Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)
The arm lift procedure, also known as brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure aimed at improving the appearance of the arms while making the arms smoother and firmer by eliminating excess skin that does not look good. In mild cases, the arm lift procedure can be performed with less invasive techniques and local anesthesia. In serious cases, surgery may be performed under general anesthesia.
As people get older, especially from the age of 40, the skin begins to sag mostly in women. Sagging is more common on the arms, and many women are uncomfortable with this issue. The laxity of several degrees in the arm contours is distinguishable, and the surgeon uses different procedure techniques for each degree.
The arm lift procedure is performed by making an incision in the inner part of the upper arm to remove excess skin. For more serious situations, it may even be necessary to make an incision through the arm in any case from the armpit to the elbow. With this incision, all excess skin is removed. In cases of excess fat removal in the patient’s arms, this surgery can be combined with Liposuction. Arm lift surgery typically takes about 1.5-2 hours.
How is Arm Lift Performed?
The surgeon will create marks on the elbows, arms and armpits. The location, direction and length of these incision lines will be determined according to the type of arm lift procedure. According to the surgeon’s recommendation, this procedure is performed with intravenous, under sedation or under general anesthesia. The surgeon will make the necessary incisions to remove excess skin and fat. Incisions can be completely hidden under the armpits or extended towards the inner part of the arms in the most hidden places possible. The surgeon may use liposuction procedure, in addition to this, to remove excess fat.
After the incisions are made, the surgeon removes excess skin and fat, combining the incisions to reveal a tighter and better arm contour. Finally, the skin is smoothed on the new contour of the arm. The surgeon will carefully close the incisions to minimize the surgical scar. Sutures can be placed under the skin, where they will be slowly absorbed by the body. The surgeon will help patients get the best result and make the surgical experience as comfortable as possible.
What Happens After Arm Lift Surgery?
There may be a tube under the skin. This tube is used to remove the fluid from the wound. Then there might be some pain. The doctor gives painkillers to control this problem.
The surgeon will tell you how to take care of the incisions. It is perfectly normal to discharge some fluid from the incision area. If there is severe discharge, redness or fever, consult your doctor.
Do not apply too much pressure on the incisions after recovery. Carefully following the instructions of the surgeon increases the chances of a faster and better recovery.
The results of the arm lift procedure are immediately visible. As long as weight control is maintained, the results will be permanent.
Medical Care After Arm Lift Surgery
As you recover, you can only consume liquid food after surgery for a few hours.
After surgery, you should leave bed gently as soon as possible. Before standing up, you should sit for a few minutes, hanging the legs from the edge of the bed. It is necessary to start walking as soon as possible. Tiring activities involving arm movements, such as lifting the arms over the head, should be avoided. The balance of rest and light activity will make recovery faster.
Feeling mild or moderate pain is normal. These are easily controlled with oral drugs.
Discomfort and pain begin to decrease 2 days after the procedure. If there is a significant increase in pain after this time, consult your surgeon.
Symptoms such as bruising and swelling can peak within the first 36 to 48 hours after the procedure. In the next 10 to 15 days, these symptoms will gradually decrease. To minimize swelling, you should lie as your arms up for several weeks after surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best candidates for arm lift are men and women who have the ideal weight. Ideal candidates should also have enough skin and tissue laxity to ensure a good outcome of the operation.
Scars are the biggest disadvantages in this operation. This is because a standard surgery leaves a permanent scar through the upper arm, from the armpit to the elbow, which can be seen in short-sleeved clothing. Unfortunately, it may not be possible to reduce the length of the scar in this process.
Since the procedure will be performed under anesthesia, there will be no pain during the operation. However, after surgery there may be some pain and discomfort. However, the pain in general lasts a few days, and of course appropriate painkillers will be given to control this situation.
Arm lift surgery provides an excellent solution for people who feel uncomfortable with the excess skin and fat around the arm, which does not improve despite all efforts made with diet and exercise. The results of this procedure can be great. The procedure will make patients happy and make them feel more comfortable with their arms. Its effects usually last for many years, provided that a balanced diet is followed and regular exercise is carried out.
The results will be permanent as long as you significantly gain or lose weight.