Northern Virginia & Washington DC
Extra skin and fat in the upper arms can cause a person significant grief. When someone loses weight, develops poor skin quality, or simply ages, the skin on the upper arms can sag, resulting in a batwing-like appearance. Exercise may tighten the muscles and reduce the fat, but it will not improve sagging skin that has lost elasticity. The best solution is an arm lift.
The arm lift operation has gained significant popularity in recent years, largely due to the rise of gastric bypass surgeries and the large number of people who are left unhappy with the droopy appearance of their upper arm flaps. Arm lift surgery is a straightforward operation that yields very high patient satisfaction, as it enables them to achieve a more toned upper arm appearance, increased self-confidence, and expanded fashion choices.
The scar on the inner aspect of the arm, extending from the underarm to the elbow, is usually well tolerated, given the benefits of this procedure. This procedure is often combined with other upper body procedures in patients with significant weight loss.
Pain Level After Surgery
Moderate
Anesthesia
General
Duration of Surgery
1-2 hours
Scars
From the underarm to the elbow (Y-shaped or S-shaped)
Final Results
6-12 Months
Return to Regular Work
1 Week
Resume Exercise
4 Weeks
Price Range
Call for Pricing
An initial consultation is scheduled, during which we discuss the arm lift procedure and determine if you are a suitable candidate for the surgery. Your medical history will be reviewed, and you will be asked to see your medical doctor for a physical check-up and a few laboratory tests to ensure you can undergo the surgery safely. You are given the opportunity to be seen by your own doctor to obtain clearance for surgery. You are asked to stop smoking, if you are a smoker, two weeks before and two weeks after surgery, for the surgery to be performed safely, and for you to have optimal results. You are given the opportunity to speak with patients who have undergone the same surgery you are considering. We will see you shortly after the surgery (usually in a day or two). You are seen regularly after your surgery. You are always welcome to return for a follow-up, even years after your surgery, at no additional charge.
The ideal candidate for the arm lift procedure is a patient who has loose skin or excess fat in the upper arm. If a patient has good muscle tone and skin tone, but excess fat in the upper arm, they may be a better candidate for upper arm liposuction without requiring skin resection, i.e., an arm lift. In some patients with significant weight loss, there is excess skin as well as residual excess fat of the upper arm. In this situation, an arm lift can be combined with adjunctive liposuction to contour the arm.
The arm lift procedure typically lasts between one and three hours. It involves making a Y-shaped or S-shaped incision placed in the upper arm extending from the armpit to the elbow, depending on the amount and location of the sagging skin. The excess skin and fat are removed to create a more aesthetically pleasing and firmer upper arm, resulting in a Y-shaped or S-shaped scar.
The arm lift procedure improves the upper arm portion, from above the elbow to below the shoulder or underarm area. The arm lift procedure removes loose skin and excess fat from the upper arm. If a patient has good muscle tone and skin tone, but excess fat in the upper arm, they may be a better candidate for upper arm liposuction without requiring skin resection, i.e., an arm lift. In some patients with significant weight loss, there is excess skin as well as residual excess fat of the upper arm. In this situation, an arm lift can be combined with adjunctive liposuction to contour the arm.
At the Bitar Cosmetic Surgery Institute, we take pride in ensuring that we provide our patients with the best possible surgical experience, anticipating potential problems or setbacks and addressing them before they occur. This process encompasses preoperative preparation, the actual surgery, and postoperative care.
General complications can occur with any surgery. Cosmetic surgery is typically a safe procedure performed on healthy patients and, like all surgeries, carries a low risk. To minimize the risk of complications, we operate in state-of-the-art facilities with board-certified anesthesiologists and experienced nurses. To avoid postoperative complications, we advocate for early mobilization – patients seen in our office one or two days after surgery- and active participation in their own postoperative care. When we create a partnership, the results invariably improve.
There are important nerves that pass from the neck, down the arm, and to the hand. In performing an arm lift, it is important to avoid injuring these nerves. The way to minimize nerve injury is to resect a conservative amount of skin, thereby creating minimal tension in the upper arm while achieving an aesthetically pleasing result. Occasionally, nerves can become stunned or bruised, and function may take several days to weeks to return. Our rate of permanent nerve injury in arm lifts has been minimal.
There are important lymphatic and nodal structures around the elbow and in the arm region. In performing an arm lift, it is important to preserve as many of these lymphatic channels as possible. This will reduce the chances of a lymph collection or prolonged swelling. If you have a history of a mastectomy or radiation to the area, you should discuss this further with your surgeon.
Bleeding after an arm lift is rare. Before surgery, our patients are tested to make sure they don’t have any common bleeding disorders by their own physicians and by lab tests. In our practice, the rate of significant bleeding is less than 1%. The treatment of a hematoma or blood clot under the skin of the arm involves opening the incision and evacuating the blood clot. Typically, this is a straightforward procedure.
