Upper Arm Lift Information
Background on Upper Arm Lifts
As the skin ages, it becomes looser and less elastic, which often causes it to droop or sag. One of the places this negative effect of aging is particularly obvious is around the upper arm. A growing number of women and men are turning to a procedure called brachioplasty to reverse this unsightly occurrence by tightening and reforming the muscles into a more attractive shape.Best candidates for a Brachioplasty
The best candidates for a brachioplasty or upper arm lift procedure have a desire for a more youthful contour of their arms and upper chest near the armpits. Additionally, candidates should be of good physical and mental health and have realistic expectations about how they can benefit from an upper arm lift or brachioplasty surgery.Uncertainty and risk for an Upper Arm Lift
All surgical procedures have some amount of uncertainty and risk. Fortunately, a brachioplasty or upper arm lift procedure is very safe when performed by a certified plastic surgeon. Any questions or concerns you may have will be answered by your doctor during your initial consultation.Planning for a Brachioplasty
During your initial consultation with your plastic surgeon, you will discuss the treatment plan for your brachioplasty. This process will include a description of your family and personal health, as well as any medications or supplements you take. It is essential to be very open and honest with your doctor during this planning phase. Together you will devise a course of action that will help you attain your goals.Preparing for an Upper Arm Lift Surgery
After deciding on the specifics of the procedure to be used, your doctor will provide you with a list of guidelines to follow during the days leading up to your operation. These instructions will cover eating, drinking, and health habits as well as the taking or avoiding of certain medications and vitamins. It is important to follow these directions exactly to avoid complications and ensure a successful operation. As an additional step in planning, you should arrange for someone to provide you with a ride home after your brachioplasty or upper arm lift procedure.Where the Brachioplasty is performed
The location where the surgery takes place is highly dependent upon the extent of the procedure and the patient's goals. For many patients, their brachioplasty or upper arm lift surgeries take place at an outpatient surgery center or a plastic surgeon's office facility. However, when the brachioplasty is combined with other procedures like liposuction, the operation is more extensive and patients may be asked to stay overnight in a hospital.Types of anesthesia
Most patients undergo a light general anesthetic during their upper arm lift surgery. This renders them asleep so that they will feel no pain during their procedure. Throughout the duration of the surgery, patients are closely monitored by trained medical staff to ensure their safety.How the Upper Arm Lift Surgery is performed
The procedure begins with a small incision on the inside of the arm from the elbow to the armpit, so that the surgeon will can remove any excess skin. After the skin is separated from the underlying tissue, the muscle is reshaped and reformed to retain its shape better. Sometimes a surgeon will also perform liposuction if needed. The result is a firmer and more attractively sculpted arm.Post-op/Recovery
Depending on the amount of tissue removed and the extent of the area involved, recovering from an upper arm lift or brachioplasty operation can be somewhat of a prolonged process. If both arms are operated upon a patient must have assistance during the first few days after the surgery. This is because both arms must be immobilized to ensure proper healing. After the surgery, the patient will be required to wear an elastic support garment to compress and reinforce the new shape of the arm. Once this garment comes off, generally after two weeks, the area around the arm will still be bruised and swollen, but that is entirely normal. Remaining sutures and staples come out after another week or so, and final swelling is gone after another two months, revealing the final enhanced look.Upper Arm Lift Questions / Brachioplasty Questions and Answers
How can I determine if I'm a good candidate for brachioplasty/upper arm lift surgery?
If you have excessive loose skin on your upper arms as a result of weight loss, genetics, or aging you might be an excellent candidate for a brachioplasty or upper arm lift surgery. Speak with your plastic surgeon about the potential benefits a brachioplasty may have for you.
How will I be evaluated for brachioplasty/upper arm lift surgery?
Your doctor will require information about your medical history and work with you to create a customized treatment plan that is appropriate for your needs. It is important to be honest with your plastic surgeon about your goals and the desired shape you want your body to take. Together, you will determine if an upper arm lift is right for you.
When will I learn about the expenses associated with the surgery?
A brachioplasty or upper arm lift is a very individualized operation. Because the procedure varies for each patient, only your plastic surgeon will be able to provide you with pricing information during your initial consultation.
Where are incisions placed for brachioplasty/upper arm lift surgery?
In order to remove excess skin, incisions run from near the elbow into the armpit along the inner arm. The location of incisions is hidden so that any scars that form are not readily visible.
How can my plastic surgeon restore my look?
As we age, skin around the upper arm looses firmness and begins to droop. Brachioplasty can reverse this unsightly occurrence by tightening and reforming the muscles into a more attractive shape. The result is an enhanced appearance and an accompanying boost in confidence.
What are some of the risks associated with brachioplasty/upper arm lift surgery?
All surgeries have certain risks. However, a brachioplasty or upper arm lift operation is very safe when performed by an experienced certified plastic surgeon. Most risks and uncertainties are dependent upon the patient being operated on, so it is important to discuss any concerns you may have with your plastic surgeon.
What steps should I take to prepare for surgery?
Your plastic surgeon will outline the steps you should take to prepare for your upper arm lift operation. You will likely receive instructions regarding your eating, drinking, smoking, and vitamin or medication taking habits. You should also arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery, as you will likely feel lingering effects of anesthesia.
What can I expect the day of surgery to be like?
On the day of the surgery, you will be constantly attended to and monitored by trained medical staff. Certified anesthesiologists will closely watch your vital signs before, during, and after surgery to ensure your safety and comfort. Depending on the extensiveness of the procedure, some patients are able to return home on the same day as their surgery while others stay overnight at a hospital. Speak with your plastic surgeon about the specifics regarding your brachioplasty or upper arm lift surgery.
How will I look immediately after the surgery?
You will have dressings covering your upper arms immediately after your brachioplasty. To promote healing, it is essential to leave these bandages on for as long as you are instructed by your plastic surgeon. Gradually, swelling will decrease and you may remove your bandages to debut your newly sculpted and enhanced arms.
When can I pursue my normal activities again?
Patients are typically able to return to work about one week after their upper arm lift. However, it is recommended to wait several weeks before partaking in any strenuous activity. This will help with the healing process and minimize the formation of unsightly scars.
How long do the results of brachioplasty/upper arm lift surgery last?
With healthy eating and exercise habits, you can permanently benefit from your brachioplasty results. By managing your weight and getting plenty of exercise, you will never have to be self-conscious in tank tops or tighter-fitting clothing again.