BRACHIOPLASTY | ARM LIFT
An arm lift, or brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure that reduces excess sagging skin that droops downward from the arm. It tightens and smoothens the underlying supportive tissue that defines the shape of the upper arm.
Indications for an arm lift.
- If you have significant excess skin in your upper arms following bariatric surgery, dieting or exercise induced weight loss.
- If you have loose skin / cellulite in the upper arms
- If you have extreme skin laxity and sagginess of the upper arms
- If excess skin in arms restricts activities and cause rashes or infections
Patients closest to their desired or ideal body weight are suitable to undergo the procedure.
What to expect during the consultation?
cosmetic surgeon spends extensive time to understand your medical history and personal goals. Besides they shall assess your general health status, examine your arms, discuss other possible treatment options, risks and finally suggest the recommended course of treatment. At times, if our surgeons feel that you are not close to your ideal weight, they may advise that you lose some more weight before you opt for the procedure. Feel free to clarify your concerns relating to the procedure during this time.
What to expect before the arm lift surgery?
You will be advised to stop smoking for at least four weeks before surgery. Besides, the surgeon shall advice you to avoid certain medications such as Aspirin (blood thinning agents). You will be advised lab tests, the results of which will determine your readiness for the procedure.
How is the arm lift surgery performed?
Dr Prince cosmetic / plastic surgeon performs surgery under general anesthesia and can take between 1 to 2 hours.
Incision.
Incision type depends on the amount of excess skin to be removed and its location. An incision can be placed in either one of the below locations:
- Inside of the arm.
- Back of the arm.
- From the underarm to just above the elbows.
Procedure.
Dr prince prefer to perform a minimal liposuction to eliminate any localized fat deposits prior to a regular arm lift. Next, the preoperatively marked areas of excess skin are excised. The remaining skin is pulled together, held in place and sutured. Incisions are often closed in multiple layers.
What to expect after the arm lift surgery?
Following the procedure, dressing is applied along the sutured areas. Small drains tubes are temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood, but not always. You can get back home the very same day or a day later. You will be advised to wear customized compression garments for a couple of months to avoid hematomas and reduce swelling. Sutures, if any will be removed about 2 weeks following the surgery.
The results of a lift are visible almost instantly. But it would definitely take up to 3 or 6 months for the final results to show up. You can resume exercise between 4th and 6th week. Once the swelling subsides and scars settle, you will be immensely pleased with your new look. It confers the additional advantage of improving the dimpled and irregular skin appearance.
What are the risks associated with the procedure?
You can anticipate
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Poor wound healing
- Fluid accumulation
- Numbness
- Pain
- Asymmetries
- Skin Loss
- Swelling
- Unfavorable scarring etc.,
all of which can be avoided by choosing the right surgeon. We advice our clients to immediately reach us if they are facing any unusual symptoms so that we can attend to any impending complication in a timely manner.
It helps to bear in mind that the tissues loosen and sag as you age.
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