Blog

If you feel bothered by loose, sagging skin on your upper arms that doesn’t respond to diet or exercise, you may have considered an arm lift (brachioplasty). Not only can an arm lift tighten loose skin, but the surgery can now be performed while you’re awake using local anesthesia. The awake arm lift represents a growing trend in cosmetic surgery that offers many advantages over traditional methods, from reduced risks to faster recovery times.

At Florida Plastic Surgery and MedSpa in Sarasota, Florida, we’re committed to providing our patients with the most advanced, safest surgical options available. Here’s what to think about if you’re considering an awake arm lift.

What Is an Awake Arm Lift?

An awake arm lift is a brachioplasty procedure performed using local anesthesia, rather than general anesthesia. This allows you to stay alert and comfortable throughout the procedure. During your surgery, Dr. Kristopher Hamwi removes excess skin and fat from the underside of your upper arm, from your underarm to your elbow, for a more toned, contoured appearance.

Ideal candidates for an awake arm lift have:

• Good overall health
• Realistic expectations
• A desire to diminish loose, hanging skin on their upper arms
• Medical conditions that make traditional anesthesia riskier

Key Benefits of Choosing an Awake Arm Lift

Awake arm lift procedures come with several important benefits.

1. Reduced Anesthesia Risks

Modern anesthesia is generally safe, but it can cause complications ranging from allergic reactions to respiratory problems. For patients with heart disease, lung problems, or obesity, general anesthesia poses additional concerns. Local anesthesia offers a safer alternative without lingering grogginess and other general anesthesia side effects.

2. Faster Recovery Time

When you choose an awake arm lift, you can be discharged much sooner after the procedure, sometimes within an hour or two. You won’t experience the extended post-operative nausea, disorientation, or fatigue that can come with general anesthesia. This means you can return to light activities and daily routines more quickly, though you’ll still need to follow Dr. Hamwi’s specific restrictions regarding arm movement and heavy lifting.

3. Greater Patient Control and Comfort

Being awake during a surgical procedure may sound intimidating at first, but many patients find it empowering. You can communicate with your surgeon throughout the surgery, providing feedback about positioning or comfort. For example, if you need to adjust your arm or take a break, you can simply speak up.

If you feel anxious about being put under, remaining conscious can actually reduce the stress surrounding surgery. During the procedure, you may feel some pressure and tugging, but Dr. Hamwi provides comprehensive local anesthesia to ensure you feel no pain.

4. Same-Day Procedure

An awake arm lift is performed as an outpatient procedure with no hospital stay required. You’ll arrive at our office to undergo your procedure, rest briefly in recovery, and return home the same day. This convenience minimizes disruption to your life and allows you to recover in the comfort of your own home.

What Should I Expect During an Awake Arm Lift?

When you arrive for surgery, Dr. Hamwi and his staff will:

• Review all your details
• Explain each step of the awake brachioplasty procedure
• Ensure you feel comfortable with the plan

After he numbs your arms, Dr. Hamwi will begin the procedure, following the treatment plan created during your consultation.

Dr. Hamwi often begins the procedure with liposuction to remove excess fat, then temporarily tailors the skin to assess his work. This technique allows him to refine the results and perform additional liposuction if necessary. Once satisfied with the contour, he removes any remaining loose skin through carefully planned incisions. Throughout the procedure, Dr. Hamwi may have you sit up so he can better visualize your arms and ensure precise, symmetrical sculpting.

Recovery After an Awake Brachioplasty

After the procedure, you will have a PICO dressing and compression dressings on your arms, which minimize swelling, speed up healing, and allow for the best possible results. Most patients experience some bruising, swelling, and discomfort for the first week or two, which can be managed with pain medications Dr. Hamwi prescribes. You should avoid strenuous upper-body exercise and lifting heavy objects for six weeks as you heal.

Most people return to desk work within one to two weeks, though complete healing takes several months. You may notice some scarring at your incision site, but Dr. Hamwi places his incisions along the inner arm to be minimally visible. With proper care and time, these scars fade significantly. Awake arm lift results are long-lasting if you maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle.

Why Choose Dr. Kristopher Hamwi for Your Awake Arm Lift in Sarasota, Florida?

Dr. Kristopher Hamwi, a double board-certified plastic surgeon, has extensive training and is known for his expertise in aesthetic plastic surgery. Recognized as a leading awake brachioplasty surgeon, Dr. Hamwi attracts patients from all over the United States and the world. His artistic eye and attention to surgical detail allow him to deliver beautiful results.

At Florida Plastic Surgery and MedSpa in Sarasota, we customize every arm lift procedure to your desires to offer a sculpted, contoured outcome you’ll love.

Schedule Your Sarasota Awake Arm Lift Consultation Today

If you’re ready to wave goodbye to loose, sagging upper arms, we invite you to schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Hamwi. He’ll walk you through your options, so you understand whether an awake arm lift can help you accomplish your aesthetic goals. Call us today at (941) 800-2000, complete our online contact form, or email connect@floridaplasticsurgery.com to get started.