Brachioplasty

Brachioplasty is not a weight-loss procedure. The tissue removed during surgery typically amounts to a small number of pounds at most, depending on the extent of excess skin. The goal of brachioplasty is body contouring, improving shape and proportion rather than reducing weight on the scale.

The cost of brachioplasty in Houston, TX depends upon various factors such as the current state of your arm and the requirement of liposuction during your arm lift. After a detailed consultation, your surgeon and medical team will provide you with a personalized estimate of costs.

At Livingston Plastic Surgery, Dr. Livingston aims to understand your concerns and devise a detailed plan for your arm lift. This allows us to deliver a detailed cost breakdown that lets you steer clear of any surprise costs before or after your surgery.

With proper care, arm lift results can last for many years. Maintaining a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle helps prolong the effects of the surgery.

Most patients describe brachioplasty recovery as uncomfortable rather than severely painful. Discomfort is well-managed with prescribed medications in the first week, and the majority of patients feel well enough to resume light activity within 7 to 10 days.

Ideal candidates are non-smokers in good health with realistic expectations. If you have excess skin or weakened muscles in your upper arms, this procedure may be right for you.

Since an arm lift may take 1 to 3 hours and requires you to stay still during the surgery, you will undergo general anesthesia before the procedure, meaning you are not awake for the surgery. This ensures your comfort during the procedure, while also making sure that your surgeon can carry out the necessary surgical techniques without interruption.

After your surgery is complete, you will recover from general anesthesia in the surgical facility. You can then go home the same day. To make sure that you remain safe under the general anesthesia, Dr. Livingston takes your medical history before the surgery to rule out any past allergic reactions or current medical conditions that could keep you from receiving anesthesia.

Yes, but movement will be limited during the first couple of weeks. Avoid strenuous activities and follow your surgeon’s advice for a smooth recovery.

Dr. Livingston performs brachioplasty surgery under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation at an accredited hospital. During brachioplasty, Dr. Livingston will create an incision that goes along the inside of your upper arm. The incision can span from the start of the armpit to the elbow, depending on the amount of excess skin and fat. Once the incision is made, Dr. Livingston will start to trim away excess skin and tighten the arm’s underlying supportive tissue using internal sutures.

Once the arms have been contoured to reach the patient’s desired results, Dr. Livingston will close the incision with absorbable sutures and cover them with medical tape.

Dr. Livingston takes care to place incisions in inconspicuous areas. Scars typically fade over time with proper care.

Recovery from brachioplasty usually takes about six weeks for the body to fully recover and for patients to resume all their normal activities, including exercise. In general, most patients can walk in the first few days after surgery. By about day 10 or 12, most patients can start driving again. Once you’re feeling comfortable driving and feel your energy return, you should be able to return to work and other normal activities. From this point, the only restriction patients still need to maintain is to avoid strenuous activities, such as heavy lifting, to ensure the arms can heal properly.

• To help reduce swelling and discomfort, it’s best if you rest in an upright position. A recliner or a bed with 2 to 3 pillows behind your back and pillows under your arms is best. Only use your elbows when necessary but try not to put extra strain on your shoulders. Keep a fluffy towel folded under your armpits to provide some additional elevation.
• Wear the compression garments provided by Dr. Livingston 24 hours a day except when showering, or Dr. Livingston tells you otherwise.
• Apply cold compresses to your arms every hour for no longer than 20 minutes. Always protect your skin with a towel wrapped around the ice pack.
• Ask Dr. Livingston about anti-inflammatory medications that are safe for you to take to help relieve discomfort and inflammation.

Your arm lift results can last for a decade or more as long as you prioritize maintaining a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. However, because some skin and fat were removed during your brachioplasty, your arms will always look tauter than they would if you’d never had an arm lift. To help maintain your results, exercise your arms regularly using weights for some resistance.

Yes. Brachioplasty is commonly combined with liposuction, tummy tuck, mommy makeover, and other body contouring procedures. Combining surgeries can reduce overall recovery time and cost compared to having each procedure separately.

As with any surgical procedure, brachioplasty carries some risks, including bleeding, infection, scarring, or asymmetry. Dr. Livingston takes every precaution to minimize these risks and ensures your safety throughout the process.

No, brachioplasty is usually performed as an outpatient procedure. Patients are monitored for a short time after surgery and can return home the same day.

Dr. Livingston will provide a complete pre-operative checklist at your consultation. In general, preparation includes stopping smoking at least four to six weeks before surgery, discontinuing blood-thinning medications as directed, arranging for a driver and a trusted caregiver for the first few days of recovery, and setting up a comfortable recovery space at home.

While liposuction removes fat deposits, brachioplasty addresses both excess skin and fat in the upper arms. Brachioplasty is ideal for those with loose, sagging skin, often following significant weight loss or aging.

You should avoid strenuous exercise, especially activities that involve lifting or arm movements, for at least 6 weeks after surgery. Light walking is encouraged to promote circulation during recovery.

Yes, brachioplasty can address asymmetry caused by excess skin or uneven fat deposits. Dr. Livingston customizes each procedure to ensure balanced, natural-looking results.

In most cases, brachioplasty is considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by insurance. Exceptions may exist in cases where excess skin causes documented medical problems such as chronic rashes, skin infections, or functional limitations. This can be discussed during your consultation.

Yes, brachioplasty is designed to eliminate “bat wings,” or sagging skin on the upper arms, creating a smoother and firmer appearance.

During your consultation, Dr. Livingston will evaluate your upper arms, review your medical history and health status, discuss your goals, and recommend a personalized surgical plan. You will have the opportunity to review before and after photos, ask any questions you have, and receive a transparent, detailed cost estimate.

If you have loose, sagging skin on your upper arms and are in good health, you may be an excellent candidate for brachioplasty. Schedule a consultation to discuss your goals and expectations with Dr. Livingston.