A mini arm lift is an arm lift surgery that focuses mostly on excess skin (loose skin) near the armpit area. Overall, a patient who qualifies for this surgery will have less loose skin than a patient who needs a traditional arm lift.
In this way, the incision needed for this surgery is smaller, and the patient ends up with a smaller scar. In fact, each mini arm lift scar can usually be well-hidden within the armpit area.
Of course, there are qualifications one must meet in order to be a good candidate for a mini arm lift.
What Is a Mini Arm Lift?
A mini arm lift (also called a mini upper arm lift) is a body contouring procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms, especially by the armpits. If a patient has severe skin laxity or a lot of excess skin or fat on the upper arm area, they may not qualify for this procedure.
For a mini arm lift, the incision is smaller and less noticeable, making it a popular choice for patients with minimal sagging who want to achieve a more toned appearance without the larger scars associated with a standard arm lift. This procedure is often recommended for those who have experienced slight skin laxity due to aging or weight loss.
Who Is a Good Mini Arm Lift Candidate?
Upper Arm Laxity
A good mini arm lift candidate typically has mild to moderate skin laxity in the upper arms (particularly near the armpit area) rather than significant sagging along the entire arm.
Stable Healthy Weight
This procedure is not intended for major fat removal. Some minor arm liposuction may be performed for minor unwanted fat, but mini arm lifts are primarily for contouring and skin removal/skin tightening. Therefore, mini arm lift patients should be close to their ideal weight.
Good Skin Elasticity
Candidates should have good skin elasticity, which ensures better results and smoother skin post-procedure.
Non-Smoker
Patients must be non-smokers or someone willing to quit before surgery (and for a period after surgery). Smoking can impair healing and cause complications.
Realistic Expectations
Lastly, realistic expectations are crucial. A mini arm lift offers subtle improvements compared to a full arm lift.
FAQ: Mini Arm Lift Procedure
What does a mini arm lift involve?
Like a breast lift, thigh lift, tummy tuck, and other body contouring procedures, a mini arm lift removes excess skin (sagging skin) as well as excess fat on the upper arms.
The difference between a mini arm lift and a regular (traditional arm lift) is that the incision is smaller for the former, and the patient will have less excess skin removed. This means a smaller incision and scar, which can be well-concealed within the armpit area.
A mini arm lift involves several key steps. First, general anesthesia is administered. Next, the necessary incisions are made. Your surgeon will then recontour your upper arms by removing excess skin and fat and adjusting the tissue for a nicely contoured look. Your incisions will then be closed.
What type of scar does mini arm lift surgery leave?
Your mini brachioplasty scar will be located toward the upper arm, within the armpit. Because mini arm lifts require smaller incisions, the scars can usually be well-hidden once they have healed. Check out our arm lift before and after pictures for examples.
How much does a mini arm lift cost?
This will depend on how much excess skin the patient has, what their goals are for surgery, and the geographic location where they intend to undergo surgery. Patients who need a mini arm lift tend to pay less than those who need a full arm lift, but this isn’t always the case.
Your plastic surgeon will also charge their own particular fees based on their demand for this procedure and their experience and training. Anesthesia and aftercare can also influence overall costs.
Is mini arm lift recovery painful?
During mini brachioplasty recovery, plan to have some slight pain. You will be prescribed pain medication to help handle this discomfort. We also recommend scheduling yourself so that you don’t have work or other obligations and instead have plenty of time to rest and relax.
Call to Book Your Consultation with Dr. Steinberg
Consultation appointments allow patients to discuss their surgery with a board-certified plastic surgeon, review mini arm lift before-and-after photos, ask questions about the recovery process, and discuss their medical history with their surgeon. You are free to bring any questions or concerns you may have, and your surgeon will address them.
If you have excess skin on your upper arms and think you may qualify for a minimal-incision arm lift, please contact our office today. Female board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ashley Steinberg performs this surgery and many others for patients at her Houston practice. Call today to book your appointment.
