Arm Lift Surgery

Consultations offered at our three convenient locations in Houston, The Woodlands, TX and Draper, UT

Arm Lift Surgery, Houston, TX, Dr. Rukmini Rednam MD

An arm lift, or brachioplasty, is a body-contouring procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms to restore a smooth, slim, and defined appearance. (1) This procedure can address the lasting physical changes of significant weight loss, allowing you to achieve the silhouette you have been working so hard to attain.

Dr. Rukmini (Vinaya) Rednam, also known as The Confidence Doc®, is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon known for her precise skill and seamless results. These results have positioned her as one of Texas’s leading surgeons, with recognition as a Texas Super Doctor from 2021 to 2026 consecutively, a Castle Connolly Top Doctor from 2023 to 2026, a Houstonia Magazine Top Doctor, and more.

Dr. Rednam has been trained in several different procedures, but she specializes in breast reconstruction and post-weight-loss body contouring to truly change the lives of each of her patients. By working with her, you can not only reclaim control over your appearance and figure but also your self-confidence.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Rednam and explore your arm lift possibilities, please contact us online. You may also call the office most convenient for you:

About Arm Lifts

An arm lift is a surgical procedure that can address sagging skin and accumulated fat around the upper arms to restore a smoother and tighter look and feel. After losing a significant amount of weight through either traditional means, surgery, or GLP-1 medications, many patients find that their skin becomes inelastic and hangs instead of retracting to new contours. This can create a poorly-defined and disproportionate appearance, and impact comfort, confidence, and even the fit of clothing. Dr. Rednam can perform an arm lift to effectively address each of these concerns and help you achieve the silhouette you have been striving for.

Benefits

Arm lifts offer several transformative improvements. Under Dr. Rednam’s expertise, patients benefit through:

  • Smoother Skin: This procedure can eliminate sagging or lax skin to restore a smoother and tighter look and feel.
  • Eliminated Fat: Dr. Rednam can integrate liposuction techniques into an arm lift to remove stubborn deposits of fat. (2)
  • Improved Definition: An arm lift can effectively accentuate and highlight your upper arm muscles.
  • Enhanced Proportionality: Arm lift procedures can address the lasting, physical changes of weight loss and create a more balanced appearance across your body.
  • Elevated Clarity: In certain cases, arm lift procedures can address stretch marks around the upper arms, improving the clarity and evenness of your skin.
  • Increased Self-Confidence: Many of Dr. Rednam’s patients report improved self-esteem and body positivity after seeing their results.

Candidates

You may be an ideal candidate for an arm lift if changes from weight loss or aging, such as sagging skin or fat accumulations, have become a source of frustration.

To qualify for your procedure, you should be in good overall health and maintain realistic expectations regarding your results. You should be a non-smoker or willing to quit using nicotine. It is also important that you are at a stable weight that you can maintain long-term, as future fluctuations can compromise your results.

Personal Consultation

Before undergoing an arm lift, we ask that you attend a consultation at any one of our offices. For our out of town patients, a virtual option is available. This meeting serves as an opportunity to learn more about arm lifts and determine whether or not you are a candidate. Here, you and Dr. Rednam will converse about your medical history, personal concerns, and desired results. She will also assess your arm structure and skin quality.

Dr. Rednam will use this information to create a one-of-a-kind solution for your concerns. She will recommend the best surgical techniques and determine if you require an extended arm lift. She may also suggest pairing your procedure with another to enhance your outcomes. Dr. Rednam will take the time to answer any questions you may have about arm lifts, as she wants you to leave feeling well-informed and empowered.

If you are ready to schedule this consultation with Dr. Rednam, please submit our online contact form. Alternatively, you may reach our Houston, The Woodlands, or Draper (Utah) offices by calling (713) 791-0700.

Preparation

Once you establish a date for your procedure, Dr. Rednam will provide you with a set of detailed pre-operative directions. These vary for each patient, but generally, Dr. Rednam will instruct you to:

  • Discontinue taking any medications or supplements that may thin your blood.
  • Have a trusted friend or relative drive you home after your procedure.
  • Take time away from your work and other responsibilities to give yourself time to rest.
  • Pick up any medications that you will need as you heal before your appointment.
  • Avoid consuming alcohol or nicotine in the weeks leading up to your arm lift.