The most important step in avoiding infections and wounds is to perform the surgery at a first-rate surgical facility with board-certified anesthesiologists and nurses. Patients are given the appropriate intravenous antibiotic coverage throughout the surgery. During the surgery, the patient’s skin surface is cleaned thoroughly. After the procedure, my patients are prescribed a one-week course of antibiotics to minimize infection. As a result of these extra precautions, my rate of infection after an arm lift is extremely rare. Conservative removal of skin is crucial for achieving good results, as well as preventing the skin from being overstretched after the arm lift. It may occur at the superficial incision level, where tension is highest, and a small open wound may form, which will usually heal nicely with dressing changes and antibiotic ointment.
Smoking is an absolute contraindication for an arm lift. The carbon monoxide and nicotine in cigarette smoke cause a severe reduction in blood supply to the skin and breast tissue during healing. This results in delayed wound healing, wound separation, skin death, and a higher risk of infection. Cotinine testing is performed in patients with a smoking history to ensure that they are safe when having this procedure.
Our office will provide a comprehensive post-operative plan to ensure the best possible outcome. The plan will outline what to expect postoperatively, including estimated recovery time, pain management, garments or dressings, and anticipated activity level. For your safety, we require that an adult stay with you at least the first 24 hours after surgery and drive you to your next day follow-up visit. With most facial procedures, you will be instructed to limit activity for the first week or two, which could include restrictions on driving, prolonged travel, and flying. Additionally, we recommend that you refrain from exercise until cleared by your physician, typically around four weeks post-surgery. You are asked to refrain from smoking for a minimum of two weeks. To optimize healing, we recommend that you eat a high-protein diet. You should anticipate a variable degree of bruising and swelling, as with any surgical procedure; light make-up may be used to cover bruises starting a week after surgery. We also offer scar creams at an additional cost to optimize results.
To promote healing and minimize complications, you will be seen in a series of post-op appointments, including the day after surgery. These appointments will continue throughout the first year after the procedure to make sure you are healing as planned. For your added convenience, you also have direct access to Dr. Bitar’s cell phone number, should you need to reach him outside of office hours. The final post-operative visit, one year after surgery, is one of our favorites, as the results are fully apparent, and we love seeing our patients happy. You are always welcome to return and visit us, even years after your surgery.
At the Bitar Cosmetic Surgery Institute, we take pride in providing our patients with the best possible surgical experience, emphasizing patient safety while striving to optimize surgical results. This process includes comprehensive pre-operative preparation and patient education, the development of a personalized operative plan, and a thoughtful post-operative care regimen that emphasizes patient comfort and promotes recovery.
The Institute has adopted several strategies to further ensure patient safety. We are selective and only offer surgery to patients whose overall health and lifestyle choices allow for healing and facilitate recovery. To minimize risk, we require a comprehensive preoperative assessment that includes a thorough history and physical examination, as well as targeted laboratory tests.
All surgeries are performed in-house at our AAAASF-accredited surgical suite, representing the gold standard in patient safety and care. This certification ensures we meet the highest standards, with board-certified anesthesiologists and nurses on-site, adhering to strict protocols to minimize risks and optimize outcomes. Dr. Bitar is committed to continuing education, honing their skills, and introducing new techniques, always with the aim of improving safety and surgical results.
We emphasize patient safety in our peri-operative care plan, advocating early mobilization, optimizing nutrition, and providing detailed care instructions. After surgery, patients are seen in our office frequently and early, starting the day after their procedure, and a staff member is available around the clock for any questions or concerns. Our entire team is dedicated to our patients’ well-being, and every measure is designed to minimize potential complications, promote a comfortable and rapid recovery, and optimize surgical outcomes.
Our commitment to excellence and exceptional patient care is in every step of your doctor-patient experience. Dr. George Bitar is a distinguished board-certified plastic surgeon who stays on the cutting edge of advancements in cosmetic surgery and technology to offer the best possible results. With a blend of artistry and meticulous surgical technique, he achieves beautiful and natural results for our patients. We provide a high level of patient safety, and our experienced and caring staff will be with you every step of the way. Our institute offers a wide range of surgical and non-surgical options, including skin care, injectables, lasers, and in-office and hospital procedures, to provide a versatile approach tailored to each patient’s individual needs. Your aesthetic goals are our top priority, and each procedure is carefully customized to ensure you achieve the best possible outcome.
For more information, call our office at 703-206-0506.
If you would like further information, please feel free to contact our office to schedule an appointment by calling (703) 206-0506 or filling out an online request form.
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“Natural beauty but doing a little somethin’ somethin’ to make beautiful features pop is what the Model Lift™ accomplishes.”
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Dr. George Bitar
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