Weight fluctuations, aging and heredity may cause unexpected changes of your body image. Among these changes are the sagging upper arms. Exercise can improve upper arm muscle tone but cannot help you with the excess skin or localised fat deposits.
If you have sagging skin in the inner side of your arms, an arm lift could be the right solution. An arm lift removes the excess skin and fat restoring the natural contour. The result is a more youthful, more toned appearance, improving your self-confidence.
The tribute paid to a better image is the scar on the inside of your arm.
What is the arm lift?
The arm lift (brachioplasty) is a surgical procedure meant to reshape the arms, from the axilla to the elbow.
The brachioplasty is performed to:
- remove sagging skin from the inside of the arms;
- tighten and smooth the underlying support structures that define the shape of the arm;
- remove any localised fat deposits.
The body contour changes treated by brachioplasty may develop both in men and women; usually they are a consequence of loss of elasticity in the skin and the supportive tissues. They may appear after massive weight loss (stretched skin with lost elasticity), they may be due to aging and heredity.
An arm lift cannot improve lost tone of upper arm muscles; in fact, those who choose to have a brachioplasty are people with a good physical condition.
The perfect candidates for this procedure are:
- adults of any age with a normal, stable weight;
- healthy, non-smokers individuals;
- patients with a positive attitude and realistic goals.
Where do I begin?
A consultation with your plastic surgeon is the first step to discover how an arm lift may improve your body image. You will be fully informed about the surgical options, possible risks, complications and results; according to your wishes, your doctor will recommend you the most appropriate treatment.
Evaluation
Your overall health and general aspect may greatly influence the outcome of your surgery. For best results it is necessary to sincerely share your expectations, fully disclose your medical history, any previous treatments, the use of alcohol, recreational drugs or tobacco; it is important to follow exactly your doctors’ advices.
Make sure your surgeon is a board-certified member of the Romanian Association of Plastic Surgeons.
My arm lift
Brachioplasty is a safe procedure that can significantly improve the appearance of your upper arms. It begins with an incision made on the inside of the upper arm. This incision can be extended from the axilla to the elbow or may be shorter. The length and pattern of the incision depend on the amount and location of the excess skin to be removed, as well as on the surgeon’s preference and technique. If it is necessary to remove some fat, this is either excised either treated by liposuction.
The underlying supportive tissue is tightened and remodelled using sutures. Subsequently the excess skin is excised. The incisions are closed using absorbable sutures; sometimes non-absorbable sutures are also used; these need to be removed after two weeks.
After an arm lift you will have a scar on the inside of the upper arm. Sometimes the skin elasticity is so week that a new lifting procedure is necessary.
Preparing for surgery
The plastic surgeon will inform you about every aspect of the operation. You will be instructed about any necessary lab tests, any recommended medicines and the chosen type of anaesthesia.
You will be asked to sign an informed consent in order to assure your surgeon that you fully understand the procedure with all the possible risks and complications. Among the possible risks are bleeding, developing an infection, alterations in local skin sensibility. Any surgical procedure comes along with anaesthetic risks.
What to expect?
The arm lifting procedures require hospitalization for 2 or 3 days. Usually is performed under general anaesthesia, but it can be done also using local anaesthesia and sedation.
After surgery
After completing the surgery, the incisions are covered with dressings. An elastic garment will help minimize the edema and will support the new shape as you heal. Sometimes drains are inserted to evacuate any fluid or blood collections underneath the skin.
At discharge, you will be instructed about any local wound care, necessary medication to help the healing process or to reduce the risk of infection and also about follow-up visits.
The healing process
In the first days following surgery you will feel some swelling and discomfort at the incisions. These can be controlled with medication. You will be advised to keep your arms elevated in the first days following surgery and to return to light walking to avoid the development of blood clots or other complications. You should also avoid heavy lifting, but you may return to work in a few days.
The incisions heal in 14 days; sutures will be removed, if necessary. Numbness in certain thigh areas will get better in time. It is necessary to avoid sun exposure or to use sun screen for 6 months following surgery, otherwise you may develop hyperpigmented scars. It may take up to one year until your scars refine.
Results
The result of your arm lift is immediately visible but it may take up to one year to reach the final aspect. The scars, although permanent, will improve in time. If you’ll maintain your weight and general fitness, your body image improvement will be long-lasting.
Your surgeon, your choice
The decision to have cosmetic or reconstructive surgery is important, as well as choosing the right surgeon. Not all the doctors performing these procedures are plastic surgeons. Make sure your doctor is a board- certified plastic surgeon, member of the Romanian Plastic Surgeons Association.
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