Loose skin hanging from the upper arms is frustrating, and exercise rarely fixes it. After major weight loss or with age, the skin stops bouncing back, so sleeves fit badly, and many people keep their arms covered. An arm lift is the way to remove that extra skin. Dr. Erik J. Nuveen at Cosmetic Surgery Affiliates in Oklahoma City performs one of the best arm lift surgeries in Oklahoma, also called brachioplasty, to give the arms a firmer shape.
What Makes Dr. Nuveen Different?
Dr. Nuveen holds triple American Board Certification in oral and maxillofacial surgery, cosmetic surgery, and facial cosmetic surgery, which means he has trained in several areas of surgery instead of just one. He has also performed more than 27,000 major cosmetic surgeries. That training and experience help him judge each patient’s concerns and plan the right treatment.
At Cosmetic Surgery Affiliates, arm lift surgery is offered to patients with loose upper-arm skin after major weight loss, aging, or genetics, since skin can lose its ability to tighten back up for any of these reasons. No two patients get the same plan. The surgery depends on how much extra skin and fat there is, where it sits, and the shape the patient wants, so the surgeon builds each plan around those details.
How Is Brachioplasty Performed in Oklahoma?
Brachioplasty, the medical name for an arm lift, removes extra skin and tissue from the upper arms for a firmer, more defined shape. Many people blame sagging arms on fat, but loose skin is often a big part of the problem, especially after major weight loss, and exercise cannot tighten skin that has stretched out.
The surgery usually involves an incision along the inner part of the upper arm. The length depends on how much skin and fat needs to come off. The surgeon removes the targeted tissue and may also treat the armpit area when more tightening is needed. Key parts of the surgery include:
- Inner upper-arm incision: The cut runs along the inside of the arm to treat loose skin while keeping the scar in a less visible spot, and its length depends on how much skin and fat needs to be removed.
- Excess skin removal: The surgeon removes extra skin that makes the arm look saggy or hang down, which is the main step of the surgery.
- Tissue and fat removal: Extra tissue and fat are treated as needed to improve the shape of the arm, so the result is a smoother contour and not just less skin.
- Treatment near the armpit: When it makes sense, the plan can include tightening extra tissue around the armpit, since loose tissue can reach that far up the arm.
How much is corrected depends on each patient’s body and how loose the skin is. Brachioplasty leaves a scar. Its length and how visible it looks vary with the surgical approach and with how each person heals, so scarring is worth discussing during the consultation.
What Should Patients Expect During Arm Lift Surgery and Recovery?
Here is what the process usually looks like at Cosmetic Surgery Affiliates:
- Surgery time: Arm lift takes approximately 90 minutes to two hours to get completed, with the exact time depending on how much skin and fat is being removed.
- Anesthesia: General anesthesia is used during the surgery, so the patient is asleep and does not feel the procedure.
- After surgery: Compression garments may be worn to support healing, and drain tubes may be used when needed to carry away fluid that can build up in the arms.
- Early recovery: The patient might feel swelling, tightness, discomfort, and temporary tingling, which are common in the early days of recovery.
- Activity: It is recommended to avoid exercise or strenuous activity for at least six weeks, since hard movement can strain the incisions while they heal.
Recovery varies from patient to patient. It is always necessary to follow the surgeon’s instructions, because this gives the arms the best chance to heal well. Follow-up visits let the surgical team check healing and answer any concerns along the way. Candidates should talk through their medical history, goals, possible complications, and recovery needs with a qualified surgeon before moving ahead.
Where Can Patients Find This Surgeon for Arm Lift Surgery in Oklahoma?
Dr. Nuveen performs cosmetic surgery at Cosmetic Surgery Affiliates, located at 2100 NW 63rd St. in Oklahoma City. Consultations cover an exam of the loose skin on the upper arms, a talk about the treatment options, and whether brachioplasty fits the patient’s goals.
For patients asking who does the best arm lift in Oklahoma, triple board certification, two degrees (M.D. and D.M.D.), and experience from more than 27,000 major cosmetic surgeries are strong reasons to book a visit.
Ready to Book an Arm Lift Consultation in Oklahoma City?
Loose upper-arm skin does not have to stay. Dr. Nuveen offers consultations at Cosmetic Surgery Affiliates in Oklahoma to look at the arms, go over the options, and decide whether brachioplasty fits the patient’s goals.
Call 405-842-6677 to book a consultation to get started. A firmer, smoother arm shape starts with one visit.
What Else Do Patients Ask About Arm Lift Surgery?
How much does an arm lift cost?
Cost depends on how much skin and fat is removed, anesthesia, and facility fees, which is why two patients can get different quotes. A consultation gives a personal quote.
Does insurance cover an arm lift?
Usually not when it is done for looks. Some plans may help if loose skin causes rashes or infections, so it is worth asking the insurer before booking, since coverage rules differ from plan to plan.
Will the arm lift scar fade?
Yes, scars soften and fade over time, though how much depends on how each person heals. They do not disappear completely.
How long should weight stay steady before an arm lift?
Many surgeons ask for steady weight for at least three to six months, because gaining or losing more weight after surgery can change the results. The surgeon sets the final timing.
Can liposuction alone fix saggy arms?
Only if the problem is fat. Liposuction does not remove loose skin, so patients with hanging skin usually need an arm lift, which removes the extra skin along with tissue and fat.
Can an arm lift be combined with other surgeries?
Often, yes, when it is safe for the patient, and patients can ask about this during the consultation. The surgeon makes the plan after an exam.
