If you avoid sleeveless tops or feel self-conscious about the appearance of your arms, surgical contouring may be a solution for you.
Dr. York Yates is a board-certified plastic surgeon who provides excellence in arm lift surgery to patients in Layton, Salt Lake City, and surrounding areas. If you are interested in learning more, schedule an appointment with Dr. Yates today.
WHAT IS AN ARM LIFT?
An arm lift, or brachioplasty, is a procedure that reshapes your upper arms by removing extra skin and fat. You might notice loose or sagging skin in this area after weight loss, as you get older, or simply due to genetics. This can make your arms look out of proportion with the rest of your body.
With an arm lift, the goal is to give you a smoother arm contour that looks more natural. The procedure helps your arms match the effort you put into taking care of yourself.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF AN ARM LIFT?
An arm lift can bring you both cosmetic and personal benefits, including:
- More toned upper arms
- Better fit and comfort in sleeveless or fitted clothing
- More confidence in how your arms look during everyday activities
- Long-lasting results when you maintain a healthy lifestyle
- A more balanced look that complements the rest of your body
HOW IS AN ARM LIFT PERFORMED?
Dr. Yates performs an arm lift by carefully reshaping the upper arms through these steps:
- Making an incision along the inner arm, running from the armpit to just above the elbow
- Removing extra skin and fat to create a firmer contour
- Positioning the incision so the scar is less noticeable when your arms rest at your sides
In some cases, Dr. Yates may recommend liposuction alone if you have only a small amount of loose skin. He may also perform a mini arm lift, which uses a shorter incision hidden in the armpit for patients who need only mild tightening. Both a mini or full arm lift can be combined with liposuction when appropriate.
WHAT TYPE OF ANESTHESIA IS USED FOR AN ARM LIFT?
An arm lift can be performed under general anesthesia or sedation with local anesthetic. Our standard anesthesia for an arm lift is TIVA anesthesia.
BEFORE & AFTER
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FROM RECOVERY AFTER AN ARM LIFT?
Following an arm lift, you’ll wear a compression garment, and exercise will be limited for approximately six weeks. Sutures are the internal type and don’t require removal.
Visit our “recovery” page for procedure-specific recovery questions.
HOW MUCH DOES AN ARM LIFT COST?
We are transparent about our pricing. The cost of arm lift surgery can be found on the costs of plastic surgery page.
WHAT AREAS OF THE ARMS ARE AFFECTED BY AN ARM LIFT?
Dr. Yates finds that the brachioplasty procedure can be used to address areas on the upper arms, including the inner and outer aspects of the arm, as well as the armpit area. He can remove excess fat and skin to achieve a toned appearance and slimmer look.
WHAT IS THE RECOVERY PERIOD LIKE AFTER AN ARM LIFT?
Your Layton, UT, plastic surgeon will provide you with post-operative instructions to follow closely to ensure fast and effective healing. Without following these recommendations, you may be at a higher risk of complications or infection following the brachioplasty surgery.
HOW LONG DO RESULTS LAST AFTER AN ARM LIFT PROCEDURE?
The results of the brachioplasty are long-lasting as long as you follow a healthy lifestyle. Although fat cells are removed during brachioplasty treatment, the remaining cells can still grow larger and create new fat stores.
Dr. Yates often finds that the best candidates are those within their ideal weight range and who live active lifestyles, as this can significantly extend the longevity of results from the arm lift surgery.
CAN I COMBINE OTHER BODY CONTOURING PROCEDURES WITH MY ARM LIFT SURGERY?
Having multiple plastic surgeries done at once can reduce the healing and recovery time needed for each separate surgery. Additionally, the overall costs may be reduced when procedures are performed together.
If you have several areas of the body you want to improve at once, Dr. Yates may recommend performing all of the procedures together in Layton, UT. This helps reduce the extra cost and time off from work that would be incurred if you were having them done separately.
WHO IS A CANDIDATE FOR ARM LIFT SURGERY?
Before anyone can get arm lift surgery, they must first fit the requirements for candidacy.
You are considered an ideal candidate for arm lift surgery if you:
- Have too much laxity in your upper arms
- Are not too overweight
- Do not have any underlying health conditions that could interfere with the procedure
- Do not smoke
- Have realistic expectations and understanding of the procedure
WHAT DISQUALIFIES YOU AS A CANDIDATE FOR ARM LIFT SURGERY?
Despite being a cosmetic procedure, it can still pose a threat to your health if you do not meet the requirements for candidacy. That said, if your health is not in the best state, you could have complications with the anesthesia. Having unrealistic expectations about the surgery can also disqualify you from getting arm lift surgery.
You must have a clear benefit that makes it worth the cost. If you do not have any valid reasons, Dr. Yates will not approve the surgery.
WHY CHOOSE DR. YORK YATES IN LAYTON, UT?
Dr. York Yates is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Layton, Utah, specializing in cosmetic surgery of the breast and body. After completing his residency in Missouri, he returned home to join the Tanner Clinic, where his father practiced medicine for decades. By narrowing his scope to procedures like breast augmentation, tummy tuck, liposuction, and fat transfer, Dr. Yates has developed advanced expertise that patients across Salt Lake City trust for refined results.
Dr. Yates is also known for creating a patient-centered experience. His surgical team has worked alongside him for more than a decade, offering consistency and reassurance throughout the process. With secure 24/7 communication through a patient app and rapid recovery anesthesia techniques, he makes recovery smoother. Patients value his skill and dedication to ensuring a comfortable experience.
WHAT ARE THE PRIMARY GOALS OF ARM LIFT SURGERY?
The purpose of arm lift surgery is to get rid of any excess fat and skin on the upper arms. This is to help create a more aesthetically pleasing shape of your arm. Another goal of arm lift surgery is to tighten the supportive tissue within the arm.
ARE THERE ANY RISKS OR COMPLICATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH ARM LIFT SURGERY?
Arm lift surgery is typically safe, but like many other cosmetic procedures, there are risks involved. The risks depend on several factors, including your current health status, age, and the amount of weight you have lost.
Below is a short list of rare but possible risks of receiving arm lift surgery:
- Wound not healing properly
- Possible infection
- Excessive bleeding
- Damaged lymphatic tissue, which can cause it to swell
- Damage to nearby nerves
- Complications with the provided anesthesia
- Persistent pain
- Possible blood clot formation
- Noticeable scarring
The plastic surgeon will go over all possible risks during your consultation.
WILL I HAVE NOTICEABLE SCARS AFTER AN ARM LIFT?
Yes, there will be a rather large scar after the procedure is completed. In most cases, however, the scar will eventually fade and become less noticeable as time goes on. This ultimately depends on your body’s healing process and the technique used to perform the procedure.
CAN I FINANCE OR GET INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR AN ARM LIFT?
Insurance does not cover arm lift surgery since it is considered a cosmetic procedure. However, Dr. Yates offers several financing options, including CareCredit® and Prosper Healthcare Lending, which make it easier to manage the cost with flexible payment plans. Cash discounts and other specials may also be available.
HOW CAN I MINIMIZE SCARRING FROM AN ARM LIFT?
Dr. Yates places incisions along the inner arm so scars are less noticeable. You can help them heal by following his aftercare instructions, wearing your compression garment, protecting the area from the sun, avoiding smoking, and using scar treatments if recommended. Scars usually fade over time and become much less noticeable.
CONTACT DR. YORK YATES
To learn more about arm lift surgery or to schedule a consultation, contact Dr. Yates today! We serve patients in Layton, Salt Lake City, and the surrounding areas. Fill out our contact form or give us a call at 385.526.5988.