BRACHIOPLASTY / ARM LIFT
For many reasons, upper arms may begin to sag, and look full or floppy. The causes of this include weight fluctuation, aging, and heredity. Exercise will help regain underlying muscle tone, but exercise will do nothing to trim off the excess skin in the area. An arm lift will:
• Decrease the amount of excess skin and fat between the upper arm and the elbow
• Reshape your upper arm creating smoother skin and contours
• Result in more toned appearance
AN ARM LIFT IS RIGHT FOR YOU IF:
• You have extremely loose upper arm skin accompanied by stubborn fatty deposits
• You are an adult whose weight is relatively stable
• You are an adult who is not significantly overweight
• You are healthy and have no current medical conditions that would impair your ability to heal
• You are a non-smoker
• You are a positive individual with realistic expectations
BEFORE AND DURING THE SURGERY
Your surgeon will want to meet with you prior to scheduling a procedure to determine whether or not you are a good candidate for an arm lift. The following points cover some of the information your surgeon will want to know:
• Why do you want to do the procedure?
• What is your desired outcome?
• Do you have any current medical conditions or drug allergies?
• Are you being treated for any other medical conditions?
• Have you undergone any previous surgeries?
• What medications, vitamins, herbal and other supplements, and drugs are you currently using?
• Do you use alcohol and tobacco?
• Do you regain weight easily?
Your surgeon will want to complete a physical evaluation to determine your current level of physical health. The information he or she will gather could include:
• Any risk factors you are experiencing, along with any pre-existing conditions
• Photographs that will be included in your medical record, and to aid in determining the extent of improvement
• Treatment options and recommendations
• Discussing possible outcomes of the procedure
• The use of anesthesia during the procedure
YOUR SURGEON MAY ALSO INSTITUTE:
• Dietary guidelines or restrictions
• Alcohol consumption guidelines or restrictions
• Avoiding certain vitamin supplements
INSTRUCTIONS YOU WILL RECEIVE MAY INCLUDE:
• What to do on the day of the surgery
• Using anesthesia during your procedure
• Any post-op care and treatments
BEFORE THE DAY OF THE SURGERY YOU WILL BE ADVISED OR REQUIRED TO:
• Complete routine blood tests to determine overall physical health
• Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, or herbal supplements that increase bleeding
To begin the procedure, the surgeon will administer anesthesia (intravenous sedation and local anesthesia) for your comfort. Then the incision will be made on the inside or back of your arm (this will leave a permanent scar that should fade with time); the length and pattern depends on the amount of skin and fat tissue to be removed. Liposuction may be used to remove arm fat. After the removal of skin and fat are complete, underlying tissues are tightened and reshaped and sutured using deep, dissolvable sutures. Then the skin is smoothed over and closed using dissolvable and superficial sutures. Superficial sutures will be removed one to two weeks after the procedure. Some results are seen immediately; full results will not be seen until swelling and bruising dissipates.
AFTER THE PROCEDURE IS COMPLETE
When your surgery is complete, your surgeon will apply bandages to the incisions and then wrap your arms in elastic bandages to help minimize swelling. Thin plastic tubes may be placed under the skin to allow any excess blood or fluid to drain.
Your surgeon my give you specific directions on how to take care of the incision sites and drains, medications to take orally to treat pain, possible infections, and to aid in healing, specific things to look for concerning the surgical site and your general health, and when to follow up with your surgeon.
As long as you maintain a healthy, stable weight, and maintain a regular diet and exercise program, your results will be permanent. The later onset of age may reverse the results of the procedure.
If you experience shortness of breath, chest pains, or unusual or irregular heartbeats, seek immediate medical attention. You may be hospitalized if any of these serious medical conditions occur.
