Procedure
During an arm lift, the surgeon will make incisions on the upper arm, usually from the armpit to the elbow. The length of the incision depends on how much excess skin and fat there is to remove. In some cases, the surgeon may also make a smaller incision in the armpit to remove excess tissue.
Once the incisions are made, the surgeon will remove excess skin and fat, and may also tighten underlying muscles to give the arms a more toned appearance. The remaining skin will be pulled tight and sutured together, leaving a thinner, more contoured arm.
Depending on the amount of skin and fat removed, drains may be placed to prevent fluid buildup in the arms. These will typically be removed a few days after the procedure.
The entire brachioplasty procedure can take anywhere from 1-3 hours, depending on the extent of the surgery and the patient’s specific needs.
While the brachioplasty procedure is generally safe and effective, there are risks involved with any surgical procedure. It’s important to discuss potential risks with your surgeon and ensure that you are a good candidate for the surgery before proceeding.
Overall, brachioplasty can be an effective way to improve the appearance of the upper arms and boost self-confidence. However, it’s important to have realistic expectations about the results and to be committed to following post-operative care instructions to ensure optimal results.
Recovery
After a brachioplasty procedure, the recovery process is crucial for the best results. As with any surgery, patients should follow their surgeon’s post-operative instructions to the letter.
Immediately after the procedure, patients will have their arms wrapped in bandages and may have small tubes inserted to drain any excess fluid. The surgeon may also prescribe pain medication to manage discomfort in the initial days after the procedure.
Patients are typically able to return home on the same day as their surgery, but they will need to rest and avoid strenuous activity for the first week or so. It is recommended to take at least a week off from work to rest and allow the body to heal.
It is important to keep the arms elevated during the recovery period to help reduce swelling and promote blood flow. Patients will be required to wear compression garments for several weeks following the surgery to support the new contours of their arms and improve the healing process.
Most patients will experience some level of discomfort or pain, especially during the first few days following the surgery. It is important to follow all medication and rest guidelines to ensure a speedy and healthy recovery.
After the first week, most patients can begin to return to their regular activities, but they should avoid heavy lifting or exercise for several weeks or until they have clearance from their surgeon. It may take several weeks or even months for the full results of the surgery to become visible as the body continues to heal and adjust.