Arm Lift and Leg Lift

There are many factors that can lead to skin inelasticity on the arms and legs, including the natural process of aging and dramatic weight loss. Excess skin can be difficult or impossible to correct with diet and exercise, activities that may even exacerbate the concern. This effect can be particularly frustrating for individuals who have worked hard to improve their health and enhance their physique. Fortunately, our board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Mark E. Richards, can address loose skin on the arms and legs and help to achieve a firmer, smoother body contour on the extremities. Dr. Richards has developed a number of innovative techniques, such as the minimal incision arm lift, which have revolutionized the field of arm lift (brachioplasty) surgery.

At Ageless Impressions – Plastic Surgery Institute, we believe you deserve to feel happy in your body. If skin laxity on the arms and/or legs is a concern for you, we can help.

Minimal Incision Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)

“Bat wing” deformity, in which loose skin and fat deposits cause the upper part of the arm to appear saggy and oversized, can mar an otherwise shapely figure. Oftentimes, traditional weight loss alone cannot stop the sagging, but there is hope. In conjunction with liposuction, an arm lift can often solve the problem, and thanks to the progressive vision of Dr. Richards, the surgery can be performed with very minor scarring that can often be easily hidden.

What is a minimal incision arm lift?

Arm lift surgery (brachioplasty) was traditionally accomplished by removing excess skin along along the length of the arm from the armpit to the elbow along the length of the arm. This procedure resulted in significant scarring, even when fully healed. However, Dr. Richards has developed a method in which a much smaller incision is made at the armpit. The skin is then pulled up, similar to pulling on panty hose, and the excess removed. After the cut has been sutured, the remaining skin appears more toned, smooth, and youthful-looking. To facilitate the lifting of the arm tissues and the tightening of the contours, gentle VASER® LipoSelection® is performed along the upper arm prior to lifting the tissues. This innovative minimal incision arm lift technique largely eliminates the fatty tissue vs. scarring tradeoff, and has delighted patients from across the nation who want to experience the benefits of an arm lift without the usual drawbacks.

What is arm lift recovery like?

Of course, patients should be aware that even this improvement on the old arm lift method involves some recovery time, during which the patient will need to break from work and activities that involve raising the elbow above shoulder height. The remaining arm skin must be allowed to bond to the underlying tissue as it heals. Arm movement will be somewhat restricted for a few weeks after the procedure is performed, during which time special compressive arm sleeve garments will be worn to facilitate healing. Discomfort, swelling, and bruising are normal to some extent after an arm lift. Once these hurdles have been passed, arm lift patients will have a lifetime to show off their new arms.

How much does an arm lift cost?

Dr. Richards tailors every procedure to suit the unique needs and goals of the patient. As a result, the price of an arm lift will vary depending on the parameters of your cosmetic surgery program. In addition to the complexity of your case, the cost will also range depending on whether you are combining other techniques, such as a thigh lift or tummy tuck. Our medical team will discuss the anticipated costs of your plan during your initial consultation. We will supply our estimate for the surgeon’s fee, hospital fee, and anesthesiology fee. Please note, not all practices offer this full breakdown of information and may only provide the surgeon’s fee. We urge patients comparing quotes to ask what each estimate includes. Recent statistics by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons notes that in 2016 the average cost of an arm lift was $4,257. This number refers only to the surgeon’s fee and does not necessarily reflect the fees at our practice. To get more specific numbers based on your characteristics, please schedule a consultation.

You may also learn more about brachioplasty by viewing Dr. Richards’ discussion of the procedure in the video gallery.

Thigh Lift

Just as arms can collect fat and develop loose skin, so can legs. For this reason, a thigh lift (sometimes called a “thighplasty”) is often used to return the legs to their youthful tone and tightness.

What is a thigh lift?

Frequently, thigh lifts are a stand-alone procedure or may be part of a suggested program of plastic surgery after major weight loss, the thigh lift works according to principles similar to other skin-tightening procedures. An incision is made in the skin of the thigh, the excess tissue is pulled tight and removed, and the remaining skin is sewn back together and allowed to heal. The exact placement of the incisions and the amount of skin removed will depend on the needs of the individual client and the skin quality. ,The incision needs will in turn influence the amount of scar tissue that results from the thigh lift treatment. Dr. Richards offers his years of experience to help those who come to him make informed decisions about how extensive a surgery to seek.

What is thigh lift recovery like?

As with any other cosmetic surgery procedure, prospective thigh lift patients should plan to take some time off from work and daily routine after treatment. Manageable discomfort, bruising, and swelling are to be expected, but these symptoms should not detract from the wonderful results available for those who choose this surgery and the other treatments that often complement it, such as cheek lift and face and neck lift.

How much does a thigh lift cost?

We believe the best results are achieved when a treatment plan is customized to the patient’s unique characteristics. When you arrive for your initial consultation, Dr. Richards will review your concerns, discuss your goals, and evaluate your needs to arrive at a plan that can optimize your outcome.

At our practice, initial pricing for arm lift surgery surgery ranges from $6,900 to $10,000. This number represents the surgeon’s fee alone, and not the additional associated expenses. We believe that having as much accurate information as possible can help you make a sound and satisfying decision, which is why we provide a more comprehensive report. If you have any questions about the cost, or the procedure, please don’t hesitate to ask.

Would you like to know more? Our friendly and knowledgeable medical team is available to answer your questions and help you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Richards. Contact us today.

*Individual Results May Vary