Arm Lift
Overview
The decline in skin thickness and elasticity is a natural consequence of various factors, including aging, weight fluctuations, and loss. Over time, the body's elastic and collagen fibers become warped and misshapen, while the subcutaneous fat layer diminishes.
Sagging arm skin can be effectively addressed with an arm lift, or brachioplasty. This procedure involves removing excess skin and fat from the underside of your arms, eliminating droopiness, and stretching the skin to achieve a more sculpted look.
Should you consider undergoing an arm lift, we encourage you to speak with our plastic surgeons. They will provide detailed information on the procedure, set realistic expectations, discuss conditions that may preclude you from having an arm lift, and explain the associated risks.
Why is the arm lift procedure done?
An arm lift, also known as brachioplasty, is performed to eliminate drooping skin on the lower and inner parts of the arm, commonly resulting from aging and substantial weight alterations. This procedure improves the arm's outer shape, leaving the skin looking tight and toned.
In the context of body recontouring surgeries, it's crucial to view all body parts collectively to achieve a harmonious and proportional appearance. Isolated procedures may lead to less than optimal results.
Engaging in a detailed conversation with our plastic surgeon about the goals of an arm lift is essential for achieving outcomes that are both realistic and fulfilling.
Risks
The following are potential risks associated with arm lift surgery:
• Formation of abnormal scars
• Altered skin sensation
• Complications in wound healing
• Unevenness between the two arms
• Infection
• Bleeding and accumulation of blood under the skin (hematoma)
• Build-up of fluid at the incision site (seroma)
• Complications related to anesthesia
Despite utilizing every precaution available in contemporary medicine to mitigate these risks, it's important to note that the elimination of risks entirely is not guaranteed.
Our team of experienced surgeons will implement comprehensive measures to reduce the likelihood of complications. Additionally, our plastic surgeons will thoroughly brief you on the aforementioned risks and any other possible issues before surgery, ensuring all your questions are answered.
Preparation
The first phase of preoperative preparation is the same in all Medicana Hospitals.
Once you opt for an arm lift surgery and have discussed it with our plastic surgeons, a series of evaluations will be conducted to confirm your eligibility for the procedure:
Ensuring the surgery is safe for you is our priority. If you smoke, you'll be advised to stop, and you may need to discontinue certain medications known to increase bleeding risks. A thorough review of all your medications, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, herbal remedies, and supplements, will be carried out, and you'll be guided on which to pause or continue.
During your pre-surgical evaluation, the extent of fat and skin sagging on the lower and inner aspects of your arms will be closely examined. Additionally, you will receive comprehensive details about expected scar formation and its placement. In brachioplasty, scars are typically positioned on the inner side of the arm, near the armpit, to minimize visibility.
Additionally, making arrangements for your discharge, subsequent recovery accommodation, and transportation is advisable at this stage to facilitate a smoother post-surgery recovery process.
Arm lift surgeries can be performed as standalone procedures or in conjunction with other cosmetic surgeries, such as abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), breast reduction or enhancement, thigh lifts, and liposuction. Combining an arm lift with liposuction, in particular, often leads to enhanced results.
Surgery and Early Postoperative Period
An arm lift surgery is conducted using either general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. During the procedure, the drooping skin and any surplus fat on the underside of your arm are surgically removed. Afterwards, the skin and underlying tissues are pulled taut and sutured together. To prevent fluid and blood buildup, small drainage tubes may be inserted before the surgery's conclusion. The arm is then gently wrapped in bandages.
Post-surgery, you might be advised to cover your arm with a soft bandage and keep your arms elevated for a duration specified by your doctor. This helps reduce swelling and supports the newly contoured skin.
Post-surgery, it's common to experience pain and observe swelling in your arm, along with potential bruising on the skin. These symptoms are typical and should gradually resolve on their own within a few weeks.
The scar resulting from the incision may lighten over time, but it will not match your natural skin color exactly. To ensure the best possible healing of the wound, it's advisable to shield the scar from sun exposure for up to one year.
While any discomfort you feel may be mild, your plastic surgeon will provide you with pain medication to help manage any pain effectively.
Suppose your plastic surgeon used non-absorbable stitches and placed a drain to prevent the accumulation of excess fluid and blood beneath the incision line. In that case, your doctor will instruct you when they will be removed (usually the first postoperative follow-up visit).
Your plastic surgeon will inform you whether you must be observed or stay in the hospital.
Once you've awakened from anesthesia and are capable of walking, our medical team will either assist you in moving or closely monitor your mobility.
Before your release from the hospital, your plastic surgeon or a member of the healthcare team will advise you on how long to rest and when it's safe to begin light exercises. While you're permitted to engage in everyday activities, you'll be cautioned against undertaking heavy or vigorous tasks for a specified period.
Adhering to these guidelines is crucial for a smooth recovery and achieving optimal surgical results. Make sure to address any questions or concerns with your plastic surgeon before leaving the hospital.
You're also expected to attend scheduled check-ups with your plastic surgeon prior to discharge.
Should you notice any signs of warmth, redness at the site of the incision, or experience fever or symptoms you believe might be related to the surgery after going home, it's imperative to contact your plastic surgeon without delay.
Results
Once the surplus skin and fat have been excised, your arm will have a firm and sculpted appearance.
The outcomes of the surgery will be long-lasting as long as you follow your doctor's instructions, but it is impossible to stop and eliminate future effects of aging.
