Arm Lift
INTRODUCTION TO
Arm Lift
A Brachioplasty, commonly known as an arm lift, is a cosmetic surgical procedure during which loose skin and excess fat deposits hanging from the underarm are removed, to provide a smoother skin appearance and a more contoured, visually pleasing arm.
Your upper arms may become sagging and droopy due to fluctuations in weight, aging, and heredity. Exercise can tone and tighten muscles but cannot tighten skin, thus training and regular exercise cannot get rid of excess sagging skin in this area.
Following a Brachioplasty, your body image may improve, and you might experience increased emotional wellness. Sagging skin can be a source of shame as it is generally considered aesthetically unappealing.
Consultation
To proceed with this surgery, you should be near your ideal body weight. If you exceed it, you might be required to lose some weight prior. The patient should also be in good overall health and have realistic expectations about the possible outcomes of the
surgery.
Our doctor will perform some tests and enquire about your medical history, previous treatments, drug allergies, and medical conditions. It will be important to refrain from smoking and taking herbal supplements and blood-thinning medications before the
operation.
After evaluating all of the above, but also possible risk factors, the doctor will then discuss with you your options, likely outcomes, and possible complications, so that you are fully prepared to take the next step.
Procedure
Arm lift surgery is performed under general anesthesia. It is an outpatient procedure, that takes between 1 to two hours, but can last longer, depending on the patient, and if liposuction is performed at the same time as the Brachioplasty.
The inside of the arm is cut, and incisions may run from the axilla (underarm) to the area immediately above the elbow. Depending on how much and where the extra skin needs to be removed, the incision’s length and pattern will change. Your underlying tissues will be
pulled taut by the plastic surgeon after making the incisions, and they will be stitched shut.
Excess skin will subsequently be cut away when it is draped over the new contours. The incisions will be closed with stitches or surgical tape.
On some occasions, liposuction is sometimes performed simultaneously in order to decrease surrounding fat. Dissolvable sutures will be used to close the wounds.
As long as a stable weight and general fitness is maintained, the effects of your arm lift surgery will be long-lasting.
Recovery
Following the arm lift, the incisions will be sutured. To reduce swelling, your arms will be loosely bandaged. It is possible to temporarily insert a small, thin tube under the skin to drain any extra blood or fluid. There will be some pain, discomfort, swelling, and bruising during the first few days after the operation, but you will be prescribed medication that will help ease some of these symptoms.
It is imperative to refrain from work for at least a week, to improve recovery times. For approximately 3 to 4 weeks, you should also avoid any strenuous physical activities, lifting your arms above your shoulders, any activity putting pressure on your arms, and smoking, as it obstructs proper blood circulation.
Depending on your medical profile, our doctor will provide you with a complete and precise recovery plan, but also remain available for any follow-up questions. You will leave feeling confident about your rehabilitation.
Risks
Complications might arise following a brachioplasty, although our surgeons reduce risks as much as possible thanks to their expertise. The most prominent of those include:
- Excessive bleeding
- Bruising
- Scarring
- Change in skin sensation
- Asymmetry in the shape of the arms
- Nerve damage
- Infection
- Fluid accumulation (seroma)
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