Arm Lift in Draper, UT

A frustrating side effect of losing weight or getting older is the appearance of excess skin. Dr. Jerry Chidester, or Dr. Chiddy, offers arm lift surgery or brachioplasty to help patients who have difficulties tightening and toning the arms with diet and exercise. Loose skin from the elbow to the upper arm is very typical for many patients. Often, it occurs as patients start to age or because of significant weight loss. To combat the look of a saggy arm, an arm lift effectively and safely excises sagging skin and removes unwanted fat. Dr. Chiddy is an expert plastic surgeon who has years of experience helping patients enhance their beautiful features through fat removal and skin tightening techniques. If you want to learn more information about how brachioplasty can improve the shape of your arms, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with Dr. Chiddy.

Loose skin around the arms can be very frustrating for many people, especially since consistent diet and exercise do not produce results. An arm lift can tighten and tone the arms by removing excess skin and fat. Patients often choose to work with our clinic for the following benefits:

• Expertise: Dr. Chiddy is a board-certified plastic surgeon with years of experience helping patients achieve their desired results.
• Individualized care: We take the time to get to know each patient and their unique goals. This allows us to create a custom treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs.
• Natural results: Our team is known for producing beautiful and natural-looking outcomes that enhance your features.

An arm lift is a procedure that uses innovative techniques to slim and remove extra skin. If you avoid sleeveless clothes due to saggy skin on your arms and want a more contoured look, you may be a good candidate. Key considerations for arm lift candidates include:

• Being in good overall health to ensure proper healing
• Having excess sagging skin on the upper arms
• Experiencing a decrease in skin elasticity
• Being near your ideal weight before undergoing the procedure

Your upper arm lift surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure in our private AAAASF-accredited surgical suite. Dr. Chiddy can combine an upper arm lift with other surgeries, including a mommy makeover, tummy tuck, or thigh lift. During your consultation, please let us know if you have other cosmetic concerns so we can create a treatment plan that addresses your needs. To help keep you comfortable throughout your 1  – 3-hour procedure, we will administer general anesthesia. Next, the unwanted skin is excised, starting at the elbow up to the underarm. Dr. Chiddy will try and place your incisions in the least visible area because you will have a scar after the procedure. Some patients may also require liposuction to remove stubborn fat. If you do need liposuction, Dr. Chiddy will perform this at the same time as your lift. Once the skin is tightened, your incisions are closed with sutures. To encourage proper healing, you will have to keep the incisions clean, bandaged, and wear compression garments.

Your recovery period will last around two weeks and will require elevating the arm. After this surgery, give yourself time to heal. You use your arms for almost everything so Dr. Chiddy encourages patients to ease their way back to daily activities. If needed, some patients may require a follow-up appointment to remove the sutures. This appointment should happen ten days after the surgery. Additionally, you will need to wear compression garments until the recommended time. We will ensure you have detailed aftercare instructions, including information about how long you need to wear compression sleeves. For the next 4 – 5 weeks, patients should avoid all strenuous activity with the exception of short walks. If you develop excessive swelling, uncontrolled bleeding, fluid buildup (hematoma), infection, loss of feeling in the hands or arms, or heavy scarring, please contact our office for assistance.

Should I get liposuction or an arm lift?
Patients with excess fat in their arms may be candidates for liposuction. But if your main issue is sagging skin that hangs down, an arm lift may be your best solution. The best candidates for an arm lift have relatively good skin tone, but it's best to meet with Dr. Chidester first. We can share advice, as well as before and after photos, so you can make an informed decision.

Does an arm lift cause scars?
An arm lift requires incisions to remove excess skin, so you can expect some scars. However, Dr. Chidester makes every effort to place small incisions in inconspicuous areas — so scars are not noticeable. After surgery, we can recommend skin care products and tips — so the incisions heal flat on the skin. Our team also suggests avoiding sun exposure in the treated areas.

How toned will I look after arm lift surgery?
An arm lift removes hanging skin so you can appear slimmer and more toned. Patients of Dr. Chidester love their new results, which is why they work hard to maintain them. The best way to accomplish this is through proper diet and exercise after recovery. Strength training and arm exercises are other ways to keep your arms looking great for years.

Are there nonsurgical treatment options to improve my arms?
Although many noninvasive skin tightening options exist, most will only give you minor improvements. A surgical arm lift is your best option to correct moderate to severe skin laxity. Along with eliminating loose skin, Dr. Chiddy also uses liposuction on small pockets of fat and smoothes the remaining skin and tissue. If you want to learn about nonsurgical procedures, Dr. Chiddy can explain all possible treatments during your consultation and help you decide what fits your goals.

Can I combine an arm lift with other surgeries?
It is normal for arm lift patients to create a custom treatment plan that includes another surgery. This is may be referred to as an upper body lift and could combine liposuction, a breast lift, tummy tuck, or another procedure. Arm lift surgery is also commonly included as part of an after weight loss surgery for those who have lost a significant amount of weight and want comprehensive body contouring. During your initial consultation with Dr. Chiddy, various surgeries can be discussed so your treatment plan fits all your goals.

How long do the results of an arm lift last?
The results of an arm lift are long-lasting, especially when combined with a healthy lifestyle. However, natural aging and weight fluctuations can affect the outcome over time.

We know how difficult it can be to lose weight, especially large amounts of it. Don't let your awesome accomplishment be impacted by feeling self-conscious about your arms. Located near Greater Salt Lake City, Dr. Chiddy is proud to offer his community a treatment opportunity that helps them live more comfortably and confidently. During your consultation, Dr. Chiddy will listen to your concerns and create a treatment plan that works best for you. Once he has your treatment plan ready, his front office staff will discuss the cost and provide financing information with Prosper and Mountain America Credit Union. This exciting procedure offers emotional and physical benefits. If you're at or near a healthy, stable weight and still cannot eliminate the flab and skin that hangs off your arms, please call and schedule a private consultation with Dr. Chiddy in Draper, UT.