Upper Arm Lift
Drooping or sagging of skin may occur as part of the normal ageing process. It can be hereditary or may result from weight loss. Drooping can occur because of excess skin that has lost its elasticity, localized fat deposits or underlying weakened tissues.
Upper arm lift surgery also known as brachioplasty is a type of body shaping procedure used to reshape and tone the upper arms.
Indications.
Your doctor may recommend an arm lift if you are healthy, are not overweight, and have excessive amounts of loose skin resulting in a droopy underarm.
Surgical procedure.
You will be given general anesthesia, which means you will feel no pain and sleep throughout the entire procedure. If any excess fat is present, it is removed using a procedure known as liposuction. During liposuction, your surgeon inserts a thin tube known as a cannula into the fatty deposit and sucks out the fat using a vacuum pump or a large syringe. Your surgeon will make a cut on the inner surface of your arm extending from the armpit to the elbow or on the back of the arm encircling the excess skin to be removed. Any extra loose skin is cut to create a smooth shape to your upper arm. Your surgeon may then insert a drainage tube into the surgical wound to allow for the drainage of fluid. The cuts are then closed with stitches. Dressing or bandages are applied to cover the closed incisions. A compression garment extending beyond the elbow may be applied to help minimize swelling.
Postoperative Care.
After a period of monitored recovery most patients are permitted to return home the same day of the procedure. You will be prescribed medication to alleviate pain. Once at home, follow all wound care instructions given by your doctor. Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activities for at least one month. You may need to wear a compression garment for several weeks. Contact your doctor immediately if you have persistent high fever above 100.4° F, severe pain, bleeding, or any other unusual symptoms.
Advantages.
Most patients are benefited with long-lasting results following brachiaplasty. Upper arm lift usually results in well-shaped toned upper arms and patients are usually benefitted with improved self-confidence.
Risks and complications.
As with all surgical procedures, arm lift may be associated with certain complications. Some of these complications may include bleeding, infection, blood clots, deep vein thrombosis, swelling, temporary lymphedema, scarring from the long incision, loss of sensation, and formation of seromas (fluid filled masses) along the incision line.
Arm lift surgery or brachioplasty is an effective procedure for people bothered with excess skin and fat beneath their upper arms. It provides long lasting results and improved self confidence in these patients.
