Upper Arm Lift - Brachioplasty
So you've finally decided to do something about that extra baggage you've been carrying in your arms. You're not alone. Every year, thousands of people have an upper arm lift procedure to correct sagging upper arms. Before you go in for a consultation, it's a good idea to have an understanding of what's involved. That way, you will have some questions for your surgeon.
When it comes to flabby arms, dieting and exercise can't necessarily cure them. That's because certain fats are resistant due to genetic tendencies. Even if you do manage to rid yourself of excess fat in the arms, the other problem of loose skin can't be fixed with any amount of work.
That's why surgeons have been performing upper arm lift surgery on people with these problems. An upper arm lift can dramatically reshape your arm to bring it back in line with the rest of your body.
Upper Arm Lift - How It Works
The procedure is also known as brachioplasty, and is intended to tighten the hanging skin in the upper arms. Ideal patients should have healthy and elastic skin.
The surgery is typically done by a surgeon in his or her office. It's an outpatient procedure that is done under local anesthesia.
The first step in any plastic surgery procedure is a personal one. You need to decide if plastic surgery can really change your life.
What Can I Expect From an Upper Arm Lift?
Realistic expectations are important at this stage. You can't expect a perfect body as a result of one procedure. At best, you can hope for an improvement of your current situation. Most patients experience a boost in self-esteem and generally feel more confident in their daily activities. If your arms really bother you that much, then it's definitely time to find a surgeon for a consultation.
The procedure
The surgery is performed in the surgeon's local office. It's an outpatient procedure requiring only local anesthesia. In some cases, general anesthesia may be required. The difference is that local anesthesia is cheaper and less complicated. In addition, with local anesthesia you will be allowed to return home immediately following the surgery.
Upper Arm Lift The Procedure
The whole operation can takes more than one hour hour per arm. Depending on the amount of skin and flesh to be removed, it could take several hours. The surgeon makes incisions along the inner area of the upper arm. The shape of the incision is usually elliptical or triangular. The space contained between the incisions is exactly the amount of skin that will be removed. Removal of the skin allows for tighter skin and a more compact arm, but it won't get rid of the fat. That's why an upper arm lift is usually combined with liposuction. With liposuction, the surgeon will be able to remove fat easily compared to using a scalpel.
Once complete, the surgeon will suture the skin together and possibly add a drainage duct that can be removed in a few days.
The main goal of an arm lift is similar to other lifts in the body. Incisions are made to allow for the skin to be stretched. Excess skin is removed, and sutures are used to pull everything together.
It's a lengthy and somewhat complicated procedure compared to cosmetic surgery in other parts of the body. That's because the arm can accumulate more skin and fat by proportion. Depending on the severity of a patient's needs, the surgery can take several hours.
Will I Have Scars From an Upper Arm Lift?
With an upper arm lift there is also the prospect of visible scars. As much as a surgeon can try to discreetly choose the location of the incisions, they'll still be visible if you wear a sleeveless or short-sleeve blouse.
Free Consultation With a Board Certified U.S. Surgeon
If you have loose, hanging flesh mainly because of fat in your arms, then an upper arm lift could be the right thing for you. Talk to a board-certified plastic surgeon for more detailed information about the benefits and risks of the procedure.
To learn more about upper arm lift surgery please complete the contact form below, or call us today at the number found in the upper right corner of this page. You will then get the option to schedule a FREE consultation with a board certified Surgeon in your local area. The majority of surgeons also have financing plans available to offer their customers who may need it.
