Arm lift or Brachioplasty

Upper Arm Lift is a cosmetic surgery procedure for women and men with saggy upper arms, which are seen in people who have lost significant amount of weight or they develop in normally thin people due to aging and genetics. Upper Arm Lift is performed under general anaesthetic and the surgery takes 1–2 hours.

Upper Arm Lift versus Liposuction

An upper arm lift will remove loose skin and lift the remaining skin. Liposuction will reduce fat volume, but may worsen the appearance of your upper arms if your primary problem is skin laxity. If your problem involves loose skin with poor tone, arm will be best. If you have excess skin and excess fat, liposuction of the upper arms will help reduce the overall volume but sill not totally correct the problem. Our surgeons perform liposuction in conjunction with upper arm lift.

The Best Candidates for Upper Arm Lift

To be a good candidate for upper arm lift, you must have realistic expectations about what this cosmetic surgery procedure can do for you. It’s important to understand that upper arm lift can enhance your appearance and self confidence, but it won’t necessarily change your looks to match your ideal or cause other people to treat you differently. Before you decide to have cosmetic surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with plastic surgeon.

The best candidates for upper arm lift are those who loose excess upper arm skin. You should be physically healthy, psychologically stable and realistic in your expectations. Your age is not a major consideration. The best time to consider upper arm lift is after you have stabilized your weight through diet and exercise.

Preparation for Upper Arm Lift

Pharmaceuticals containing acetylsalicylic acid (Acylpirin, Aspirin, and Anopyrin etc.) should not be used for 3 weeks before the surgery, as they decrease clotting time of blood. In case you are a smoker you are advised to stop smoking or at least to cut down on cigarettes. Smoking slows down recovery process and it can also increase a risk or complications.

Operation

Before the surgery, the plastic surgeon will mark the areas where the surgery will be performed. The incision for this procedure begins at the inner elbow and proceeds to the armpit in order to excise the extra skin. The incisions are planned so that the resulting scar is along the back of your inner upper arm, placed in the least visible location possible..

Post-operational Course

The plastic surgeon usually uses classical stitches, which need to be removed in 10 days after the surgery. After 2 weeks, you patient can return to everyday activities, avoiding strong physical efforts. In 4 weeks you may slowly resume exercise. Any bruising and swelling will usually dissipate within 1–2 months.

Bruising or inflammation of the treated area is common, but this will disappear over time. Final result is seen after your scars have matured, approximately 6 months.

How will I feel after the surgery?

You will probably feel tired, sleepy and suffer from pain especially in 1–3 days after the surgery. You will be given some painkillers and tablets for reducing the swelling. The surgeon will also prescribe antibiotics as a prevention of any potential infection.

To know more about Arm lift or Brachioplasty from the best plastic and cosmetic surgeons in Los Angeles visit our website www.beverlyhillsphysicians.com