Sick of Hanging Arm Skin?
Having hanging upper-arm skin can feel constantly embarrassing. Sometimes, no amount of exercise can correct this upper arm sagging. However, there is a surgical procedure that can resolve the problem: brachioplasty surgery, also known as the arm lift.
Brachioplasty is a cosmetic procedure that helps reduce excessive skin sagging and remove localized fat pockets in the upper arms. The surgery also helps tighten the underlying support tissue, which is responsible for giving shape to your upper arm.
Arm Lift Surgery – Steps
The arm lift surgery begins with the administration of general anesthesia or local anesthesia with intravenous sedation.
Following this, incisions are carefully made in the skin of the arm. The pattern and length of these incisions will be determined by the location and amount of excessive skin that needs to be eliminated. Your surgeon may make an incision along the surface of your inner arm or at the back of your arm.
Excess fat and skin are then removed from the area extending from the upper arm to the elbow. The supportive tissue lying beneath the skin is also tightened using internal sutures. The surgery ends with the skin getting redressed on the new arm contours and the incisions being closed using sutures.
Your Recovery Process After an Arm Lift
You should follow your surgeon’s instructions carefully during the recovery period and make sure to not miss any follow-up appointments. Medications are typically prescribed to fasten the healing process.
After brachioplasty surgery, your surgeon will likely apply bandages or dressings onto your incisions. Also, he may wrap your arms in a compression garment or elastic bandage to reduce post-surgical swelling.
In most cases, the brachioplasty procedure is performed during the day and does not require an overnight stay at the facility. Patients may have surgical drains placed beneath the skin. These thin tubes are helpful in draining away any excess fluid or blood. Your surgeon will provide you with specific instructions regarding caring for the operated site.
Most arm lift surgery patients report that they were able to get back to work within two weeks of the surgery. If you work in a physically demanding job, then it might take you a bit longer to resume work. It is best to avoid lifting anything heavy for at least six weeks after the surgery.
It is important to understand that each patient heals at their own pace. This is why it is critical to follow the personalized advice offered by your doctor.
Candidates for This Procedure
Aging and heredity can be potential causes of drooping skin, fat, and muscle in the upper arms. If you are experiencing sagging upper arms, an arm lift may be ideal for you. Arm lift surgery is suitable for those who have tried various kinds of exercise and/or diet programs but fail to see any fat reduction or muscle tightening in the upper-arm area.
Long-Lasting Results
Your arm lift surgery results will be long-lasing as long as you make sure to maintain a stable body weight after surgery. Are you ready for sculpted upper arms?
If so, contact our office and schedule your consultation. Doctors Roger Friedman, Douglas Forman, and Kathy Huang are board-certified plastic surgeons with a wealth of knowledge and experience.
