Drooping, flaccid arms are not an uncommon problem in women in there 40s and 50s. As the skin ages, it begins to lose it’s elasticity, often leaving the undesirable side effect of sagging skin. A new procedure however, which allows doctors to remove the excess skin and fat from the arms with minimal to no scarring is growing increasingly popular among American women.
Tricia Heiser, a 34-year-old woman who lost over 80 pounds decided to undergo an arm lift after relentless efforts to change the appearance of her sagging arms. “I want to wear strapless dresses and spaghetti straps and bathing suits and feel comfortable,” she commented on the decision. “I think I like the winter season better because I can wear long sleeves and cover it up. But when summer comes around, you usually don’t have a choice.”
Heiser is not the only woman who has made the decision to undergo an arm lift, according to cosmetic surgeons around the US. With the help of increasing technology to eliminate the once unsightly wrinkles caused by this procedure, doctors have seen over a 500 percent increase in requests for arm lifts since 1997.
Dr. Lawrence Reed, a plastic surgeon who regularly performs arm lift procedures operated on Heiser.
Reed made a small incision in both of Heiser’s arms and proceeded to use liposuction to remove a pound of fat from each arm. After the fat is removed, the skin is reattached under the armpit to conceal potential scarring.
Arm lift patients are advised not to raise their arms for up to five weeks following the surgery, however, Reed commented; “She could definitely wear short sleeves, very short sleeves in just a week or so.”
Reed also added that the arms should gradually appear firmer and younger after six to eight months has passed.
The arm lift procedure typically takes about an hour and a half to perform and can cost between $8,000 and $15,000.
“I always go to the beach for a week each summer, so that will be more exciting. I’ll enjoy my beach pictures more I think this year than any other year….with my new arms,” Heiser commented on the results of her surgery.