Stubborn, excess fat and skin can occur anywhere on the body. Many people expect to see it on the abdomen, hips, thighs, and buttocks. However, another area that is frequently affected by fat and skin that doesn’t respond well to diet and exercise is the upper arms. If your upper arms are sagging, not only could it be uncomfortable and cause you to look older than you really are, it could also make you feel self-conscious about your appearance.
Cosmetic surgery can address virtually any aspect of our appearance that we are unhappy with – including our arms. The procedure to improve this area of our body is known as an arm lift.
What is an Arm Lift?
An arm lift, also known as a Brachioplasty, is the name of a cosmetic surgery procedure that is designed to eliminate excess body fat and skin from the upper arms, in order to create a slimmer, smoother, and more streamlined appearance. It has the added benefit of also helping patients to enjoy upper arms that look more youthful.
In nearly all cases, the surgery is carried out using a general anesthetic, meaning that you will be asleep for the duration of the process. Once you are suitably anesthetized, your surgeon will make a long, thin incision on the underside of your upper arm through which segments of fat and skin are removed. Once enough has been taken away, the remaining skin will be pulled tight and your incision will be closed using sutures. The entire process usually takes less than two hours.
In some instances, an arm lift might be combined with liposuction to further remove excess fat and streamline the appearance of the upper arms.
What to Expect After an Arm Lift?
Once you come around from the anesthetic, you will see compression dressings applied to your upper arms. There might also be small tubes placed in them that remove any fluid or blood from the wounds. Your arms will be heavy, and some discomfort is to be expected. Your surgeon will give you pain medications to keep you as comfortable as possible.
You may need to stay overnight or for a couple of days so that your surgical team can monitor the beginning of the healing process. Once you go home, you will be given compression garments that must be worn over your upper arms which will help to control swelling and discomfort and expedite healing. You should be able to move onto over-the-counter pain medication fairly quickly and will need to avoid any strenuous activity for at least 2 to 4 weeks. You should also expect to take a minimum of 2 weeks off from work.
Am I a Good Candidate for an Arm Lift?
Before any cosmetic procedure, all prospective candidates must undergo a consultation which will be used to assess their suitability for a Brachioplasty procedure. Your surgeon will ask you questions about your medical history and current medical condition, your lifestyle and habits, and your reasons for choosing cosmetic surgery. You will also be given specific information about how to prepare for an arm lift and what to do during your recovery, and your surgeon will need to be happy that you are prepared to make the commitments necessary to adhere to the guidance – such as giving up smoking – before approving you as a candidate for the surgery.
If you would like to find out more about arm lift surgery or schedule a consultation to discuss your candidacy for the procedure, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly and knowledgeable cosmetic surgery team in Miami, FL.
