Arm Lift

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Algonquin, IL

Arm Lift brachioplasty Utku Dolen, MD, Northwestern Medicine Plastic Surgery

An arm lift, also known as brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to improve the shape and appearance of the upper arms. (1)

Through age or after a period of significant weight loss, the skin on the arms may become loose and saggy, often creating discomfort and, for many, a desire to reshape their arms. If your upper arms no longer reflect your ideal self-image, you may benefit greatly from an arm lift. To ensure natural-looking, long-lasting results, it is essential to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in body contouring procedures.

With the expertise of Utku Dolen, MD, Northwestern Medicine Plastic Surgery has emerged as a renowned practice in Algonquin, Illinois. Dr. Dolen is a plastic, reconstructive, and aesthetic surgeon with a reputation for compassionate care and surgical precision. Whether you are looking to improve comfort, achieve aesthetic balance, or feel more confident in sleeveless clothing, Dr. Dolen and his staff are here to help you achieve those goals.

Call us directly at (847) 854-3522 to meet with Dr. Dolen and start exploring your arm lift options!

About Arm Lifts

Arm lift surgery involves removing sagging skin and stubborn fat from the upper arm, typically between the armpit and the elbow. Over time, skin in this area can begin to droop due to gravity, natural aging, weight fluctuations, or genetics. Even with a healthy lifestyle, loose skin may not respond adequately to exercise. Over the course of the last decade, arm lifts have seen a significant rise in popularity, (2) particularly as they become more refined and allow more people to address their unique concerns.

Benefits

Arm lifts offer patients several advantages. Under Dr. Dolen’s expert care, our patients benefit through:

  • Improved Arm Contour: An arm lift removes excess skin and fat while tightening muscles, resulting in a more toned and contoured appearance.
  • Enhanced Self-Esteem: Patients often experience a higher level of confidence when wearing short sleeves or swimwear post-surgery.
  • Long-lasting Results: The results of an arm lift can be permanent if patients maintain a stable weight.
  • Customized Approach: Dr. Dolen tailors each arm lift to address the individual concerns of each patient, ensuring a natural-looking outcome.
  • Reduced Skin Irritation: Excess skin can lead to chafing and discomfort. An arm lift can alleviate these issues.
  • Complementing Weight Loss Outcomes: For those who have undergone significant weight loss, an arm lift can restore the arm’s appearance, harmonizing proportions.
  • Improved Clothing Options: Patients enjoy greater freedom in clothing choices without hiding their arms due to sagging skin.

If you are looking to reap the physical and mental advantages of arm lifts for yourself, schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Dolen by calling (847) 854-3522.

Ideal Candidates

If you are bothered by drooping or excess skin on your upper arms, you may be a good candidate for an arm lift. While this treatment appeals to a wide range of candidates, ideal patients typically include:

  • Adults with significant upper arm skin laxity
  • Individuals at or near their desired weight
  • Non-smokers or those willing to stop using nicotine products before surgery
  • People in good overall health without conditions that may impair healing
  • Patients with realistic expectations about the surgery, their results, and the recovery process

Dr. Dolen will evaluate your overall condition and goals during your personal consultation to determine if you are eligible for an arm lift.

Personal Consultation

During a personal consultation, Dr. Dolen will conduct a thorough assessment of your arms, discuss your goals, and review your medical history. Based on this information, he will craft a personalized treatment plan. He may also suggest complementary procedures to enhance your results. This consultation is your opportunity to ask questions, express concerns, and develop a clear understanding of what the process entails.

To get started on your arm lift journey, call (847) 854-3522 to schedule your personal consultation.

Preparation

Preparing for your arm lift is essential to a safe procedure and smooth recovery. Dr. Dolen and his staff will give you personalized preoperative instructions, which may include:

  • Stopping the usage of medications and supplements with blood-thinning properties
  • Avoiding tobacco and nicotine products for at least two months before the procedure
  • Avoiding alcohol consumption for at least two weeks before the procedure
  • Filling any prescriptions ahead of time
  • Arranging for transportation and assistance post-surgery
  • Taking time off from work and strenuous activity

Following Dr. Dolen’s detailed, personalized instructions will help ensure optimal results and minimize the risk of complications.

