Arm Lift: Every minute detail that you must know

Arm lift is an aesthetic cosmetic procedure which is medically known as Brachioplasty. This is specifically performed to reshape the underside of the upper arm from armpit to elbow. The data presented by ASPS shows that almost over 20,000 arm lift surgeries are performed every year since the last few years. 

Arm lift is one such cosmetic process that is performed to achieve a more contoured, defined arm as it tightens and smoothes the underlying supportive tissue that defines the shape of the upper arm by surgically removing the excess sagging skin and fat pockets from the underside of the upper arm.

Specific Reasons that can cause the Development of Bothersome Fatty Arms

Aging is a natural unstoppable process. With the growing age, people tend to have different aging signs. The most common effect is that people lose the skin elasticity due to which different body parts become saggy and droopy. Not only due to aging, but genetics, overall health and regular weight fluctuations are also the reasons behind the quality of skin people have. Almost everyone has experienced excess fat and loose skin on the upper arm area. Sometimes, this arm fat is also referred to as batwing. Although people often do a lot of exercise and take strict diet regimes, they are not able to address losing skin. Diet and exercise can help people to maintain their weight but it cannot solve the issues related to stubborn fat deposits and loose skin tissues. Therefore, people undergo cosmetic surgeries to regain their youthful appearance. 

Candidacy 

Arm lift is for you if the undersides of your upper arms are sagging and droopy due to excess skin and fat. First of all, as a patient you must be an adult and have bothersome upper arm skin laxity.

Your surgeon will assess your candidacy for arm lift depending upon various fundamental aspects. He will analyze your overall health and will guide you for some pre-operative instructions like

• refrain from alcohol and smoking
• stabilize the ideal weight
• stop taking the medications like blood-thinners and anti-inflammatory 
• undergo some medical and lab tests
• have the realistic expectations

Before the procedure

The initial step that is to be taken by you is to choose your surgeon with high wisdom. Your surgeon must be board-certified and well-experienced. He must be able to develop a surgical plan for you and capable enough to handle if any complication arises during the procedure and also during your recovery period. You must have a one to one discussion with him and clear all the doubts you have in your mind related to the surgery. When you have developed an utter faith in him, then you can easily undergo his knife.

Make sure to share your medical history with the surgeon if you have any serious or long-term illness. He may prescribe some pre-operative medication as well.

During the procedure

This surgery is generally performed in three hours and it is an outpatient surgery.  You will be able to go home on the same day with someone’s help of course. The surgery will be performed in the following steps

Step 1:- Your surgeon will administer a general anesthesia to comfort you during the process. He may choose local anesthesia depending upon the technique he has decided for the process.

Step 2:- Surgeon will mark the incision area which can be different depending upon the customized surgical plan. He can make incisions on the back of the arm or inside of the arm that will run from the armpit to just above the elbow. The incision length and pattern will greatly depend upon the excess fat and skin that needs to be removed. Then, excess fat is removed by using liposuction technique, underlying tissues are tightened and the excess skin is removed. After this, the skin is draped on to the new shape of the arm.

Step 3:- The incisions are closed at the end. You must be conscious with the stitches to prevent the infection and other side-effects. You will be able to notice the new contour of your arm immediately after the procedure.

After the procedure

It is essential that you strictly adhere to all the post-operative instructions given by your surgeon.

You may have a drainage tube to prevent the fluid accumulation that your surgeon will remove at the right time. You may experience some pain, swelling, tenderness, numbness and bruising after the procedure. These after-effects will fade away with time but if you experience extreme pain or excess bleeding, just consult your surgeon. 

He will recommend a compression garment for reducing the swelling and for the treated area to heal easily.

You must avoid all kinds of strenuous activities for at least two weeks or till the time your surgeon suggests.

Try not to miss any medication prescribed by the doctor and also not even a single follow-up appointment. Generally, people recover by 6 to 7 weeks following the surgery.

Result 

Your result will be noticeable right after the surgery. You will certainly have a toned arm. The youthful appearance that you acquired will be long-lasting as long as you maintain a stable weight. Irrefutably, you will have aging effects, but you will witness the amazing results after the procedure.

Cost

As this is a cosmetic procedure, its cost will not be covered by health insurances. Nowadays, surgeons have many attractive payment plans. Remember to ask for the same. 

Generally, the average cost of arm lift procedure is $ 4500. It can vary depending upon your health and your surgeon.

Conclusion

Brachioplasty can permanently give you the appearance of the toned, defined and contoured upper arms provided you are careful with your weight. You just need to choose the surgeon with utmost consideration and adhere to his pre and post operative instructions. He will definitely help you to achieve your desired goal with realistic expectations.