making the arm lift a great solution.

A mini arm lift, also known as a “limited incision brachioplasty” or "mini brachioplasty" is a surgical procedure done to sculpt the arm by removing loose or sagging skin tissue to create arms that are leaner, better defined, more fitting with the rest of the upper body, and more attractive. Because the arms are a natural focal point of the upper body and become particularly obvious when exposed in dresses, exercise attire, tank tops, beachwear, or slim-fitting clothing, mini arm lifts are one of the most sought-after cosmetic surgeries we offer.

Benefits of a mini arm lift

Minimally invasive options are available
Tailored to a patient’s concerns and goals
Enhances the size, shape, and contour of the arms
Removes excess skin and fatty tissue from the arms

Sculpting the ideal arm

Genetics, gravity, hormonal fluctuations, sun exposure, and age-related weight changes contribute to the accumulation of fatty tissue in certain areas of the body. For many women, the arms, neck, lower abdomen, and inner thighs are the areas most affected. The skin on the arms is thinner and loser than skin elsewhere, and fat in the arms is often more resistant to dieting and exercise.

Contrary to popular belief, you can’t spot-reduce fat in any one part of the body but would need to lose fat everywhere to impact the arms. Arm exercises may help tighten the skin on the arms by adding muscle, but exercise will do little to nothing to reduce skin laxity.

For many patients, the ideals they’re looking for when it comes to their arms, are a lean overall shape, nicely complementing curves, and adequate definition.

A mini Brachioplasty contours the upper back or underside of the arm, but typically avoids the biceps since they house nerve endings and blood vessels and are a site where fat and excess skin rarely accumulate.

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Am I a candidate for a mini arm lift?

Patients experiencing any of the following usually make good candidates for arm lift surgery.

Patients with excess arm fat
Younger patients with good skin tone and stubborn excess fat are usually treated with minimally invasive liposuction and a mini arm lift. Treatment may be combined with Renuvion J-Plasma treatment to further firm and tighten the skin.

Patients with mild excess arm skin
Treatment typically involves Renuvion J-Plasma to achieve desired tissue contraction and firmer, tighter skin. No skin is excised (cut); however, these treatments tend to provide nicely sculpted results for several years without the incisions, scars, and recovery downtime of a traditional arm lift surgery.

Patients with moderate excess skin
Patients with a greater volume of excess skin will usually need a mini arm lift. Small cannulas are used to remove the fatty tissue, and scarring is well hidden in the armpits. Excellent results may also be achieved with Renuvion J-Plasma treatments.

Patients with both excess skin and fatty tissue
Patients with both excess skin and fat will also usually need a mini arm lift to achieve the greatest possible improvement, although depending on the individual case, Renuvion J-Plasma may be sufficient to firm and tighten the skin and tissues.

What can I expect during the procedure?

Mini arm lifts are usually performed under general or local anesthesia, depending on the patient and what they seek to accomplish with the procedure. Skin tightening can be done with topical anesthesia used to reduce any discomfort.

Your surgeon will mark out the area to be treated, including what areas fat are to be removed from, where excess skin should be excised, and where any incisions will be made. Incisions are planned to be as small, discreet, and well-hidden as possible. Next, an anesthetic solution is applied to make the procedure as pain-free and comfortable as possible. The exact form of anesthesia used depends on the planned procedure. Liposuction is then used to liquefy and remove the fat through small cannulas. Any excess skin in need of removal is then excised and the area is sutured closed with dissolving stitches that allow for the least visible scar possible. Finally, compression garments and bandages are applied.

What is recovery like from a mini arm lift?

Patients should typically expect to be taking pain medication and/or antibiotics for less than a week and to take 2 to 4 days off of work. If their job is more labor-intensive, the recovery period could take 7 to 10 days. Recovery garments are usually worn for 3 to 4 weeks to reduce swelling and aid in healing. All patients will be provided with complete post-operative care instructions and may contact our office directly throughout their recovery.

Creating the Results You Deserve

Here at the Virginia Institute of Plastic Surgery, we understand the many ways in which the aging process can impact not only your body but your sense of self-esteem and your overall quality of life, as well. Drs. Burton Sundin and Reps Sundin bring over 30 years of combined experience to each procedure, offering you the skill and expertise needed to make your cosmetic goals a reality.

You’ll find our offices populated with a caring staff and expert surgeons who are excited to offer the latest surgical techniques and the most cutting-edge technology available. When you’re ready to learn about an arm lift in Richmond, or one of the many other body contouring procedures we offer, reach out and set up your consultation with a member of our team today.