Introduction
Upper arm lifting surgery, also known as brachioplasty, has gained popularity in recent years as more people look to improve the appearance of their upper arms. In New York City, a bustling hub of medical excellence, there are several departments in hospitals that offer high - quality arm lift surgeries. In this article, we will explore some of the top hospitals and their departments known for this procedure, along with essential information about arm lift surgery.
Understanding Arm Lift Surgery
What is Arm Lift Surgery?
Arm lift surgery, or brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to improve the aesthetic appearance of the arms. Due to aging, significant weight loss, or genetics, the skin on the upper arms can become lax and develop excess fat deposits. Diet and exercise may not be sufficient to address these issues, and that's where arm lift surgery comes in. The procedure typically involves removing excess skin and fat from the upper arm and tightening the underlying supportive tissue to create a smoother, more toned appearance.
Candidates for Arm Lift Surgery
Good candidates for arm lift surgery are generally adults who are in good overall health. Most often, they are post - weight loss patients, but anyone with excess skin on the arms can potentially benefit. Patients must be able to obtain medical clearance for general anesthesia and should not have major healing problems. Those at risk of keloid scar formation should inform their surgeon during the consultation. If the main goal is to reduce fat, liposuction alone may be an option, but if excess skin also needs to be removed, a combination of liposuction and brachioplasty is often recommended.
| Ideal Candidate Criteria | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Overall Health | Must be in good health to withstand general anesthesia and the surgical procedure. Should not have conditions that impair healing. |
| Weight Stability | Preferably near their goal weight, as significant weight loss after surgery can compromise the results. |
| Non - Smoking | Smoking can interfere with the body's healing processes, so patients should stop smoking before and after surgery. |
| Realistic Expectations | Understand that while the surgery can improve the appearance of the arms, it may not achieve perfection. |
Top Hospitals and Their Departments for Arm Lift Surgery in New York City
Zuckerman Plastic Surgery
Dr. Zuckerman at Zuckerman Plastic Surgery is a board - certified plastic surgeon trained at prestigious institutions like Brown University and New York University. He is highly adept at brachioplasty and other body contouring procedures.
- Procedure Details: The brachioplasty procedure at Zuckerman Plastic Surgery may vary depending on the amount of excess skin. Usually, an incision is made along the inner portion of the upper arm, at the junction between the bicep and tricep muscles, to hide the scar. In more severe cases, the incision may be extended across the armpit, and a z - plasty may be performed to avoid a contracting band of scar that could affect arm movement. Liposuction of the arm may also be combined with the procedure to improve the contour.
- Recovery: Patients can expect swelling and bruising in the days following surgery, which should resolve within two weeks. A surgical drain may be placed to collect excess fluid and is removed after about a week. Patients are advised to wear a compression garment for up to six weeks and avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity for a few weeks. Dr. Zuckerman provides a comprehensive scar care regimen for up to one year after surgery.
- Risks: While the procedure is generally safe, there are some risks, including seroma (fluid collection), wound healing issues, infection, and the formation of a longitudinal scar on the inner upper arm.
Dr. Douglas Steinbrech
Dr. Douglas Steinbrech is a board - certified plastic surgeon who regularly performs arm lift procedures in New York. He has been ranked among the top plastic surgeons in NYC.
- Procedure Details: The arm lift procedure is done under local anesthesia, IV sedation, or general anesthesia at a New York hospital or surgery center. The typical procedure time is 1 - 3 hours. An incision is made on the inside or back of the arm, and after the incision, loose skin and excess fat are removed via excision and possibly liposuction. The tissues are then tightened and secured with absorbable sutures, and the skin is smoothed over the tissues and the incision is closed.
- Cost: The cost of an arm lift at Dr. Steinbrech's practice ranges from $8,500 to $10,500, depending on the extent of the procedure and additional expenses like anesthesia and post - surgery care.
- Results: Generally, patients can expect smoother, tighter skin, more natural and toned arms, and improved self - perception. Results are often visible after the swelling goes down, and long - lasting results can be achieved if patients maintain their weight and a healthy lifestyle.
