Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) in Bucks County, PA & Hunterdon County, NJ
Is Brachioplasty Right for Me?
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Brian Buinewicz is renowned for his expertise in performing arm lift procedures in Doylestown, PA, and Flemington, NJ. The procedure is among the most popular types of cosmetic surgery procedures performed each year and is in high demand with his patients.
What is an Arm Lift?
Brachioplasty, commonly known as an arm lift, addresses the hanging fat and skin on the upper arms that many refer to as flapping wings or as bat wings. Aging and weight gain or loss leads to excess skin and fat. This cosmetic concern is beautified, reshaped and tightened during brachioplasty, which is sometimes combined with liposuction. The skin between the underarm and the elbow is successfully treated with arm lift cosmetic surgery each year by thousands of people who are thrilled with the firming results.
Patient Before & After
What Can an Arm Lift Accomplish?
- Removes excess skin
- Reduces fat
- Improves arm definition
- Restores arm proportions
- Enhanced mobility and comfort
Are You A Candidate For An Arm Lift?
The best patients for arm lifts are those who:
- Have stubborn, hanging underarm skin
- Are experiencing upper arm skin laxity caused by aging
- Have stable and moderate weight, but have sagging upper arms
- Have stable health without any cause for surgical risks
- Are a nonsmoker
- Eat healthily and make healthy lifestyle choices
If you think you might be a good candidate for brachioplasty, the next step is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Brian R. Buinewicz. During your consultation, Dr. Buinewicz can evaluate your cosmetic goals and help you determine the best path forward. This is a great time to ask any questions you may have about the arm lift process. Dr. Buinewicz will be able to explain exactly what you can expect leading up to, during and after your surgery.
Why Choose Dr. Buinewicz?
Surgeon experience is one of the utmost qualities to consider when seeking an arm lift surgeon. Dr. Buinewicz is a triple board certified plastic surgeon, demonstrating expertise in all qualities of cosmetic surgery. With over 25 years of plastic surgery experience, he has performed hundreds of brachioplasty procedures and is passionate about furthering education in the arm lift community. Read more about Dr. Buinewicz’s experience or explore patient reviews.
If you live in Hunterdon County, NJ, or Bucks County, PA, and have found yourself frustrated with stubborn pockets of body fat, then the team here at Buinewicz Plastic Surgery, located in Doylestown, PA, and Flemington, NJ, is ready to help. Please contact us today to speak with Dr. Buinewicz about this popular cosmetic procedure.
Call 215-647-9668 Today
To Schedule Your Consultation!
Questions For Your Consult
How Long After an Arm Lift Consultation Is the Surgery?
Generally, the time between your consultation and your brachioplasty surgery will be somewhere between 1 and 6 weeks. The exact time between the two will depend on a few factors. One major factor is our practice availability, as Dr. Buinewicz needs to be available for your entire procedure. Additionally, some patients may need a few weeks to fully prepare for surgery, which may include discontinuing the use of certain vitamins, drugs and medications that can negatively interfere with treatment.
How Much Does Brachioplasty Cost?
The average cost of brachioplasty varies from one community to the other with some small variations. Factors, such as the facility where the surgery will be performed, type of anesthesia and other issues, come to bear on the final cost of the arm lift surgery. Hunterdon County and Bucks County arm lifts vary in price range according to these factors. Buinewicz Cosmetic Surgery & MedSpa makes cosmetic surgery procedures available and affordable for everyone. Our office provides a wide array of payment options, including easy financing. We also accept cash, major credit cards and personal checks for arm lifts and other procedures.
What is Brachioplasty Surgery Like?
What Happens During Arm Lift Surgery?
Brachioplasty is an outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia. A thin incision on the inside of the upper arm is created between the elbow and the armpit. Excess skin and fat is then removed. An elastic sleeve is commonly used to aid in the healing and to reduce swelling after surgery. Liposuction is sometimes added to treat any extra fat in the upper arm and can enhance the results achieved by a brachioplasty. This is something that Dr. Buinewicz will suggest if it is determined during your evaluation that the combined arm lift and liposuction treatment would help you achieve the results that you want.
