Summary
The use of arm lifts is rapidly increasing. Tremendous variability in presentation has led to different types of arms recontouring. From suction-assisted lipectomy, for appropriate candidates, to minimal incision arm lift and a more extensive arm lift procedure, the objective is to reproduce a proportional and functional proportional and functional arm contour. Patient selection, preoperative assessment, and a clear understanding of the arm’s anatomical features are paramount. Preoperatively designed markings of four significant arm groups lift-minimal incision, standard, extensive, and chest-arm lift are based on the position and proximal and distal involvement of excess skin and fat and preferred scar position. Selective ancillary procedures, such as breast recontouring and upper body lifts, can be valuable adjuncts to arm lifts.
An arm lift, or otherwise known as brachioplasty, can remove the excess skin and fat deposits, leaving the upper arms with a more pleasing and youthful contour. An arm lift, or brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure that:
- Reduces excess sagging skin that droops downward
- Tightens and smooth the underlying supportive tissue that defines the shape of the upper arm
- Reduces localized pockets of fat in the upper arm region
As a person ages, upper arm skin can become loose and flabby. Prof Moawad will consult with patients about undergoing surgery for an arm lift if they wish to tighten this skin to look and feel more youthful. In some instances, Prof Moawad may recommend that liposuction alone or in conjunction with an arm, lift to remove excess fat in the upper arms sometimes, combine with fat injection. The arm lift is one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures after massive weight loss surgery.
Who is the Right Candidate for an Arm Lift Surgery (Brachioplasty)?
Arm Lift surgery can be performed on a large variety of patients, including normal-weight patients who simply need a little tightening. However, most patients are massive weight loss patients that have stabilized their weight loss and do not have out-of-control medical problems. They present with excess skin and fat in their upper arms. Many of these patients complain that their arms feel and look like “bat wings.” Occasionally some older women have a lot of extra skin that is bothersome and would also be reasonable candidates.
In general, arm lift candidates include:
- Adults with significant upper arm skin laxity
- Adults of any age whose weight is stable and who are not significantly overweight
- Healthy individuals without medical conditions that impair healing or increase the risk of surgery
- Nonsmokers
- Individuals with a positive outlook and realistic expectations
Who Is Not a Candidate for An Arm Lift Surgery (Brachioplasty)?
- A person who has excess fat in the underarms that could be best resolved through liposuction and excess skin is not the issue.
- A person who is unwilling to accept the appearance of scars on the underside or back of the arm where arm lift incisions are made.
How Should I Prepare for An Arm Lift Surgery (Brachioplasty)?
In preparing for arm lift surgery, you may be asked to:
- Get lab testing or a medical evaluation
- Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
- Certain drugs that increase the risk of bleeding such as Aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, and some vitamins/homeopathic regimens should be discontinued prior to arm lift surgery.
- Stop smoking. If you are a smoker, it is recommended that you stop smoking well in advance of the surgery. Smoking can affect your ability to heal.
- Arm lift surgery may be performed in MSI office-based surgical facility, ambulatory surgical center, or hospital. Be sure to arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery, and to stay with you for at least the first night following surgery.
What should I Expect During a Consultation for An Arm Lift Surgery (Brachioplasty)?
During your arm lift surgery consultation, be prepared to discuss:
- Your surgical goals
- Medical conditions, drug allergies, and medical treatments
- Current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco, and drug use
- Previous surgeries
Prof Moawad will also:
- Evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors
- Take photographs
- Discuss your options (mini arm lift, extended arm lift, ultrasound, power-assisted liposuction (U-PAL), and radiofrequency post-procedure skin tightening
- Discuss likely outcomes of arm lift surgery and any risks or potential complications
- It’s essential to understand all aspects of your arm lift procedure. It’s natural to feel some anxiety, whether it’s excitement for your anticipated new look or a bit of preoperative stress. Don’t be shy about discussing these feelings with Prof Moawad.
- Anesthesia is administered (this procedure may be done under local or general anesthesia).
- Incisions are made along the length of the upper arm from the underarm to just above the elbow, either along the inside or along the back of the arm. The incision may need to be extended to the axilla (underarm) in many cases. This helps to resect more skin and create a less visible scar.
- Excess skin and fat are removed, possibly (always aided) aided by liposuction.
- Skin is smoothed over the newly contoured underarm.
- Incisions are closed with absorbable sutures or stitches.
- A sterile dressing and compression garment will be applied, and drains may be placed.
- The procedure typically takes one to three hours.
- Although the surgery results will be immediately apparent, the upper arm area will likely be swollen and bruised initially.
What should I expect during my arm lift (Brachioplasty) recovery?
Immediately following surgery, the patient will have bandages on the incisions. I will wrap my arms in a compression garment or elastic bandage to minimize swelling. Furthermore, small thin tubes may be placed under the skin on each arm to drain excess blood or fluid during the recovery period. I will provide you with specific instructions regarding medication, limitations, and expectations during the recovery process.
Will I Feel Pain after an Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)?
Postoperative pain is subjective and will vary from person to person. The average patient undergoing an upper arm reduction procedure will usually require a few days of oral pain medication to treat discomfort.7 to 10-days period, most people resolve most of their acute postoperative pain.
Will there be Scarring with an Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)?
Upper arm reduction involves the removal of skin and necessitates the creation of a scar that starts near the elbow, traverses to the armpit, and often crosses onto the chest wall. Any injury goes through a maturation process, which takes a year to complete. Most scars are conspicuous, at least initially. Some surgeons prefer to place the upper arm reduction scar on the inner arm aspect not to be visible when the patient’s arm is by their side. Other surgeons prefer to place the scar more towards the back of the arm, so it is not visible from the front, mainly when the patient is observed from the front while moving the arm. Prof Moawad will make sure to place your scar in a less-seen place. In addition, I will follow up on your scar during wound healing time with advanced wound care applied at MSI.
Some Typical Short Term Side Effects after Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)?
Immediately after surgery, some patients will feel tightness in the upper arm as the area swells due to the trauma of surgery. Some patients may develop swelling and some tingling of the hands as well. Most of these symptoms resolve with time.
What are the Risks of Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)?
As in surgical procedure, bleeding Infection, unattractive scars, or seroma formation (seromas are fluid collections that can arise after surgery along the incision line), the decision to have plastic surgery is highly personal, and you’ll have to decide if the benefits, risks, and potential complications of arm lift surgery are acceptable. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure.
Arm lift surgery risks include:
- Anesthesia risks
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Poor wound healing
- Unsightly scarring
- Fluid accumulation (seroma)
- Damage to deeper structures such as nerves, blood vessels, and muscles
- Fatty tissue under the skin might die (fat necrosis)
- Numbness or other changes in skin sensation
- Pain, which may persist
- Sutures may not absorb but spontaneously surface through the skin, causing irritation, drainage, and redness.
- The possible need for revisional surgery
I will thoroughly discuss these risks and others before your consent. It would be best if you addressed all your questions directly with Prof Moawad.
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HIGH DEFINITION HD LIPOSUCTION OR LIPOSCULPTURE RESULTS (BEFORE AND AFTER)
