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Has age or significant weight loss left your arms with loose, hanging skin? Choosing to undergo bariatric surgery or embarking on a weight loss journey and successfully reaching your goal weight are huge, life-altering feats that should bring you immense pride in yourself. Unfortunately, a side effect of losing body fat is skin that sags, and one of the most common areas for this to occur is the upper arms. The great news is arm lift surgery at Livingston Plastic Surgery can help create toned, sculpted arms that you can feel proud to show off in your favorite tank tops or sleeveless dresses.

A question that often arises during a consultation with Dr. Christopher Livingston is how long arm lift results last. An arm lift is a long-lasting and semi-permanent solution to sagging skin. In this blog, we’ll discuss more about the natural loss of firmness in your arms and some ways that you can maintain your arm lift results.

What Is an Arm Lift, and What Results Can You Expect?

An arm lift procedure, or brachioplasty, is a cosmetic procedure that reshapes the upper arms from the underarm to the elbow. Dr. Livingston sculpts the arms by removing excess skin and fat via liposuction to give a more toned and balanced appearance. Patients can expect smoother, tighter arms from results that are apparent almost immediately following surgery. With the help of Dr. Livingston’s expert skill and technique, he can help ensure that the scar is kept in a discreet location, and with proper healing, it should continue to fade and soften over time.

How Long Do the Results of An Arm Lift Typically Last?

Arm lift results can be permanent, provided that you maintain your stable weight and general level of fitness. Since there is no way to stop the aging process, it is natural to lose some firmness and elasticity in the skin, but most of your enhancements should remain relatively permanent. Additionally, thoroughly following Dr. Livingston’s instructions is essential to the longevity and success of your surgery. During your consultation, he will discuss your arm lift expectations, review what to expect from your arm lift recovery, and provide instructions on arm lift maintenance so you can enjoy your results for years to come.

What Factors Affect the Longevity of Arm Lift Outcomes?

Certain factors can play a part in the longevity of your arm lift results, including:

• Your Surgeon’s Qualifications and Experience. When choosing your plastic surgeon, look for an experienced and reputable provider to minimize complications and maximize your results and their longevity.
• Technique. The arm lift technique used during your procedure can also impact the longevity of your results. For example, non-surgical or minimally invasive treatments may require less downtime and seem like a smaller investment, but the results typically don’t last as long as a surgical procedure. Additionally, certain techniques can lead to longer-lasting outcomes than others.
• Weight Fluctuation. Weight loss or gain can alter your arm lift results, which is why it’s essential to maintain a stable weight following your procedure.
• Sun Exposure. It’s no secret how damaging UV rays can be without proper protection. Ultraviolet exposure without an SPF 45 or protective clothing can damage the skin and cause premature aging by breaking down collagen. To maintain your arm lift results, commit to using an SPF 45 or higher or wear protective clothing to avoid direct sun exposure.
• Smoking. Smoking has been proven to impede the natural healing process and can cause premature signs of aging. Nicotine shrinks the blood vessels, inhibiting adequate blood flow and oxygen to the skin and tissues that aid in the healing process following your cosmetic procedure. To increase the longevity of your arm lift surgery, stop smoking, vaping, or using nicotine.

Are There Any Lifestyle Choices That Can Extend the Life of Your Arm Lift?

You can prolong your arm lift results by maintaining a stable, healthy weight and adopting healthy exercises that focus on toning and sculpting. You can also care for your skin by taking collagen supplements; joining weightlifting, yoga, or Pilates classes; keeping your skin moisturized; and wearing SPF 45 or protective clothing when sun exposure is unavoidable.

How Does Aging Impact the Results of An Arm Lift Over Time?

As the aging process continues after your procedure, there will be a natural loss of firmness in your arm lift results. Here are some ways that you can maintain your results even as you age.

• Stay Active
• Eat Healthy
• Stay in Contact with Your Surgeon

What Maintenance Steps Are Recommended After an Arm Lift?

The first step to maintaining long-lasting results after an arm lift surgery is to ensure you have a healthy recovery. Get plenty of rest, avoid lifting your arms or engaging in strenuous activities, eat a healthy, balanced meal, and drink plenty of fluids. Other steps that are recommended include:

• Avoid alcohol or nicotine products
• Practice careful incision care per Dr. Livingston’s instructions
• Reduce swelling by sleeping with your arms elevated
• Protect your incisions from sun exposure and wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen after incisions are healed
• Use compression garments
• Eat well and exercise regularly

Can Subsequent Procedures Be Done to Prolong Arm Lift Results?

If, a few years after your arm lift procedure, you notice that your arms have lost some definition, an arm lift revision can be used to restore and prolong your arm lift results.

How Often Do Patients Require Touch-Ups After an Arm Lift?

Arm lift revisions are rare; however, if you are experiencing excessive sagging skin due to age or weight loss, an arm lift revision can be used to improve the appearance of the arms and increase patient confidence. Typically, patients will require an arm lift revision five to ten years after their initial procedure if they’ve lost more weight or have experienced sagging due to age. The surgery is similar to the original arm lift, with some minor differences. During the procedure, Dr. Livingston will make an incision on the same line as the initial procedure, usually along the inner side of the arm or in a hidden area like the armpit. He will remove the skin and fat as before, followed by repositioning and tightening underlying tissues and muscles with internal sutures.

What Are the Signs That Your Arm Lift May Need Revising?

Signs that an arm lift should be revised include:

• Excessive skin sagging due to age or weight loss
• Resistant pockets of fat that cannot be addressed through diet and exercise
• Poor skin elasticity due to age, genetics, or other skin conditions
• Asymmetrical arms
• Excessive scarring from previous arm lift procedure

How Can You Prepare for Long-Lasting Results Before Undergoing an Arm Lift?

Dr. Livingston will provide thorough pre-operative instructions, answer any questions you may have before your procedure, acquire a detailed medical history, and perform a physical examination to determine your candidacy. In preparation for your procedure, you should attempt the following:

• Reach a healthy, stable weight through a balanced diet and exercise
• Engage in arm-focused exercises that include resistant weight training
• Stop smoking and drinking alcohol
• Keep your body and skin hydrated by drinking water and applying lotion
• Follow all pre-operation advice provided by Dr. Livingston

Schedule Your Arm Lift Consultation at Livingston Plastic Surgery

Whether you are self-conscious about loose upper arm skin due to weight loss or the natural aging process, an arm lift can be the body contouring solution you’ve been searching for. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Livingston provides precision techniques and customized treatment plans that ensure every patient leaves his office feeling confident in their appearance. For more information on arm lift surgery, call our Houston, TX office at (281) 501-1812 and let our experienced team help you prepare for long-lasting arm lift results.