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Arm Lift in Santa Barbara

If you have unsightly sagging skin on the upper arms due to aging, genetics, or weight loss, you may be a candidate for upper arm lift. The procedure is intended to reduce or eliminate excess skin from the upper arms, creating a tighter, firmer appearing arm. As with any lift, patients experience an ability post operatively to wear clothing and participate in activities previously unavailable to them.

If you are interested in arm lift surgery or another body contouring procedure, please send us an email or call our Santa Barbara plastic surgery office at 805-682-7222 to schedule a consultation.

The procedure is usually done in Santa Barbara under general anesthesia. In order to remove the unwanted skin, an incision is required that runs from near the elbow into the armpit. The incision is placed in the most inconspicuous location (inner arm toward the back), but some scarring will always be visible.

After surgery, the upper arms are either wrapped or placed in an elastic sleeve to reduce swelling. Initial healing usually occurs in 10-14 days. The non-absorbable sutures are usually removed within the first 2 weeks. Swelling and bruising gradually disappear over 3-4 weeks. All swelling is gone in 3-6 months. The scars fade in 6-24 months depending on your skin. An additional procedure that may enhance the result is Liposuction of the upper arms.

This procedure is considered cosmetic and therefore is not covered by insurance. The patient is responsible for payment. The specific risks and the suitability of this procedure for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally. Major complications are highly unusual.

For more information about upper arm contouring procedures: