ARM LIFT AT POWER PLASTIC SURGERY
For many patients, the upper arm is a focal region of concern as redundant skin and soft tissue develops. This commonly occurs following weight loss and the natural aging process. Patients considering arm lift surgery often report feeling uncomfortable when wearing short sleeve shirts and dislike this drooping tissue. Following massive weight loss, patients often express that they are not able to fully enjoy their new figure given this skin redundancy.
Both massive weight loss and the natural aging process result in loss of skin elasticity. Many patients develop skin excess and descent of soft tissues of the upper arms. It may be frustrating that no matter how much training is performed, this skin redundancy is often unresponsive to exercise.
What is Arm Lift Surgery?
Arm lift (brachioplasty) is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin – and subcutaneous tissue to a lesser degree – of the arms. It may be performed to tighten the skin and soft tissue envelope of the upper arms. This skin has been stretched beyond its ability to retract. Patients often dislike the appearance and sensation of this jiggling tissue.
An arm lift is the only way to remove the redundant skin and to tighten the skin envelope given increased skin laxity. It is performed under general anesthetic in an operating room setting. The incisions for arm lift surgery vary based on the patient’s aesthetic goals and clinical presentation. Incision and resultant scar placement will vary depending on the degree of redundant tissue. Arm lift may range from a limited incision within the underarm region, to an incision extending down the medial (inner) arm to just above the elbow. In more severe cases, the incision may extend onto the side of the chest wall to tighten skin and resuspend soft tissues in this region.
Although a small scar may be placed within the underarm to correct mild skin redundancy, more commonly an incision is made from underarm to elbow level. This is the trade-off in arm lift surgery to improve arm contour. The traditional arm lift may achieve more dramatic results at the expense of a longer scar. This scar may widen with time, but will generally fade to appear skin-colored. It is important for patients to consider the scar appearance when wearing short-sleeve clothing.
Who is a candidate for an arm lift?
The most appropriate candidate for arm lift surgery has redundant skin of the upper arm and is willing to tolerate a scar to improve arm contour. It is not possible to remove redundant skin and to tighten the soft tissue envelope without leaving a scar, which extends from the underarm to elbow region in most cases. Most patients presenting for arm lift surgery understand this trade-off and are willing to accept a scar to remove this redundant tissue. The most appropriate candidate for arm lift wishes to removes the drooping tissue of the upper arm, which often jiggles with upper body activities. Candidates for arm lift are willing to accept the scar for the end outcome. The scar may be concealed for important events using scar-concealing make up if desired.
It is also important for patients undergoing arm lift surgery to be otherwise healthy and non-smokers. Smoking increases the risk of wound healing complications, including wound dehiscence (referring to wound separation), infection, and skin flap necrosis. Smoking cessation for at least one month pre- and post-operatively has been shown to lower the risk of developing wound healing complications.
Patients considering arm lift should also achieve and maintain a healthy body mass index, ideally less than 25, before undergoing surgery. Arm lift is not an appropriate surgery for reducing fatty tissue to reduce the overall size of the arm. The most appropriate candidate presents with redundant skin as opposed to fatty tissue excess. A small focal region of adiposity may be removed through arm lift, however it is not an effective surgery for weight reduction.
What are procedure options for arm lift surgery?
The two main types of arm lift surgery are the mini and traditional arm lifts. In a mini arm lift, a small portion of skin may be removed through a limited incision in the underarm. Liposuction may also be performed during this procedure for further sculpting of the arm. This procedure is appropriate for those with minimal skin and fatty tissue excess. Most patients considering arm lift do so for drooping tissue of the upper arm. These patients generally require a traditional arm lift, which leaves a longer incision from the underarm to elbow level. Lesser invasive options will not achieve equivalent results to a traditional arm lift.
What are risks and benefits of arm lift?
The main benefit of brachioplasty is the improvement of arm contour and tightening of the soft tissue envelope through resection of redundant skin. It is not an effective technique to reduce fatty tissue of the arms. The trade-off for a traditional arm lift is a long scar. Other risks of surgery include bleeding, hematoma, impaired wound healing, infection, fluid accumulation (seroma), overresection potentially requiring delayed closure or a skin graft, risk of injury to surrounding structures, and numbness. There are also aesthetic complications including asymmetry, over- or undercorrection, hypertrophic scarring, and dissatisfaction with aesthetic result. Arm lift is generally a well-tolerated procedure in appropriately selected patients who understand the scar placement and are well-educated about the procedure.
Brachioplasty is performed as outpatient surgery under general anesthetic. Patients are required to wear a compression garment post-operatively, which may be concealed under long-sleeve clothing. This may serve to decrease swelling and to expedite healing. Patients may generally return to work within 1-2 weeks, however must refrain from strenuous activity or heavy lifting for 4-6 weeks post-operatively.
Arm Lift FAQs
Can underarm fat be removed?
Do arm lift scars fade?
Do compression garments help with loose skin?
Do waist trainers tighten loose skin?
How do you lose arm fat fast?
How long does it take to recover from an arm lift?
Does arm lift leave a scar?
Does arm lipo hurt?
Does insurance pay for arm lift?
How long after Brachioplasty Can I exercise?
How long does it take for Brachioplasty scars to heal?
How much does a Brachioplasty surgery cost?
How painful is an arm lift?
What is arm lift surgery?
What is anticipated recovery after arm lift?
Is arm lift an effective technique for addressing fatty tissue?
What occurs during consultation for arm lift?
How should I prepare for arm lift surgery?
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