Category: Arm Lift

A popular option for tightening up your arms is a brachioplasty, also known as an arm lift. This cosmetic surgery procedure reduces excess skin and fat and smooths the underlying tissue to leave you with slimmer, more toned upper arms.

Over time, aging can cause the skin of your arms to sag. Genetics may also be a factor. Some people are left with sagging skin as a result of losing a significant amount of weight. An arm lift can correct this issue and make you look and feel better about yourself. Of course, there are things to think about when you’re considering this type of cosmetic surgery.

How to Prepare for an Arm Lift

Certain steps can be taken to prepare for an arm lift to ensure that it goes smoothly and you’re at minimal risk of complications. For example, if you’re a smoker, you should quit.

Your doctor will give you an evaluation prior to your surgery to ensure that you’re in good overall health. You will also be able to ask questions and mention your concerns about the upcoming surgery. The doctor will also ensure that you don’t have an underlying medical condition that can make having arm lift surgery dangerous.

What Happens During Arm Lift Surgery?

Your doctor will make marks on your arm that signify where incisions will be made on the day of your surgery. One of the most common procedures involves incisions made on the inside or backs of the arms. Another option may be an incision in the armpit or one from the armpit to the top of the elbow.

You can choose either general or local anesthesia. The doctor will work along the marks on your arms and then tighten or reshape the tissue, pull the skin tautly over the tissue, and suture the wound closed.

If you have excess fat in your arms, liposuction may also be performed. In all, an arm lift is usually complete in around three hours.

You should have someone lined up to drive you home after your surgery and stay overnight to ensure that you’re OK through the night.

What are the Risks of Arm Lift Surgery?

Just like any surgery, an arm lift carries certain risks. The most common is pain and infection, but the following can also occur:

• Excessive bleeding
• Fatty tissue death
• Fluid buildup
• Nerve, blood vessel, or muscle damage
• Permanent scarring

In addition to the surgery itself, general anesthesia can also have some risks. They include the following:

• Confusion
• Death, which is rare
• Heart attack
• Pneumonia
• Stroke

How to Recover from an Arm Lift

After your surgery, your doctor may advise you to wear a compression garment to aid your recovery. You may also require a temporary tube in your arm to drain the buildup of blood or fluid after your surgery.

Your surgeon will also give you instructions on your aftercare. You must carefully follow them. The instructions should include how to properly care for your wounds, medications you should take and how to take them, potential warning signs, and when you should come in for follow-ups.

If you smoke, it’s essential to avoid smoking during your recovery period. Smoking can impede your healing process, increasing the risk of infection and permanent scarring.

After around two weeks, you should be able to return to work or school and perform certain low-level activities. After six weeks, you should be able to resume your normal daily routine. Speak with your doctor and inform them of any pain or issues that restrict movement after the beginning of your recovery time.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are located in the San Antonio, Texas area and are interested in getting an arm lift, contact New Image Plastic Surgery to schedule an initial consultation.

An arm lift, also known as brachioplasty, is a form of cosmetic surgery that addresses sagging skin under the upper arm by smoothing and tightening tissue, removing excess fat, and reducing extra skin. An arm lift can help tone and define your upper arms, thus alleviating the effects of heredity, weight loss, and aging for a more rejuvenated appearance.

Are There Different Types of Arm Lifts?

Judging by the amount of skin and excess fat that needs to be removed, you can undergo one of two types of arm lifts.

Mini Arm Lift

Due to its minimally invasive nature, people also refer to this procedure as a minimal incision or partial arm lift. It involves making a small incision in a patient’s armpit, through which the surgeon will remove excess arm fat via liposuction to shape the arm as desired.

A surgeon may also excise excess skin if necessary, then wrap the area carefully and give it time to heal. A mini arm lift is suitable for people who have lost a lot of muscle tissue because of aging or people who have drastically lost a substantial amount of weight.

Upper Arm Lift

This procedure involves sucking out excess fat under the upper arm via a cut running from the elbow to the armpit. A surgeon can excise excess skin and secure it in place for healing. This method is suitable for people who have drastically lost a lot of weight.

What Are the Benefits of an Arm Lift?

As the skin under the upper arm falls lower, the need for liposuction, an arm lift, or both becomes more apparent. While it is common for some patients to prefer liposuction to an arm lift due to lower chances of scarring, liposuction is not capable of addressing the issue of excess skin. Arm lifts are superior in this regard since they remove both excess fat and skin.

The removal of excess fat helps yield fast, natural-looking, and substantial results. An arm lift can help you achieve your desired results much quicker than other methods such as dieting and exercise.

Since arm lifts involve removing excess skin, your arms can become firmer and feel lighter, giving you a more youthful appearance. A rejuvenated appearance can become a major confidence boost.

What Realistic Expectations Should You Set for an Arm Lift?

Even though arm lifts can make your arms look more proportional to the rest of your body and boost your self-confidence, you should have realistic expectations regarding the achievable results and post-procedural effects. Here are some factors to consider if you are contemplating getting an arm lift.

You will probably have a long scar running from your elbow to your armpit following the procedure. While you can reduce the visibility of this scar using incision taping devices, your post-procedural care is what matters most. The scar might be visible 5-8 weeks after surgery.

If the area that needs lifting is not identified clearly, you may still have to endure saggy skin after the procedure. Such instances require follow-up surgery to tighten the loose skin.

The surgery lasts 2-3 hours, after which you will put on a compression garment to mitigate swelling. You can resume light activity a few days after the procedure. However, only resume strenuous activity at least four weeks later.

Choosing a Provider

Like many surgical procedures, you risk developing complications by choosing an unqualified or inexperienced provider. As a bare minimum, you should only choose a board-certified surgeon.

The plastic surgeons at New Image Plastic Surgery in San Antonio, TX, are highly qualified surgeons with over 30 years combined experience as healthcare leaders in the US Armed Services. Both Dr. Brostrom and Dr. Homas are board-certified plastic surgeons committed to helping their patients achieve the beautiful results they deserve. Contact our office by calling today or fill out our online form to get started.