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What is Arm Lift Surgery ?
An Arm Lift Surgery, also known as Brachioplasty is a plastic surgery performed on the upper arm with the aim of removing excess skin. The procedure is conducted on those patients who have experienced weight loss or have loose, sagging skin due to ageing.
Many people find that excess skin on their upper arms can be uncomfortable and it makes them feel self-conscious.
Patients have the option to choose from a number of different arm lift procedures, depending on their condition and desire. There are three main types of brachioplasty procedures, they are:-
Traditional brachioplasty: Traditional brachioplasty entails making an incision on the inside or back of the arm, removing excess skin and fat, and tightening the remaining skin.
Minimal incision brachioplasty: Brachioplasty with a small incision in the armpit and liposuction to remove excess fat and tighten the skin is known as minimal incision brachioplasty. This method is less invasive than traditional brachioplasty, which involves making a larger incision on the inside or back of the arm to remove excess skin and fat.
Extended brachioplasty: This procedure removes excess skin and fat from a larger area of the arm by making an incision that extends from the armpit to the elbow.
What to Keep in Mind Before Preparing for An Arm Lift
It is important to meet with your plastic surgeon before undergoing arm lift surgery. The surgeon will sit with you and walk you through the process, from the pre-operative stage to the procedure and recovery, providing you with all of the information you need to be prepared for arm lift surgery.
After considering all of the information presented by the doctor, you should carefully consider whether you want to have an arm lift operation. It is critical that you clear all of your doubts and clarifications with your surgeon during this phase. If necessary, you can wait a few days to decide whether the surgery is right for you.
Following your decision to have an arm lift operation, your surgeon will request that you undergo certain physical and medical tests. The doctor will use these steps to determine if you are a good candidate for arm lift surgery. If the surgeon is satisfied that you are a good candidate for the procedure, he or she will then ask you to prepare yourself for the surgery.
What are the Steps Involved in an Arm Lift Surgery Procedure?
Anaesthesia
Doctors will use anaesthesia to keep a patient pain-free and comfortable. Doctors may choose to administer intravenous sedation and general anaesthesia to a patient. This decision is usually influenced by the type of procedure being performed, the patient’s medical history, and their specific needs. Intravenous sedation is the administration of medication through a vein to induce drowsiness and relaxation. It aids patients in remaining calm and at ease during procedures that may cause anxiety or discomfort.
General anaesthesia, on the other hand, is a deeper level of sedation in which patients are completely unconscious and unaware during the procedure. It is commonly used for more complex surgeries or when the patient must be completely immobilised. General anaesthesia ensures that patients do not feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure.
The Surgical Incision
The length and pattern of the incision are determined by the amount and location of excess skin to be removed, as well as your surgeon’s best judgement. Incisions are typically placed on the inside or back of the arm, depending on the surgeon’s preference, and can extend from the underarm (axilla) to just above the elbow. Excess fat can be surgically removed or treated with liposuction.
Incisions may be more limited depending on your specific condition. Internal sutures are then used to tighten and reshape the underlying supportive tissue.
Finally, the skin is smoothed over your arm’s new contour.
Removal of Excess Skin or Fat
Liposuction and/or surgical excision are used by the surgeon to remove excess skin and fat from the upper arms. Liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure that involves suctioning out stubborn pockets of fat with a small tube called a cannula. This technique is especially useful for targeting localised fat deposits that are resistant to diet and exercise.
In cases of severe sagging or loose skin, surgical excision may be required. Incisions are made along the inner or backside of the upper arm to allow the surgeon to remove excess skin and reshape the arm’s contour. The incisions are placed strategically to minimise visible scarring, and are frequently hidden within natural creases or underarm folds.
Tightening of Remaining Skin
To create a smoother, more toned appearance, the remaining skin is tightened and sutured in place. By tightening and suturing the remaining skin, it helps to eliminate sagging or loose skin, resulting in a smoother and more toned look.
Incision closure
After a surgical procedure, the primary goal is to ensure that the incisions are closed securely and promote proper healing. Sutures or surgical tape are commonly used for this purpose. Sutures are often preferred for larger incisions or areas that require more tension to close properly. Surgeons carefully place sutures through the layers of tissue, ensuring that they hold the edges of the incision together firmly. The sutures can be either absorbable or non-absorbable, with absorbable sutures gradually breaking down over time and eventually being absorbed by the body.