Procedure

Your procedure will begin with anesthesia administration. After this, Dr. Dolen will make an incision along the underside of the arm to remove excess tissue. In most cases, he incorporates liposuction into the procedure to target stubborn fat deposits—this would be done before skin removal. Liposuction also allows the preservation of lymphatic vessels, which helps to decrease swelling and wound healing complications.

Once the sculpting process is complete, Dr. Dolen will close the incisions using fine sutures and apply compression garments to support healing and minimize swelling. Procedure times will vary for each patient, but arm lift procedures typically take around 1-2 hours.

Recovery

Recovery from an arm lift generally involves some initial discomfort, swelling, and bruising, which are entirely normal and completely manageable. Most patients can resume light activities within one to two weeks, though more intense movements or exercise should be avoided for a longer period. Dr. Dolen and his team will give you a list of detailed aftercare instructions, including guidance on scar care and compression garment use. Dr. Dolen and his team will remain available throughout your recovery to monitor your progress and address any concerns.

Results

Arm Lift brachioplasty Utku Dolen, MD, Northwestern Medicine Plastic Surgery

In the days and weeks following your arm lift, your arms will begin to appear smoother and tighter. While initial improvements are often visible within a couple of weeks, the final results will continue to refine over the next few months as swelling fully resolves. Patients frequently report a renewed sense of confidence and enhanced comfort in sleeveless tops, dresses, and swimwear. Arm lift procedures are associated with high patient satisfaction rates. (3)

Corresponding Procedures

In addition to arm lifts, patients often seek additional treatments such as liposuction, and sometimes include arm lifts as a part of a comprehensive procedure, such as a mommy makeover. If you are interested in exploring the additional treatments, feel free to discuss this with Dr. Dolen during your personal consultation, as he can provide professional recommendations on treatments he feels can help you reach or enhance your goals.

Cost of Arm Lifts in Algonquin, Illinois

Since every procedure is tailored to meet each patient’s unique goals, the cost of the arm lift will differ depending on the techniques used and whether or not additional procedures are performed. Once the details of your specific procedure are established, Dr. Dolen will provide you with a detailed price estimate.

Contact us today to begin planning your arm lift. You can call our Algonquin office directly at (847) 854-3522.

Here to Serve You

Although our practice is located in Algonquin, we serve patients from all across Illinois and throughout the Midwest. Our practice frequently helps patients from the following areas achieve the transformations they have been looking for:

  • Barrington
  • Schaumburg
  • Hoffman Estates
  • Arlington Heights
  • McHenry
  • Crystal Lake
  • Lake in the Hills
  • Algonquin
  • St. Charles
  • Union
  • Huntley
  • Carpentersville
  • DeKalb
  • Marengo
  • Woodstock
  • Cary
  • Bartlett
  • Streamwood
  • Wauconda
  • Dundee
  • Elgin
  • Aurora
  • Naperville
  • Fox Lake
  • And more!

FAQ

Will I have visible scars after an arm lift?

Yes, scarring is expected along the underside of the arms, but Dr. Dolen uses precise techniques to make incisions as discreet as possible. He will also provide postoperative scar care instructions to help reduce their appearance over time.

How long does arm lift recovery take?

Most patients return to work and light activity within one to two weeks. Full recovery may take several weeks, depending on your body’s healing process and the demands of your daily routine.

Can I combine an arm lift with other procedures?

Absolutely. Many patients combine arm lifts with other body contouring procedures, such as tummy tucks, breast lifts, or liposuction, to achieve more comprehensive results.

Are the results of an arm lift permanent?

While the results are long-lasting, maintaining a stable weight and healthy lifestyle is important to preserve your new arm contours.

What are the risks of an arm lift?

As with any surgery, risks include infection, bleeding, asymmetry, and changes in skin sensation. Choosing a skilled surgeon like Dr. Dolen helps minimize these risks and promote a safe recovery.

References

  1. Nagrath N, Winters R. Brachioplasty. PubMed. Published 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK585115/
  2. Aljerian A, Abi-Rafeh J, Ramirez-GarciaLuna J, Hemmerling T, Gilardino MS. Complications in Brachioplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Plastic and reconstructive surgery. 2022;149(1):83-95. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000008652
  3. Symbas JD, Losken A. An Outcome Analysis of Brachioplasty Techniques Following Massive Weight Loss. 2010;64(5):588-591. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/sap.0b013e3181c6cde8