ARM LIFT, OR BRACHIOPLASTY is a surgical procedure done to reshape or recontour the upper arm area. The upper arm can be very bothersome if there is lax skin and loose fat hanging down. This can result from aging and fluctuations in the weight over a period of time. There is wide variation in how the arm responds to weight loss and aging . Dr. uses an algorithmic approach to determine which procedure should be best for your arms. The factors taken into consideration are
Skin elasticity and redundancy
Amount of loose fat in the arm
Location of loose skin and fat
Overall health, your age and lifestyle.
The information provided below is an overview of all the procedures of armlift. It would be best to come for a consultation with Reeage Experts.
Procedure
Liposuction of Arms
This technique uses saline assisted suction liposuction or power assisted liposuction of the fatty tissue in arms.It is best suited for patients with good skin elasticity, with very little to no skin excess and moderate fat.
Advantages
Small 3 mm incision and hidden scars
Short recovery time
Day care procedure either under local anesthesia or a short general anesthesia.
Limited Incision Brachioplasty
Also known as hidden arm lift, where the scar is hidden under the crease of underarm to address the excess skin in the upper inner arm.It is best suited for patients with little excess skin in the inner upper arm or with moderate amount of fatty tissue.
Advantages
Small incision hidden in the inner arm
Day-care procedure and No drains
Short recovery- work and daily activity in 2-3 days time.
Traditional Arm Lift
If there is excess skin and fatty tissue that goes from armpit to the elbow region you may be a candidate for the traditional armlift. In this procedure a long incision is made along the underside of the arm to remove the excess skin and fat. Liposuction is also done to contour the adjacent chest wall and arm. You may have a drain after the surgery for 24-48 hours.Hospital stay for a day or two is needed in this procedure.
Advantages
Able to address larger areas of loose skin and extra fat.
Preparing for an Armlift
You will be asked to undergo few blood tests and medical examination to assess your fitness for surgery and anesthesia. Stop smoking, Avoid taking aspirin or any blood thinning agents.
Arm Lift Recovery
After an arm lift surgery you will have a dressing along the incision site. You will be prescribed medications for pain and healing of surgical wound.
You are required to wear a compression garment for 6 weeks to reduce the swelling and edema of tissues.
You can have shower from postoperative day 4 onwards with change of incision site dressings with adhesive dressing pads.
You will be asked to come for checkup on the 4th day after surgery, later followups on 2 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year after surgery.
Armlift Risks
Anesthesia risks
Bruising and edema which resolves in few days
Seroma 5-10% chances of collection of fluid in the arm which resolves spontaneously or may need aspiration
Scarring along the arm in traditional lifts
Temporary numbness
Fat necrosis and poor wound healing (rarely)