Arm Lift Surgery (Brachioplasty)
If the underside of your upper arms has developed sagging, droopy skin, or appears loose and full due to excess skin and fat, an arm lift may be right for you.
WHAT IS A BRACHIOPLASTY?
A brachioplasty, also known as an arm lift, is a surgical procedure that reshapes the under portion of the upper arm, from the underarm region to the elbow. The procedure is performed to reduce excess sagging skin that droops downward when the arm is extended away from the body and tighten and smooth the underlying supportive tissue that defines the shape of the upper arm. In addition, any localized pockets of fat in the upper arm region may be reduced through brachioplasty, most commonly in conjunction with liposuction techniques. The conditions treated with brachioplasty may develop in both men and women, most often due to a loss of elasticity in the skin and underlying tissue of the upper arm. This may be the result of significant weight loss and skin that has been so stretched it loses the ability to retract. An arm lift cannot correct weakened muscles of the upper arm; in fact, many individuals who seek brachioplasty are relatively fit individuals who are bothered by a condition that cannot be corrected through exercise.
IS BRACHIOPLASTY RIGHT FOR ME?
Good candidates for brachioplasty are: adults of any age whose weight is relatively stable and who are not significantly overweight; healthy individuals who do not have medical conditions that can impair healing or increase risk of surgery; non-smokers; individuals with a positive outlook and realistic goals for what an arm lift can accomplish; and individuals committed to leading a healthy lifestyle of proper nutrition and fitness.
WHAT RESULTS SHOULD I EXPECT RIGHT AFTER SURGERY?
Once your arm lift is completed, dressing or bandages will be applied to your incisions, and your arms may be wrapped in an elastic bandage to minimize swelling and to support your new contours as you heal. Small, thin tubes may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain excess fluid or blood that may collect. Before you are released following surgery, you will be given specific instructions that may include how to care for the surgical site and drains, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection, specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health, and when to follow up with your surgeon. Following your arm lift, your arms will be swollen and bruised, and you will experience some discomfort. Discomfort is common and can be controlled with medication.
You will be instructed to keep your arms elevated for several days following surgery and return to light walking as soon as possible to minimize the potential for blood clots and other complications. You will also be instructed to avoid lifting or bearing any weight on your arms for several days to weeks. You may also be advised to limit your range of motion until internal healing is complete. You should be ready to return to work and light, normal activities within a few days, as long as you do not engage in any lifting or vigorous exercise. Follow all instructions carefully - this is essential to the success of your outcome.
WHAT RESULTS SHOULD I EXPECT OVER TIME?
Your incisions will heal within 7-14 days, after which time sutures will be removed if necessary. Numbness and a firm feeling over the skin's surface will resolve over time. You must practice diligent sun protection until the healing process is fully completed or skin in the treated area may develop irregular pigmentation and scars may become raised, red or dark. It may take a year or more following the procedure for incision lines to refine and fade to some degree.
The dramatic improvement in arm contour following arm lift surgery can greatly enhance your body image. A smooth, toned arm that matches your body image and personal goals does, however, come with visible scars. This is a fair trade-off to achieving a body contour that matches your body weight and proportion. The results of arm lift will be long-lasting, provided that you maintain a stable weight and general fitness. As your body ages, it is natural to lose some firmness. However, most of your improvement should be relatively permanent.
The Center for Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery has performed thousands of procedures over the past 10 years. Our surgeons, staff and on-site surgical facility are all certified and have received a customer satisfaction rating of 98% for overall satisfaction. (Among the highest in the nation). At The Center, every client is treated with care like a family member, both before and after surgery by our highly skilled team of surgeons and nursing staff. We are here to answer any questions you may have. We want you to have all the facts, to comfortably make an informed decision about the best way to restore or improve your appearance.
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