Central Park Plastic Surgery (Dr. Zevon)
Dr. Zevon at Central Park Plastic Surgery offers arm lift surgery in New York City. The consultation with Dr. Zevon is an important first step to assess if an arm lift is suitable for the patient.
- Procedure Details: The procedure begins with an incision on the inside of the upper arm. The length and pattern of the incision depend on the amount and location of excess skin. Fat may be reduced through excision or liposuction. The underlying supportive tissue is tightened with internal sutures, and excess skin is removed. Incisions are closed with absorbable sutures or stitches that will be removed within 1 - 2 weeks.
- Preparing for Surgery: Patients will receive specific instructions before surgery, including pre - surgical considerations, diagnostic testing, medications, and details about the use of anesthesia. They will also need to sign consent forms after fully understanding the procedure and its risks.
- Recovery: After surgery, the arms will be swollen and bruised, and patients will experience some discomfort, which can be managed with medication. Arms should be elevated for several days, and patients should avoid lifting or bearing weight on the arms for a few days to weeks. Incisions will heal within 7 to 14 days, and additional healing will continue for weeks as swelling resolves and incision lines improve.
Aristocrat Plastic Surgery (Dr. Kevin Tehrani)
Dr. Kevin Tehrani, the founder and director of Aristocrat Plastic Surgery, is a top plastic surgeon. He values high - level training and experience in reconstructive and plastic surgery.
- Procedure Details: If there is only a moderate amount of excess arm skin, the incision can be hidden in the armpit. For significant excess skin, the incision is placed along the inner aspect of the arm. After removing excess fat, the underlying supportive tissue is tightened and reshaped with internal sutures, and the skin is smoothed over. Liposuction may also be combined with the procedure.
- Benefits: Benefits of an arm lift at Aristocrat Plastic Surgery include reduction of excess arm skin, better self - image and confidence, the ability to wear short sleeves without insecurity, and improved clothing fit.
- Recovery: Recovery times vary, but those having brachioplasty alone should expect to take about a week off from work and avoid strenuous activities for several weeks as they heal. Results are almost immediate, and the scar will fade over 6 to 12 months.
Frequently Asked Questions about Arm Lift Surgery
Must I lose weight before undergoing arm lift surgery?
Generally, it is recommended that patients be near their goal weight before surgery. If a patient loses more weight after surgery, it may create further skin laxity and compromise the surgical result.
Can arm lift surgery (brachioplasty) be combined with other procedures?
Yes, it can be combined with other procedures such as thigh lift or other post - weight loss/body contouring procedures. However, surgeons usually recommend that the operative time does not exceed six hours for a single operative period.
Will I compromise my surgical result if I gain weight after arm lift surgery / brachioplasty?
Significant weight gain can have a negative impact on the tightened contour of the upper arms created during surgery. It is strongly recommended that patients maintain a healthy lifestyle of diet and exercise after surgery.
What are the risks of an arm lift?
The risks associated with arm lift surgery include infection, hematoma, numbness at or near the surgical site, swelling of the hands, fluid accumulation, and the formation of scars. Additionally, there are risks associated with surgical anesthesia.
When can I return to work and physical activity after an arm lift?
The time to return to work varies from patient to patient and will be discussed during the initial consultation. Most patients can return to physical activity 4 - 6 weeks after surgery.
Conclusion
Upper arm lifting surgery in New York City offers a solution for those looking to improve the appearance of their arms. The five departments of hospitals mentioned above - Zuckerman Plastic Surgery, Dr. Douglas Steinbrech, Central Park Plastic Surgery, Aristocrat Plastic Surgery - each have experienced surgeons who can provide high - quality arm lift procedures. Before making a decision, it is crucial to have a detailed consultation with the surgeon, understand the procedure, its risks, and the recovery process. By choosing the right surgeon and hospital department, patients can achieve their desired results and enhance their self - confidence.
If you are considering an arm lift surgery, we encourage you to reach out to these departments for a consultation. Take the first step towards getting the toned and beautiful arms you've always wanted. Share this article with friends and family who may also be interested in arm lift surgery to help them make informed decisions.
