Arm Lift in Chicago, IL

Dr. Michael Epstein and Dr. Karol Gutowski are gifted plastic surgeons who offer a variety of plastic surgery procedures to residents of Chicago, the Chicagoland area, Naperville, Northbrook and surrounding communities in Illinois. In the paragraphs below, they explain the arm lift procedure, how it is performed, and the expected recovery.

What is a Brachioplasty?

Brachioplasty (commonly referred to as an arm lift) is a procedure used to remove excess skin and fat from the upper arm area, creating a firmer and dramatic improvement in the appearance of the upper arm contour. As a result of a brachioplasty, you will be left with a scar from the armpit to the elbow, which will improve in appearance over time, but will not completely diminish. A brachioplasty can be combined with other body contouring procedures for optimal results.

How is a Brachioplasty performed?

Brachioplasty is an outpatient surgical procedure performed at our facility, Northbrook Plastic Surgery. An incision is usually made from the armpit to the elbow, along the inside of the arm. Other smaller incisions can be used, depending on the severity of the redundant skin. Through the incision, skin and fat are removed, and the skin is stretched together and stitched. This procedure takes approximately two hours, but may vary depending on the complexity of the lift.

What to expect during the recovery period:

• Discomfort, bruising and swelling are normal and can be controlled with medication.
• Sutures may be removable or absorbable.
• You’ll need to return to our office 1 week after surgery for a follow up visit.
• There may be some numbness in the areas treated.
• You may return to light activities and work 5-7 days after surgery, with very limited lifting.
• You may resume full activities 4-6 weeks post-surgery.
• A compression garment must be worn for up to 3 weeks after surgery.
• After a brachioplasty, it can take up to 8-12 months to see how well the scars have healed.

Dr. Michael A. Epstein and Dr. Karol A. Gutowski have received critical acclaim for their exceptional results and advanced surgical techniques in the area of plastic surgery for residents of Chicago, the Chicagoland area, Naperville, Northbrook and surrounding communities in Illinois.

Active members of the prestigious American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, they have been featured on numerous television programs and quoted in dozens of newspapers and magazines nationwide. As trusted resources who are highly respected by both the media and their peers, Dr. Epstein’s and Dr. Gutowski’s training, education and surgical skills have made them two of Chicagoland’s leading and most gifted plastic surgeons. Their primary offices are located in Northbrook, Illinois with satellite offices in downtown Chicago and Schaumburg.