On the other hand, surgical tape is a thin adhesive strip that is used to close smaller incisions or wounds. It is particularly useful when there is minimal tension on the wound edges.
Dressing and compression garments
Bandages and compression garments are applied to the patient’s arms to reduce swelling and promote healing. By applying bandages and compression garments to the patient’s arms, several benefits can be achieved. Firstly, these measures help to reduce swelling or edema in the affected area. Swelling often occurs as a result of inflammation or fluid buildup following an injury or surgery. By providing gentle pressure through compression garments, excess fluid is encouraged to move away from the injured site, thereby reducing swelling.
What are the Pros and Cons of An Arm Lift Surgery?
Some advantages of Arm Lift Surgery include:
Improved Upper Arm Appearance: Arm lift surgery can significantly improve the aesthetic appeal of the upper arms by reducing sagging skin and creating a more toned and youthful appearance.
Increased Self-Confidence: By addressing concerns about flabby or loose upper arms, arm lift surgery can significantly boost self-confidence and body image, allowing people to feel more comfortable and at ease in their own skin.
Better Clothing Fit: By removing excess skin and fat, arm lift surgery can improve clothing fit, allowing patients to wear sleeveless or fitted garments with greater confidence and comfort.
Improved Range of Motion: In some cases, arm lift surgery can improve arm range of motion, allowing people to participate in physical activities and exercises more comfortably and effectively.
Long-Lasting Results: Arm lift surgery produces long-lasting results because excess skin and fat are permanently removed, ensuring that the improved appearance of the upper arms lasts.
Cons and Risks of an Arm Lift Surgery
Some of the cons and risks of arm lift surgery include:
Anaesthesia risks: Arm lift surgery is typically performed under general anaesthesia, which poses risks such as allergic reactions, breathing difficulties, and heart complications.
Infection: Because of the location of the incisions, any surgical procedure carries the risk of infection. Arm lift surgery is no exception.
Bleeding: While surgeons take precautions to reduce the risk of bleeding, patients should be aware that it is a possibility.
Scarring: Arm lift surgery scarring can be visible, especially with traditional brachioplasty, which requires a larger incision.
Infection: Infection is a possible side effect of arm lift surgery. Infection is a risk with any surgical procedure, but arm lift surgery is especially concerning due to the location of the incisions.
After Care Tips For an Arm Lift Surgery
Patients should carefully follow their surgeon’s instructions after arm lift surgery to ensure proper healing and reduce the risk of complications. Here are some general post-operative instructions for arm lift surgery.
Rest and recovery: To allow the body to heal, patients should rest and avoid strenuous activity for several weeks after the procedure.
Compression garments: During the recovery period, patients may need to wear compression garments to aid in healing and reduce swelling.
Wound care: Patients should keep incision sites clean and dry, and they should follow their surgeon’s instructions for changing dressings and caring for wounds.
Pain management: Patients may experience discomfort following the procedure and should follow their surgeon’s pain management instructions.
Follow-up appointments: Patients should attend all follow-up appointments with their surgeon to ensure proper healing and to monitor their progress.
Why choose KCM for Arm lift?
One of the reasons to choose KCM Clinic for an arm lift is our team of skilled and board-certified surgeons who specialise in cosmetic and plastic surgery. They have a proven track record of performing successful arm lift surgeries, ensuring that patients receive expert care.
Furthermore, KCM Clinic’s modern facilities and cutting-edge equipment contribute to a safe and comfortable environment for patients undergoing surgery. We at KCM place a strong emphasis on patient safety and hygiene, which are critical aspects of any surgical procedure.
FAQs
How Painful Is An Arm Lift?
Patients will experience discomfort and pain after an Arm Lift Surgery, just as they would after any other surgical procedure. The level of pain after surgery is determined by the patient’s tolerance for pain, the type of procedure, and how quickly the anaesthesia wears off. However, to make patients feel less pain and comfortable after the procedure, surgeons prescribe pain killers and pain reliever medications.
Is an Arm Lift Surgery Right For You ?