Can Arm Lift Surgery Be Combined with Other Treatments?
In addition to liposuction, patients commonly combine their arm lift surgery with other body contouring procedures. The most frequently considered procedures include other lifting techniques like a tummy tuck, breast lift or body lift. These combinations help patients achieve more comprehensive benefits from surgery while consolidating the recovery periods into a single timeframe.
What are the risks of arm lift surgery?
The most common risks associated with arm lift surgery include infection, scarring, skin numbness or changes in sensation, and hematomas/seromas. Together, however, these complications occur in less than 1% of arm lift procedures. Furthermore, Dr. Buinewicz’s focus and expertise on brachioplasty techniques help to minimize the risks associated with arm lift surgery. As with any major surgery, there will always be risks involved - but under the care of a qualified and experienced surgeon, any significant complications become extremely unlikely.
What is Brachioplasty Recovery Like?
How Long is Brachioplasty Recovery?
The arm lift recovery process is complex, as it requires an initial period of downtime, followed by some restrictions and mild symptoms, after which point patients can finally resume their normal lifestyles. For most patients, the traditional arm lift recovery timeline looks like this:
Week 1
During the first week after surgery, patients will experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising in the arms. Pain medication can help manage any pain or discomfort. Patients will be advised to rest and limit arm movements. It is common to have dressings and compression garments in place to support the healing tissues and minimize swelling.
Weeks 2-3
Swelling and bruising gradually begin to subside, but it may still be present. Dr. Buinewicz may instruct you to wear compression garments to further reduce swelling and promote healing. Light activities may be allowed, but you should still avoid any strenuous arm movements or heavy lifting.
Weeks 4-6
By this time, most patients can expect a significant reduction in swelling and bruising. You may notice improved arm contour and a better overall appearance. Dr. Buinewicz may allow you to gradually increase your activities, but it’s important to avoid any activities that strain the arm muscles or put excessive stress on the incision sites.
Months 2-3
The majority of the swelling should have subsided, and patients will start to notice a significant improvement in the contour of the arms. The incision scars continue to heal and may appear red or raised but will gradually fade over time.
Months 4-6
By this stage, most patients have seen substantial improvement in their arm appearance and have fully resumed their regular activities and exercise routines, with the approval of Dr. Buinewicz.
Post Surgery Frequently Asked Questions
When Will I Feel Back to Normal After an Arm Lift?
The time it takes to feel "back to normal" after an arm lift can vary from person to person. It typically takes several weeks to a few months for most individuals to start feeling more like themselves again. However, it's important to keep in mind that the recovery timeline can be influenced by factors such as the extent of the surgery, individual healing ability, and adherence to post-operative care instructions.
It is common to experience discomfort, swelling, and limited mobility during the initial recovery phase. These symptoms will gradually improve over the first month, when you’ll begin to notice an improvement in energy levels and overall well-being. You may be able to resume light activities and work during this time. Most significant improvements will take place 1-3 months after treatment. Patients can expect to feel fully back to normal within 3-4 months of surgery.
Is Brachioplasty Recovery Painful?
While the brachioplasty procedure is not painful at all, patients should expect some pain during the arm lift recovery. It is during this period where the body is healing and feels the trauma of the surgical process. Fortunately, this pain should only last a few days, and can be managed with pain medications and other post-operative techniques.
What Results Can I Expect From Brachioplasty?
Dr. Buinewicz will illustrate your potential results during your arm lift consultation. After discussing your treatment goals and identifying the appropriate surgical techniques, you and Dr. Buinewicz can explore potential outcomes through before and after photos of previous patients. However, it’s important to keep in mind that it can take 4-6 months for your final results to become visible. This is due to the extensive recovery process that follows an arm lift, which can include residual swelling for several months.
For more on planning your arm lift or to get started with the consultation process, contact us today. Dr. Buinewicz of Buinewicz Cosmetic Surgery & MedSpa specializes in brachioplasty with extensive experience across other types of plastic surgery. We welcome patients from Hunterdon County, NJ, and Bucks County, PA.