Arm lift surgery, also known as Brachioplasty, is a procedure that reshapes the under portion of the upper arm, extending to the elbow to provide improved contour. Arm lift surgery will remove excessive flabby skin and fats from the arm when a strict diet and strenuous exercise fail to give results. This procedure is common for patients that have had major weight loss, old patients, as well as patients who have heredity factors. Basically, anyone whose skin has become flabby and lost its laxity over time.
An arm lift surgery helps to:
- Remove excess sagging skin
- Remove pockets of fat in the upper arm
- As well as, tightening and strengthening both the skin and tissue of the upper arm.
The arm lift surgery delivers its results by tightening and lifting the skin and tissue of your upper arm into a more sleek and sculpted appearance. This procedure also removes arm fat that has been non-responsive to a strict diet and exercise regimen.
Furthermore, an ideal candidate should be someone who is not only motivated with realistic expectations but also a non-smoker, who is in good health, and with a Body mass index under 30.
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Basic Arm Lift information
- An arm lift surgery is an aesthetic procedure that reshapes and reforms the arm area.
- Its popularity is increasing among men.
- This procedure removes loose skin, striae marks and excess fat whilst also strengthening the skin and tissue of the arms.
- During surgery, an incision is made from under the armpit extending down to the elbow. Your surgeon will then trim excess skin and remove excess fat. Once complete the incision will be brought back together and held with sutures.
- Full recovery after an arm lift surgery takes about six weeks.
- We suggest patients take between 1 and 2 weeks off work, post-surgery.
- The post-operative recovery is comfortable, however, it is not with its mild discomforts. Common post-operative symptoms include pain and swelling
Will loose skin cause your problem?
Yes, loose skin can cause health issues. Rashes and chafing can occur when skin folds rub together on when moisture collects in the folds. Due to constant rubbing, the upper layer of your skin will break up, which can cause pain, irritation, and inflammation. The excess skin in your upper arm is also more prone to infections. Firstly, if you have a large amount of skin on your upper arms it can be difficult to clean. And, secondly, excess skin will cause chafing leading to a break in your skin, making way for bacteria to cause infections.
Why is the removal of excess skin important?
Whilst weight transformation is good for your health, the excess skin that remains afterwards can actually result in major self-confidence issues. Furthermore, as mentioned above, when skin rubs together it causes irritation and discomfort, when this occurs repeatedly the skin starts to tear and produce rashes. This in turn allows bacteria to enter the body and can cause infection. The weight of excess skin can also result in arm and shoulder pain. By removing excess skin you are eliminating all these potential issues.
Our surgeon is an expert in arm lift surgery. You can learn about what benefits this procedure can do for you by securing a consultation with him.
What are the medical health benefits of arm lift surgery?
Arm lift surgery will give you both physical, medical, and psychological benefits. Some medical benefits of arm lift surgery include:
- Rash
esprevention- An arm lift surgery will remove your excess skin eliminating skin folds rubbing, this in turn eliminates rashes and skin irritation.
- Infection prevention
- Skin is a barrier for harmful bacteria to enter our body, but when you have excess folds of skin, it can break down due to continuous irritation and it can be an entry site for bacteria. If not treated, it can cause problems like abscesses, cellulitis, and impetigo.
- Psychological health
- Excess skin is the downside of major weight loss and unfortunately, it can hinder self-confidence.
- Our society is very judgemental about physical appearance and flabby underarm skin can be embarrassing and reduced.
- Arm lift surgery can offer a solution to these problems and improve a person’s quality of life.
How do you reduce swelling after an arm lift?
Some swelling is common during the recovery process after an arm lift surgery. You may face mild to moderate swelling after surgery. In most cases, the swelling completely subsides within six weeks but can last up to a few months. Some ways to reduce some swelling after an arm lift include;
- Take your anti-inflammatory medications
- Wear your compression garments
- Eat a healthy diet
- Stay hydrated
- Avoid drinks high in sugar and caffeine.
- Exercise in the form of short walks and light stretching
- General measures will also help minimize swelling for example;
- Elevate your arms above your heart
- Icing the surgical site
Book Your Arm Lift Surgery Today
If you are not happy with the excess fold of skin under your arms, we encourage you to look into arm lift surgery. Our surgeon is an expert in body contouring. Their goal is to make you feel confident in your skin again.
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT CAN I EXPECT AFTER AN ARM LIFT?
- An arm lift surgery provides excellent results by making your arms, look smaller, smoother, and more toned
. - The pain following arm lift surgery is mild and tolerable. You will receive pain medication to help manage your discomfort.
- The swelling will peak around day 3 and will start to subside after that.
- Some bruising is normal and should vanish within a week.
- You might feel some soreness and numbness over the wound for a few weeks.
- It can take up to 12 months to fully enjoy your new arm shape.
WILL INSURANCE COVER ARM LIFT SURGERY?
Body contouring surgery may be covered by your health fund but you must have gold-level insurance and fulfil the criteria that Medicare demands.
Your Health Fund will not pay for your surgery if it is considered cosmetic.
- However, if you are experiencing health issues due to excess skin, i.e, skin rashes or recurring skin infections, then you may qualify for an item number
- Talk to your health fund for more information.
HOW LONG DO YOU WEAR A COMPRESSION GARMENT AFTER AN ARM LIFT?
- Patients must wear compression garments for 6 – 12 weeks. This is dependent on your surgeon’s protocols – they will discuss it with you in detail at your consultation.
- Compression garments are an important part of recovery.
HOW DO YOU SLEEP AFTER AN ARM LIFT?
- Your surgeon will advise you to sleep on your back post-surgery.
- It might be uncomfortable to sleep in this position if you are not used to it.
- Elevating your arms with pillows whilst you sleep can help reduce swelling.
IS AN ARM LIFT WORTH IT?
- The results of the arm lift surgery are excellent and permanent if you maintain a constant weight.
- This surgery is an effective way for certain patients to achieve a firmer, flatter arm. If that makes you happy then yes the surgery is worth it.
WHAT IS A MINI ARM LIFT?
- A mini arm lift is also a body contouring however, the scar is smaller
IS THERE PLASTIC SURGERY FOR FLABBY ARMS?
- Yes, arm lift surgery is a procedure for flabby arms.
- An arm lift surgery is an aesthetic procedure that reshapes and reforms the arm area.
DO ARM LIFT SCARS FADE?
- Just like any surgery, scars are common following arm lift surgery.
- Whilst the scars are markedly visible following the surgery they will start to fade over time.
- However, it can take up to 2 years for the scar to fade and dilute with the surrounding skin.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO HAVE ARM LIFT SURGERY REMOVED?
- The cost for arm lift surgery can vary depending upon the surgeon’s expertise level, the location of the surgery, the extent of the procedure, and the length of hospital stay.
WHEN CAN I SHOWER AFTER BRACHIOPLASTY?
- This will depend on your surgeon but possibly after 7-10 days.
References:
- de Souza Pinto, E.B.; Erazo, P.J.; Matsuda, C.A.; Regazzini, D.V.; Burgos, D.S.; Acosta, H.A.; do Amaral, A.G. (April 2000). “Brachioplasty technique with the use of molds”. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 105 (5): 1864–1865. doi:1097/00006534-200004050-00039.
- “What is an arm lift?”. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Retrieved 15 September 2015.
- Cosmetic Journey – Brachioplasty Plastic Surgery Guide
- Intermountain Healthcare – Arm Lift Plastic Surgery Medical Services