Personal goals, medical history, and current health status all factor into whether an arm lift procedure is right for you. Before undergoing the procedure, it is best to consult with your doctor. Based on your medical history and the results of a few tests, the doctor will determine whether you are a good candidate for an Arm Lift procedure.
Is an Arm Lift Surgery a Risky Procedure?
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks involved in an Arm Lift Surgery. Scarring, infection, bleeding, hematoma, seroma, delayed healing, nerve damage, skin irregularities, unsatisfactory results, anaesthesia risks, asymmetry, and poor scarring are examples of these complications. Discussing these risks thoroughly with a qualified surgeon during your consultation and following pre- and post-operative instructions can help minimise these risks and ensure a successful outcome.
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An arm lift also known as an arm reduction or brachioplasty, is a plastic surgical procedure to improve the appearance of the arms, reduce excess sagging skin that drops downward, tighten the underlying supportive tissue that defines the shape of the upper arm, reduce localized pockets of fat in the upper arm region.
During a brachioplasty excess skin and fat are removed from the armpit and elbow. The remaining skin is placed back over the newly repositioned contours to create a more toned look. Incision length and pattern during arm lift surgery depend on the amount and location of excess skin to be removed, as well as the best judgment of your specialist plastic surgeon. Incisions are generally placed on the inside of the arm or on the back of the arm, depending on the surgeon’s preference, and may extend from the underarm to just above the elbow. Excess fat may be directly excised or treated with liposuction. Depending on the patient’s specific condition, incisions may be more limited. Then, underlying supportive tissue is tightened and reshaped with internal sutures. Finally, the skin is smoothed over the new contour of your arm.
An upper arm reduction or an arm lift is usually performed under general anaesthetic and takes 90-120 minutes.
Please inform your doctor about all medications you are taking and your concerns during your medical consultation. All required tests should be performed as the physician prescribes before surgery. It is vital to stop smoking and drinking alcohol before surgery because these substances have a significant adverse effect on wound healing. We recommend giving up alcohol and cigarettes for as long as possible before and after the procedure to avoid postoperative scars.
You should also avoid certain medications before the procedure. You’ll likely need to avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements, which can increase bleeding.
During your first visit, your plastic surgeon will likely discuss your expectations. Please, explain the reasons why you want an arm lift and what you’re hoping for in terms of appearance after the procedure. Make sure you understand the benefits and risks, including scarring.
Arm lift results are normally long-lasting. Remember, however, your skin will naturally lose some firmness as you age and some sagging might reoccur. Maintaining a stable, healthy weight can help you retain your results.
During your recovery from arm lift surgery, dressings or bandages may be applied to your incisions, and your arms may be wrapped in an elastic bandage or a compression garment to minimize swelling following surgery. A small tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid.
You will be given specific instructions on how to care for the surgical site and drains, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing, specific concerns to look for, and when to follow up with your plastic surgeon.
During the first weeks after the surgery, avoid physical exertion or heavy lifting, as well as sauna visits, bathing, and sunbathing. It is also worth giving up drinking and smoking nicotine-containing products as long as possible. This is important because of the proper healing of wounds after surgery and reducing the likelihood of scars.
Recovery from this surgery can take one to two weeks. You should expect to feel pain and discomfort during the first week of recovery which can be managed with pain relief medication. Your consultant will recommend appropriate medication. Depending on the nature of your job, you should be able to return to work after two weeks.
You will need to wear a tight-fitting body garment for the first few weeks to support the area. You should not engage in any strenuous activities until your surgeon releases you to do so. Your scars will be permanent but will eventually fade. You should allow 9 – 12 months for your scars to flatten and lighten in colour.
It’s important to maintain an active lifestyle and eat healthily once you’ve fully healed from your surgery. It’s natural to lose some firmness as you age, however, the results of an arm lift are meant to be permanent. If your weight fluctuates, the results of your arm lift may fade.
A brachioplasty poses some risks, including scarring, asymmetry in the shape of your arms, changes in skin sensation, and problems with stitches.
Like any other type of major surgery, an arm lift risks of bleeding, infection, and an adverse reaction to anesthesia.
After an arm lift, contact your doctor immediately if you have shortness of breath, chest pains, an irregular heartbeat, redness of the skin, and a fever.
