In the past decade, myself and many other Cleveland plastic surgeons have noticed a dramatic uptick in upper arm lift surgeries. Statistics by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) show that the surgery has increased by a staggering 4,378 percent since 2000, with 15,000 upper arm lifts performed in 2012 alone. Many surgeons, such as myself, credit the growing trend to a focus on strong-armed celebrities in recent years. For example, first lady Michelle Obama has become a figure of media attention and admiration for her toned biceps. Other actresses such as Jessica Biel and Demi Moore have drawn attention to their muscled and trim upper arms, as well.
Another reason I believe that upper arm lift surgeries are so common is because they are one of the only ways to remove excess skin from the arms after weight loss. When patients lose a significant amount of weight, they are often left with excessive skin around their midsection and arms. This skin is not easily removed by diet and exercise, and can be a frustrating roadblock to the look many patients are trying to achieve. I, and many other Cleveland plastic surgeons, always stress the importance of healthy diet and exercise to my patients, but some are simply not satisfied with their appearance while this skin remains, leading them to undergo a lift procedure.
Thankfully, advances in technology have made this surgery simple and effective. Upper arm lifts, or brachioplasty, can be completed with little downtime and minimal scarring. While the procedure will not “perfect” your arms, it will eliminate unsightly “bat wings” by removing and tightening excess skin. If you have undergone massive weight loss, or simply feel that you could benefit from a skin tightening procedure, speak to your doctor about upper arm lift surgery. Knowledgeable and professional Cleveland plastic surgeons will be happy to discuss your options today.