Procedure

Dr. Rednam performs each arm lift on an outpatient basis at her surgical center. She will begin by cleansing and sanitizing your skin before marking it with a skin-safe marker to ensure your incisions remain as hidden as possible. You will then receive general anesthesia or IV sedation to keep you comfortably asleep throughout the experience.

Dr. Rednam will place an incision that extends across the inner back of the upper arm. With the lymphatic and vessel sparing technique she uses, liposuction is always part of the procedure. This consists of her inserting a thin cannula through the incision and moving it back and forth to break down the fat before removing it. She will then remove excess skin before placing several internal sutures to tighten your arm’s supportive tissues. Finally, she will shape the skin around the arm and smooth it out in a tension-free manner. Dr. Rednam will then close the incision with internal, slow-dissolving sutures.

Recovery

After your arm lift, it is common to experience some swelling, bruising, or discomfort around the treated areas as well as swelling in the hands in the first week. These effects are temporary and will dissipate on their own over time, but you can also alleviate them with prescription medications and plenty of rest. Dr. Rednam will provide you with a compression garment or bandaging to minimize additional swelling and maintain your arm’s new contours.

After approximately two weeks, you will be able to return to most of your daily activities. However, you will need to avoid lifting anything or participating in more arduous tasks for another four to six weeks, or until Dr. Rednam gives clearance.

Dr. Rednam will give you a full set of post-operative instructions to help you navigate each phase of your recovery. By following each one as she directs, you can return to your routine safely, comfortably, and quickly.

Results

You will be able to see immediate improvements in the appearance of your arms, but the full results will become more apparent as any residual swelling subsides. You will be able to enjoy more slender, sculpted, and defined arms, and your skin will also look and feel smoother and tighter. You may also notice improvements in the overall proportionality of your figure.

The results of an arm lift are long-lasting, with effects that you can enjoy for several years to come. However, you must maintain a stable weight, as fluctuations can alter your appearance long-term.

Cost of Arm Lifts in Houston, Texas

The cost of your arm lift will vary depending on each aspect of your procedure, such as the surgical approach Dr. Rednam employs, its overall complexity, your goals, and more. Once she has met with you to establish your treatment plan, she will give you a comprehensive cost estimate. She additionally offers financing for those who qualify.

To inquire about our pricing, please contact us online. You may also call (713) 791-0700 to reach our Houston, The Woodlands, and Draper (UT) offices.

FAQ

What concerns can an arm lift address?

An arm lift can effectively correct sagging skin and accumulated fat around the upper arms, especially when they result from significant weight loss and/or aging. What if my sagging involves the forearm or lateral chest? An extended arm lift can be performed, incorporating these areas for a smooth proportional transition ensuring your new contour looks natural on your body.

Will there be visible scars after an arm lift?

All surgical procedures carry some degree of scarring, and arm lifts are no exception. However, Dr. Rednam takes great care when placing each incision to make them in discreet and minimally visible areas.

How long will the results of my arm lift last?

The results of an arm lift are long-lasting, with effects that you can enjoy for several years to come.

How long will it take for me to recover after my arm lift?

Your exact recovery time will vary depending on the extent of your procedure, but you can expect to return to light activities after resting for approximately two weeks. However, you will need to wait for Dr. Rednam’s approval before returning to anything strenuous.

What are the risks of an arm lift?

Every surgical procedure will carry certain risks. For an arm lift, these may include infection, poor healing, bleeding, blood clotting, poor scarring, nerve damage, and anesthesia risks. Dr. Rednam will explain each risk to you before you undergo your arm lift and ensure you understand how to minimize or prevent each one.

Can Dr. Rednam combine my arm lift with another body contouring procedure?

Yes, Dr. Rednam can combine your arm lift with another procedure to address multiple regions and concerns within one sitting. During your consultation, she can provide you with personalized recommendations regarding combination options.

References

  1. Nalin Nagrath, Winters R. Brachioplasty. Nih.gov. Published July 25, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK585115/#article-145189.s4
  2. Di Pietro V, Colicchia GM, Cervelli V, Gentile P. Arm Contouring After Massive Weight Loss: Liposuction-Assisted Brachioplasty Versus Standard Technique. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery. 2018;11(2):73-78. doi:https://doi.org/10.4103/JCAS.JCAS_102_17