An arm lift isn’t suitable for everyone. Your doctor might caution against an arm lift if you: are significantly overweight, have frequent changes in your weight, have a medical condition that interferes with wound healing, or are a heavy smoker.
- About the procedure
-
An arm lift also known as an arm reduction or brachioplasty, is a plastic surgical procedure to improve the appearance of the arms, reduce excess sagging skin that drops downward, tighten the underlying supportive tissue that defines the shape of the upper arm, reduce localized pockets of fat in the upper arm region.
During a brachioplasty excess skin and fat are removed from the armpit and elbow. The remaining skin is placed back over the newly repositioned contours to create a more toned look. Incision length and pattern during arm lift surgery depend on the amount and location of excess skin to be removed, as well as the best judgment of your specialist plastic surgeon. Incisions are generally placed on the inside of the arm or on the back of the arm, depending on the surgeon’s preference, and may extend from the underarm to just above the elbow. Excess fat may be directly excised or treated with liposuction. Depending on the patient’s specific condition, incisions may be more limited. Then, underlying supportive tissue is tightened and reshaped with internal sutures. Finally, the skin is smoothed over the new contour of your arm.
An upper arm reduction or an arm lift is usually performed under general anaesthetic and takes 90-120 minutes.
- Preparation
-
Please inform your doctor about all medications you are taking and your concerns during your medical consultation. All required tests should be performed as the physician prescribes before surgery. It is vital to stop smoking and drinking alcohol before surgery because these substances have a significant adverse effect on wound healing. We recommend giving up alcohol and cigarettes for as long as possible before and after the procedure to avoid postoperative scars.
You should also avoid certain medications before the procedure. You’ll likely need to avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements, which can increase bleeding.
During your first visit, your plastic surgeon will likely discuss your expectations. Please, explain the reasons why you want an arm lift and what you’re hoping for in terms of appearance after the procedure. Make sure you understand the benefits and risks, including scarring.
Arm lift results are normally long-lasting. Remember, however, your skin will naturally lose some firmness as you age and some sagging might reoccur. Maintaining a stable, healthy weight can help you retain your results.
- Convalescence
-
During your recovery from arm lift surgery, dressings or bandages may be applied to your incisions, and your arms may be wrapped in an elastic bandage or a compression garment to minimize swelling following surgery. A small tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid.
You will be given specific instructions on how to care for the surgical site and drains, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing, specific concerns to look for, and when to follow up with your plastic surgeon.
During the first weeks after the surgery, avoid physical exertion or heavy lifting, as well as sauna visits, bathing, and sunbathing. It is also worth giving up drinking and smoking nicotine-containing products as long as possible. This is important because of the proper healing of wounds after surgery and reducing the likelihood of scars.
Recovery from this surgery can take one to two weeks. You should expect to feel pain and discomfort during the first week of recovery which can be managed with pain relief medication. Your consultant will recommend appropriate medication. Depending on the nature of your job, you should be able to return to work after two weeks.
You will need to wear a tight-fitting body garment for the first few weeks to support the area. You should not engage in any strenuous activities until your surgeon releases you to do so. Your scars will be permanent but will eventually fade. You should allow 9 – 12 months for your scars to flatten and lighten in colour.
It’s important to maintain an active lifestyle and eat healthily once you’ve fully healed from your surgery. It’s natural to lose some firmness as you age, however, the results of an arm lift are meant to be permanent. If your weight fluctuates, the results of your arm lift may fade.
- Precautions
-
A brachioplasty poses some risks, including scarring, asymmetry in the shape of your arms, changes in skin sensation, and problems with stitches.
Like any other type of major surgery, an arm lift risks of bleeding, infection, and an adverse reaction to anesthesia.
After an arm lift, contact your doctor immediately if you have shortness of breath, chest pains, an irregular heartbeat, redness of the skin, and a fever.
An arm lift isn’t suitable for everyone. Your doctor might caution against an arm lift if you: are significantly overweight, have frequent changes in your weight, have a medical condition that interferes with wound healing, or are a heavy smoker.
Contact the coordinator
+48 75 645 2012
WhatsApp
+48 535 098 999
Leave us a message
plasticsurgery@kcmclinic.com
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