Miami, FL
Introduction
An arm lift is a plastic surgery procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the upper arm area. With age, sudden weight loss, and gain and loss of muscle, the tissue around the arm can sag, leading to “batwing arms.” These can be tightened with an arm lift. This procedure is also common for patients after bariatric surgery. For all these options and more in Miami, consider scheduling an in-person consultation with triple board-certified and award-winning facial, cosmetic, and general surgeon Dr Grace Valina at her Grace Surgical Arts practice in Coral Gables, FL.
A cosmetic arm lift, medically known as a brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to address sagging or excess skin on the upper arms. It involves removing excess skin and fat to create a more toned and youthful arm contour. The surgery typically includes anesthesia, incisions made along the arms’ inner or back, excess skin and fat removal, and the tightening and reshaping of the remaining tissue to achieve a firmer and more youthful arm appearance.
An arm lift offers advantages such as a more toned and youthful arm appearance, the elimination of excess skin and fat, and increased self-confidence, especially when wearing short sleeves or sleeveless clothing. Some further benefits are shared below:
Ideal candidates for an arm lift are individuals who experience sagging or loose skin on the upper arms, often due to factors like aging, significant weight loss, or genetics. They seek a more firm and contoured arm appearance. Some other characteristics of potential patients are as follows:
Arm Lift Journey with Grace Surgical Arts
The first step in getting an arm lift in Coral Gables and the greater Miami area is to schedule a consultation with triple board-certified cosmetic surgeon Dr. Grace Valina. During the appointment, Dr. Valina will discuss your medical history, aesthetic goals, and concerns and learn more about your expectations from an arm lift procedure. She will carefully examine your arms, taking into consideration factors such as skin laxity, amount of excess fat, and muscle tone.
During this time, patients should ask any questions about the procedure as Dr. Valina identifies target incision areas, details associated risks and benefits, and outlook on its recovery.
If you both agree to proceed with the procedure, Dr. Valina will create a surgery plan for you, which you can then take to our patient coordinator for scheduling and pricing. This is also a good time to ask for any pre-operative instructions to ensure a successful and smooth procedure and recovery.
On the day of your arm lift surgery in Coral Gables, Dr. Valina and her experienced team will warmly welcome you and guide you through the process. After ensuring you’re comfortable, they will settle you into the surgical suite, review the personalized surgical plan with you, and address any final questions or concerns you may have. Once you’re ready to begin, a certified provider will administer general anesthesia to ensure you remain pain-free and comfortable throughout the procedure.
The surgery typically begins with Dr. Valina evaluating the excess fat in the arm area. If necessary, she may perform liposuction first, which involves inserting a fine cannula through small, discreet incisions. This allows the removal of stubborn fat deposits, helping to create a smoother arm contour.
Following liposuction, Dr. Valina will make an incision along the inside of the upper arm, a location that minimizes visible scarring. Once the incision is made, she will carefully lift and tighten the underlying tissue to remove any excess skin and further sculpt the arm’s shape. The goal is to achieve a more toned, youthful appearance that aligns with your desired aesthetic.
After the contours are refined and excess skin is removed, Dr. Valina will close the incision with sutures. Depending on the complexity of the surgery, the procedure usually lasts between 1 and 3 hours. Dr. Valina will discuss post-operative care instructions to ensure a smooth recovery and optimal results.
Your Guide to Post-Arm Lift Care
After your arm lifts in Miami, Dr. Valina’s staff will monitor you in the recovery room until you are released. After that, patients will need to have a family member or friend drive them home. You will need a caregiver to stay with you for the first 24 – 48 hours to help you around the house.
Patients should expect to experience some soreness, bruising, and swelling. If subcutaneous drains were placed intraoperatively, drain teaching will be provided.
For their recovery, patients should take one to two weeks off from work and avoid any strenuous activity for four to six weeks.
The cost of an arm lift in Coral Gables and Miami varies based on factors like the surgeon’s expertise, geographic location, the extent of the procedure, anesthesia and operating room fees, and post-operative care. While the average cost ranges from $3,500 to $6,700, it’s best to consult with Dr. Valina for accurate pricing.
Insurance coverage for an arm lift depends on your specific plan and whether the procedure is deemed medically necessary. However, most cosmetic surgeries are not covered. At Grace Surgical Arts, patients are responsible for covering the cost upfront and may seek reimbursement from their insurance provider if they meet the eligibility criteria. It’s always best to check with your insurance company beforehand to understand your coverage options.
Dr. Grace Valina is an award-winning surgeon who is triple board-certified in general, cosmetic, and facial surgery. Her journey to becoming a leading expert in the field has taken her across the globe. She trained under the guidance of renowned aesthetic plastic surgeons, oculofacial plastic surgeons, and cosmetic surgeons in the United States, Russia, Germany, and the Philippines. She should undoubtedly be your first choice for your arm lift in Coral Gables and the greater Miami area.
Before mastering the art of cosmetic surgery, Dr. Valina honed her surgical skills in the demanding field of general surgery and trauma surgery and completed a fellowship in minimally invasive foregut surgeries. Her feminine touch, attentive listening, and genuine compassion empower her patients to make informed choices on their aesthetic journeys. Dr. Valina’s vision led her to establish Grace Surgical Arts, a sanctuary for those seeking a feminine perspective on aesthetic medicine and plastic surgery. In her practice, Dr. Valina places great emphasis on individualized care. She understands that each patient possesses unique anatomy, physiology, healing capabilities, and aspirations. Driven by a commitment to patient education, she collaborates with her clients to help them understand the best approaches to realizing their realistic goals.
Dr. Valina is board-certified by the American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery (ABFCS), the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS), and the American Board of Surgery (ABS).
Grace Surgical Arts
Consider an arm lift at Grace Surgical Arts in Miami if you are tired of saggy upper arms that refuse to tone up despite exercise. Schedule your consultation today and get the expert opinion of triple-board-certified cosmetic surgeon Dr. Grace Valina.