Brachioplasty/arm lift surgery is the best remedy for loose and sagging upper arms.

Body Contouring Plastic surgery arm lift

Brachioplasty - Arm Lift

The Need For Brachioplasty

Brachioplasty is a plastic surgery procedure to remove loose and sagging skin in the upper arm. It is a type of body contouring cosmetic surgery that tightens the loose and flabby skin in the upper arm. Also known as arm lift surgery, brachioplasty is helpful to regain the tone and tightness of the arm. An arm lift is particularly indicated when the arm’s skin has stretched out and can not return to its original shape.

Brachioplasty (arm lift) is the answer to the loose and flabby upper arm arising from extreme weight loss. The loose extra skin impairs arm movement barring the patient from normal comfort. Brachioplasty is necessary for two purposes - first, it helps in regaining the lost tone and firmness of the upper arm, second, it gives the feeling of health and youthfulness.

Brachioplasty is more of a reconstructive plastic surgery than a pure cosmetic surgery. Its benefits are better felt than displayed, though the cosmetic aspect of this surgery is prevalent in many circles.

Brachioplasty -Who Is It For?

In the cases of extreme weight loss as a result of gastric bypass or other weight loss methods, an arm lift may be indicated as loose skin may have resulted from the weight change. Brachioplasty is not necessarily the ultimate remedy for sagging, loose and flabby upper arm, if there is an excess of fat in the area, one should go for liposuction of the upper arm.

Brachioplasty - Precautions

The person undergoing brachioplasty should be at least of average health. Smokers are not the best candidates for an arm lift due to their impaired ability to heal after the surgery. Arm lift plastic surgery should be done only after thorough medical evaluation, making sure that the candidate is in the proper condition to heal and to fully benefit from the results.

Arm lift surgery is not an incredibly invasive procedure, but it does involve opening the skin up to trauma and needs to be given the same consideration any other surgery would. As for any other surgery, brachioplasty cannot be conducted on certain patients who have various medical conditions.

Arm lift (brachioplasty) does not promise miracles. It cannot fix all the flaws, but certainly it helps patients feel better about their appearance. Though the cost of brachioplasty (arm lift) surgery varies across hospitals and surgeons, price should not be the decisive factor in arm lift surgery. Consulting with the American Society of Plastic Surgeons about brachioplasty and choosing a licensed doctor experienced in the procedure is most important before an arm lift.

Brachioplasty - The Operation

Anesthesia for brachioplasty can be general or local with sedation, depending on the extent of the arm lift and the surgeon’s advice. An arm lift can be done in a surgical suite or a hospital; taking anywhere from one to two hours. Only after a thorough review of the hospital and confirming the surgeon’s credentials should one undergo surgery.

Brachioplasty - The Complications

Scarring is a major complication of arm lift surgery. It is unavoidable and will stretch from the inside of the shoulder (armpit area) along the inside of the arm to the elbow. The greater the amount of sagging skin, the less likely patients are to be concerned with the scars. But scars will occur and a patient must seriously weigh this outcome before going into surgery.

Besides scarring, infection and blood clots are the other complications. Hence, it is good to report the physician on any possible problems so that they do not become major complications.

Brachioplasty - Recovery Time

After brachioplasty, a little discomfort and/or pain is inevitable for a few days. Following the arm lift, there might some swelling, usually lasting no more than two weeks. Bruising is rare, but can occur. Bandages and stitches may be removed within a week.

Depending on the rate of healing, most patients can return to work in a few days to a week. Exercise can be resumed within two weeks of the arm lift, with the surgeon’s permission. In about six months, the full results of the arm lift can be seen, at that time the scars also mature.