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Arm lift surgery, otherwise known as brachioplasty, involves the removal of the loose skin on the upper arms in order to create a smoother, more youthful contour. Popular amongst individuals who have experienced extreme weight loss, or who just find their skin has lost elasticity due to age and time, statistics provided by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons show that over 14,500 Americans had brachioplasty in 2006 alone, a 25-percent increase from 2005.

Offering thinner, tighter arms and results that are known to last for years, brachioplasty is a 1 to 2 hour outpatient surgery which is usually performed under general anesthesia. During this procedure, the doctor makes zigzagged incisions on the inner and under surface of the arm, removes the excess skin and fat, then stretches and sutures the skin into place. The surgical opening may run from the armpit to as low as the elbow and scarring is to be expected.

Recovery, though taking only one to two weeks, can be painful, so it is not uncommon for surgeons to prescribe a pain medication to ease discomfort. Furthermore, although bruising is rare, swelling can last for up to two weeks or more. Most people can return to work within a week; however exercise should be avoided for at least a month in order to give the arms time to heal.

Not unlike other surgeries, brachioplasty does carry some risk and disadvantages such as scarring, infection, excessive bleeding, possible asymmetry or irregularities, or changes in nerve sensation. The final result is visible within about 6 months. Although arm lift surgery offers drastic results, it is effective for treating loose skin only. It does not improve muscle tone nor is it effective in treating heavy arms caused by excess fat. In these cases, weight training or liposuction may be a better option.

Although the cost of arm lift surgery varies, according to infoplasticsurgery.com, a website devoted to providing the latest information in the world of cosmetic surgery, the procedure averages between $5000 and $6500.