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Arm Lift

in San Jose & Palo Alto, CA

What Is An Arm Lift?

A brachioplasty, also called an arm lift, is a procedure for removing unwanted excess fat and loose, sagging skin from your upper arms, for a slimmer, more defined appearance. Sagging skin on the arms can be from a combination of aging, genetics, and dramatic weight gain and loss. The arm lift is typically performed to give you a more dramatic transformation than liposuction, non-surgical treatments, or diet and exercise. After an arm lift Palo Alto & San Jose patients may notice their clothing fits better around the arms, and will feel more confident wearing sleeveless clothes.

TREATMENT TIME

2 Hours

PATIENT DOWNTIME

2-4 Weeks

TREATMENT SERIES

1

PROCEDURE TYPE

Outpatient

How Does An Arm Lift Work?

An arm lift is most suitable for people with low skin elasticity that causes excess fat or skin to hang from underneath the upper arms. The amount to be removed can be generally visualized by pinching the skin to determine the amount of laxity in the skin and fat. People with have low skin elasticity who address excess upper arm fat with liposuction alone, will result in creating more loosely hanging skin. Dr. Boudreault’s comprehensive arm lift procedures include both excision of the skin and liposuction of fat in order to create an optimally defined and contoured shape.

San Jose & Palo Alto arm lift model with blonde hair

What Can I Expect During An Arm Lift Procedure?

During our Palo Alto or San Jose arm lift procedure, you’ll be fully asleep under general anesthesia. Dr. Boudreault will prescribe pain medication for you at the time of your pre-operative visit, so you can manage any initial discomfort after your surgery. You’ll be asked to wear a compression garment for up to 24 hours a day for at least the first week to reduce swelling as you heal. This procedure can be done as a standalone procedure, but can also be done in combination with other breast or body procedures.

How Is An Arm Lift Performed?

An arm lift involves the removal of skin and fat of the upper arm. An incision is made at the inner part of the arm, resulting in a scar that rests in a line between the elbow and the armpit, easily hidden and out of sight. The length of the scar is determined by the amount of skin laxity — if there is more laxity, Dr. Boudreault will make a thorough assessment to determine if he may be able to extend the incision past the armpit and in the upper-side of the torso to remove more skin and fat in that region, also known as the “side boob.” After the removal of skin and the reshaping of fat with liposuction, the incision is closed, and the arms are left with a permanently toned and slimmed appearance.

How Long Is Recovery Time From The Procedure?

You may initially experience some post-operative discomfort from an arm lift, as well as bruising and swelling. Because you may have difficulty moving your arms normally for a few days after the surgery, you may wish to have assistance with your recovery. After the procedure is complete, San Jose & Palo Alto plastic surgeon Dr. Boudreault will be there every step of the way in your aftercare process to ensure a speedy recovery, but generally, most Palo Alto & San Jose arm lift patients will begin feeling themselves again after 2-3 weeks. We recommend that you take one month off from any strenuous activity for about one month after the procedure to ensure optimal healing.

How Soon Will I See Results?

When the procedure is complete, your arms will be wrapped in a compression support garment to reduce swelling and aid healing, so you may not be able to see the results immediately afterward. However, the bandages come off about one week later, and you will instantly notice a dramatic difference, with a much tighter and more toned appearance to your arms. There may be minor swelling present for 6-9 months post-procedure, but most of the before/after photos we take are at 3-6 months post-procedure.

How Much Does An Arm Lift Cost?

An average cost of an arm lift in San Jose & Palo Alto is $9,700 and $14,500, depending on the amount of excess skin and fat removed and the individual technique used. This is the total average cost, including anesthesia and facility fees.

We at Illuminate are happy to offer convenient payment options so that there is no need to pay for your arm lift procedure all upfront. Talk to us about options like CareCredit for easy monthly payments for your arm lift procedure, so that you can enjoy the results soon and pay it off over time. Many of our patients will choose to apply for credit cards with longer terms at 0% interest, so you can enjoy your results soon without the immediate financial burden upfront.

Palo Alto & San Jose arm lift model with red hair

Trust is our Best Feature

Illuminate Plastic Surgery Testimonials

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“Dr. Boudreault is an exceptional physician. He is thorough, has extremely high integrity and always goes the extra mile to make every interaction with his patients the very best. Highly recommended.”

“Dr. Boudreault, and his staff were amazing. The consultation put me at ease right away. I love the outcome of my procedure. I got exactly the look I was going for, and receive compliments all the time. I would not hesitate to use Illuminate Plastic Surgery again!”

“Breast implants have always been something I have contemplated with. Dr. Boudreault was the very first consultant I had and I knew immediately Illuminate would be my pick. Now a year later, I am beyond pleased with my results and am so happy I finally made the decision to go through with the surgery. There is no other plastic surgeon I would go to in the Bay Area.”

“Dr. Leader is amazing. She's honest, transparent, and caring. I had a procedure done by her and I am very happy with the entire process and the results.”

“I highly recommend Dr. Leader. My results are amazing. She answered all my questions and her bedside manner was gentle and caring.”

“I had an amazing JOINT case where Dr Leader worked on my eyes and Dr B on my body. Excellent results on both ends and saved down time”

“I have gone to see Dr. Berkowitz and different members of his team for minor procedures several times now - they're all great, honest, and careful! Highly recommended!!”

“Had a triple deviated nose. Excellent results, Easy Recovery. Great staff. Was nervous about the procedure however dr Berkowitz and staff could not have been more accommodating. Would highly recommend !!”

“Dr. Berkowitz is a talented plastic surgeon and a gentleman. His care is exceptional, his office staff is very accommodating and caring. I would recommend Dr. Berkowitz to anyone in need of plastic surgery or cosmetic procedure.”

“"Dr. Kumar did an amazing job with my mommy makeover! From the very first consultation, he took the time to explain everything and made sure I felt confident every step of the way. He stayed in touch throughout my recovery and always made me feel cared for and supported. His work is truly incredible—I never imagined I could look and feel this good again! Choosing Dr. Kumar was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I would trust him over and over again!"”

“He is an amazing doctor and can not say enough good things about him. It is very apparent that he cares for his patients. He takes his time answering all questions and concerns and his follow up care is beyond 5 stars!!! Highly recommend!”

“I am incredibly happy with the results of my mommy make over. Dr. Kumar made me feel comfortable throughout the entire process. I was particularly impressed with how he listened to my concerns and explained everything clearly. Dr.Kumar was confident about what he could do, and he delivered. He is a talented and skilled surgeon. I highly recommend Dr.Kumar if you are looking for a tummy tuck, breast augmentation or lipo 360.”

At Illuminate we’re with you during every step of your journey toward greater self-confidence. Schedule a consultation with us today and let Illuminate’s expert team listen to your concerns and guide you through treatments and procedures to help you reach your individual goals. We look forward to seeing you and celebrating your renewed appearance and realized potential.

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