If you plan to become pregnant or lose weight in the future, you should discuss this with your plastic surgeon. Scarring from previous arm surgery may limit the results of your excisional arm lipectomy.

Your Personal Consultation
During the consultation, you will be asked about the results you would like to achieve from upper arm lift surgery. This will help your surgeon to understand your expectations and determine whether they realistically can be achieved.

How will my plastic surgeon evaluate me for upper arm lift surgery?
Your plastic surgeon may examine your upper arm areas while you are standing as well as lying down. Your skin tone and the degree of loose skin in these regions will be assessed. Your surgeon also will evaluate the amount of excess fat in your chest, upper back and upper arm areas and the condition of your arm muscles.

You should come to the consultation prepared to discuss your medical history. This will include information about any medical conditions, drug allergies, medical treatments you have received, pregnancies, previous surgeries and medications that you currently take. It is important for you to provide complete information.

Will my insurance help cover the cost of surgery?
Upper arm lift surgery, as an aesthetic (cosmetic) procedure, generally is not covered by insurance. Insurance reimbursement may be available for that portion of the procedure that is not cosmetic. Many factors determine your eligibility for coverage, including the specific terms of your insurance policy. A letter of predetermination may be required by your insurance company prior to surgery. Your plastic surgeon or a staff member in your surgeon's office will discuss these matters with you.

How Excisional Arm Lipectomy Is Performed
Individual factors and personal preferences will determine the specific technique selected to smoothen and flatten your arms.

1 - Generally, a T or Y incision is placed just within your armpit.

2 - To tighten and lift the arm muscle, the surgeon brings loose underlying tissue and muscle together with sutures.

3 - Upper arm skin is pulled upward, and the excess is removed. The arm is lifted to a more youthful and higher position.

Where are the incisions placed?
Generally, a T or Y incision is placed just within the armpit. The length of the incision depends largely on the amount of skin to be removed. The contour of this incision will vary somewhat according to the structure of your armpits and the style of bras that you prefer. Your plastic surgeon will try to keep the incision within your armpit, but this may not always be possible.

Skin of the upper arm that contains stretch marks may be removed as well. Any remaining stretch marks may be somewhat flattened and improved, but you should not expect a dramatic change in their appearance.

The procedure may include tightening of the underlying arm muscle using sutures.

What are some variations to the common excisional arm lipectomy technique?
There are many variations both to the design of the incisions and the technique itself. When the amount of loose skin is minimal, a short horizontal incision is all that is necessary. This procedure is called a partial, or "mini," excisional arm lipectomy.

Sometimes liposuction may be used alone, or in conjunction with excisional arm lipectomy, to remove upper arm fat and tighten arm muscle.

Your plastic surgeon will discuss with you the particular method that he or she recommends for achieving the best result in your particular case.

Results of Your excisional arm lipectomy
Excisional arm lipectomy will enhance your body contour by making your upper arm muscle firmer and flatter and your buttocks lifted and more youthful in contour. You may find that you feel more comfortable in your clothing and are more confident about your appearance.

The incisions from the procedure will heal and fade over time. It is important to realize, however, that the incision lines will be permanently visible. In some instances, they will eventually be only faint lines. Certain individuals may have incision lines that are more noticeable. Fortunately, the incisions for your upper arm muscle surgery are usually in locations concealed by most bathing suits and undergarments.

How long will the results last?
Unless you gain or lose a significant amount of weight or become pregnant, your upper arm muscle should remain firmer and flatter for many years. However, gravity and the effects of aging will eventually take their toll. If, after a period of years, you again become dissatisfied with the appearance of your arms, you may choose to undergo a second procedure to restore a more youthful body contour.