What is an arm lift, brachioplasty?
Brachioplasty is commonly known as an arm lift. The purpose of the procedure is to reshape the arms and give them a more youthful, firm appearance.
Arm lift is ideal when the arms have excess fat and skin. Excess fat and skin can be a result of significant weight loss, aging, or genetics.
Some have trouble with their arms despite regular exercise and a healthy diet. In arm lift surgery, the loose skin and stubborn fat are removed, leaving a firm and more desired shape to the arms.
Arm lift surgery suits best, when
- You have excess, sagging skin on your arms
- Your weight is in the standard weight range, and you’re in overall good shape
- Your expectations for this procedure are realistic
- You understand the possible risks and complications related to this procedure.
Arm lift surgery – the procedure and recovery
The size of arm lift surgery depends on the amount of the excess tissue. The procedure is typically done with anesthesia.
The operation often starts with liposuction, which helps to shape the arm. The surgical incision is done to the inner or back area of the arm so that the scarring is hidden and seen as little as possible. The smoother shape is created by removing the excess fat and skin.
Wounds are carefully closed with small stitches to ensure minimal scarring and promote healing.
The operation normally allows the client to spend the following night at home.
Recovering from arm lift surgery
Using compression garments after arm lift surgery helps reduce swelling and promotes the tissues’ healing.
Temporary swelling, bruises, and discomfort are common symptoms that can be controlled with prescribed medication.
We encourage resting and limiting the use of the arms after arm lift surgery for a speedier recovery.
After surgery, it is important to follow the surgeon’s instructions, have post-surgery appointments, and refrain from exhausting activity during the recovery period. The length of the leave from work depends on the size of the operation and the patient’s job.
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Possible Complications of Arm Lift Surgery
Surgical procedures always involve risks. The greatest risks of complications in arm lift surgery are related to hematomas in the tissues and possible infections.
Hematomas
After liposuction, the skin has bruises. Sometimes, hematomas can be larger.
If blood leaks inside the tissues after surgery, it can cause pressure symptoms, and it may even need to be removed in a new surgery. This does not affect the final aesthetic result, but it may slightly slow down recovery from surgery.
Infections
Although surgery is performed under sterile conditions, bacteria on the skin can pass through the surgical wound and cause infection in the tissues even after surgery.
Minor infections can often be treated with medication. In rare cases, a more severe infection may even lead to revision surgery, in which the tissues are cleaned in the operating room.
