TLKM Plastic Surgery
737 North Michigan Avenue #1500
Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: (312) 788-2560
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Tuesday: 8 a.m.–6 p.m.
Dr. Thomas Mustoe and Dr. Sammy Sinno perform arm lift surgery in Chicago, Illinois, to help people achieve toned, youthful-looking arms and enjoy a more sculpted upper-body appearance, which can be difficult to accomplish through weight loss or exercise alone.
Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) Before & After Photos
Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.
What Is an Arm Lift?
An arm lift, also known as brachioplasty, reshapes and contours the upper arms by removing excess fat and lax skin that contributes to unflattering, unbalanced body proportions. Genetics or significant weight loss typically contributes to upper arm fat accumulation. For many people, the upper arms are particularly resistant to diet and exercise adjustments, making it especially difficult to slim them.
While arm lift surgery is an effective treatment for upper arm concerns, it is not meant to replace healthy diet and exercise habits. It’s also not an appropriate option for patients who are significantly overweight.
Are You a Candidate for Brachioplasty?
A personalized consultation with Dr. Mustoe or Dr. Sinno is the best way to determine your candidacy for an arm lift. In general, ideal brachioplasty patients should have these traits:
- Significant upper arm laxity due to weight loss, aging, or genetics
- Lack of upper arm definition
- Underarm fat deposits
- Non-smoker in good overall health
- Realistic expectations about what the procedure can accomplish
Considered among the best brachioplasty surgeons in Chicago, Dr. Mustoe and Dr. Sinno are authorities on the latest body contouring techniques. They understand the unique nuances that distinguish each patient and develop a tailored surgical approach that yields natural-looking, harmonious results.
What’s a Mini Arm Lift?
A mini arm lift, also called a limited brachioplasty, uses an incision limited to the underarm. This option is appropriate for patients with minimal upper arm laxity. It can deliver excellent results in selected patients when combined with upper arm liposuction.
Can an Arm Lift Be Combined With Other Procedures?
In some cases, arm lift surgery may be combined with other body contouring procedures, such as a butt and thigh lift, tummy tuck, or mommy makeover surgery for a more comprehensive result. Combining procedures is especially beneficial for our surgery after weight loss patients who have lost a lot of weight and are struggling with stretched skin in several areas.
How Is Arm Lift Surgery Performed?
At our practice, arm lift surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure, which means you may return home on the day of surgery. Dr. Mustoe and Dr. Sinno perform arm lifts using local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia.
- Once you are fully anesthetized, Dr. Mustoe or Dr. Sinno carefully places an incision that typically extends from the armpit toward the elbow.
- For patients with moderate to significant skin laxity, the incision is positioned along the posterior inner arm, where it remains hidden in most positions.
- They skillfully remove excess skin, sculpt underlying fat, and meticulously close the incisions to create a more youthful, toned arm contour.
- If excess fat is the primary concern and skin has good elasticity, liposuction alone may be recommended instead of a full arm lift.
- Many patients benefit from a combination of skin tightening and liposuction to achieve optimal results.
Immediately after surgery, your surgeon applies sterile dressings. Our surgeons do not use surgical drains with arm lift surgery, resulting in a faster, more comfortable recovery.
Chicago's
Premier Plastic Surgeons
Dr. Thomas Mustoe and Dr. Sammy Sinno are board-certified plastic surgeons renowned in Chicago and beyond for their unparalleled expertise, refined surgical techniques, and exceptional patient outcomes. Together, they set the gold standard in plastic surgery treatment and care, delivering:
- Safe, best-in-class protocols
- Minimal scarring and bruising
- Customized, natural-looking results
- Faster, more comfortable recovery
- Use of local anesthesia with sedation
- State-of-the-art Facility
What Is Arm Lift Recovery Like?
During recuperation, it’s important to follow Dr. Mustoe or Dr. Sinno’s instructions to facilitate proper healing. While every recovery varies, here’s a general overview of what to expect:
- Prioritize rest and healing the first few days after surgery
- Light activity, such as walking, is encouraged to reduce the risk of blood clots
- Avoid strenuous activities that could raise blood pressure or put unnecessary stress on the arms
Swelling and bruising are normal parts of the recuperation process and are manageable with good postsurgical care.
Over time, your incisions heal and fade into flat, discreet scars. Maintaining healthy habits preserves your arm lift results indefinitely.
Dr. Mustoe’s “Quick Recovery” Approach
Unlike many of his plastic surgery peers, Dr. Mustoe favors using local anesthesia with sedation vs. general anesthesia. This innovative approach reduces the risk of blood clots, avoids postoperative “brain fog,” and leads to a faster, more comfortable recovery. Dr. Mustoe has lectured internationally about his groundbreaking use of sedation during plastic surgery, and he has published extensive research on this approach in leading medical journals.
How Much Does Brachioplasty Cost in Chicago, IL?
The cost of brachioplasty in Chicago varies depending on factors such as your surgeon’s experience level, the complexity of your procedure, and your aesthetic goals. We’ll provide a detailed price quote following your personalized consultation with Dr. Mustoe or Dr. Sinno. Insurance typically doesn’t cover arm lift surgery and other elective cosmetic procedures. Many patients benefit from our financing and payment options .
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Arm Lift FAQ
Is arm lift surgery the best option to get rid of bat wings?
If your arms are lax and saggy due to loose skin, this requires surgical removal with an arm lift. If you have good skin elasticity and the issue is isolated fat, liposuction may be another option.
Will I have noticeable arm lift scars?
The scars from brachioplasty are typically not obvious because Dr. Mustoe and Dr. Sinno conceal the incisions from the armpit and along the inner arm. They also use a meticulous technique when closing the incisions, so the scars are usually very thin once healed. It takes about 6 to 24 months for the scars to lighten completely.
Is brachioplasty surgery procedure painful?
Discomfort varies between patients and typically peaks in about 3 to 4 days, then fades within a week or two. Prescription pain medication is usually enough to help manage the discomfort during this initial stage. It is normal for the arms to look swollen and feel tight initially.
How should I sleep after arm lift surgery?
Sleep on your back with arms slightly elevated with pillows for the first few weeks after surgery to minimize swelling. Avoid sleeping on your side until cleared by your surgeon.
Do you need compression garments after an arm lift?
Your surgeon may instruct you to wear special compression wraps for the first 4 weeks after your arm lift to minimize swelling, support healing, and promote smooth contours.
Get Started
To learn more about arm lift surgery, request a consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeons using the online form. You can also call our office at (312) 788-2560, and one of our helpful staff members will schedule your appointment with Dr. Mustoe or Dr. Sinno.