Arm Lift
(Brachioplasty)

Some patients are seeking treatment from Dr. Ogilvie in Chicago because they have recently lost weight. For others, excess skin has simply formed during the normal aging process.

However the excess skin has formed, many patients will often feel self-conscious about the way their arms look, and brachioplasty (or arm lift) is a way to help those patients feel confident again.

In general, arm lift patients will:

• Present a significant amount of excess skin on the upper arms.
• Excess discomfort–perhaps physical, aesthetic, or both–caused by excess skin around the arms.
• Maintain a relatively stable weight (significant weight loss or weight gain can diminish arm lift results).
• Maintain realistic expectations about what brachioplasty can accomplish.
• Be generally healthy enough for surgery.

If you feel that a brachioplasty procedure would be the right fit for you, contact Dr. Ogilvie to schedule a consultation, during which you’ll be able to discuss the next steps towards accomplishing your arm lift goals.

Arm lift surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, so patients are allowed to return home once Dr. Ogilvie is satisfied that effects of the anesthetic have sufficiently worn off. In general, brachioplasty procedures will follow this basic order of events:

Anesthesia — In most cases, patients will opt for general anesthesia. But in some instances, patients may prefer local anesthesia with intravenous sedation.

Incision — There are three basic incision types used during an arm lift procedure. One incision travels alone the outer arm. Another incision type is made along the inner arm. And a third option is an incision that is made around the armpit. Which incision is best for you will depend on the location and amount of excess skin you want to diminish.

Patients will typically notice swelling and bruising for several weeks after their surgical procedure. Once that swelling subsides, you will notice that yours look much more slender and fit. Your skin will no longer “wave” or hang to the degree that it did before. Brachioplasty is designed to make the arms look more youthful and slim–a perception that excess skin can often get in the way of. That’s why many patients also note a significant increase in confidence and self-esteem after the procedure is complete.

If you feel like your arms could benefit from a brachioplasty procedure, contact Dr. Ogilvie’s office to schedule a consultation at your earliest convenience!