Many people develop insecurities of their arms. Excess arm skin has been dubbed a lot of names. It can degrade a person’s confidence to a point where they don’t want to expose or see their upper arms. This can be particularly difficult in hot climates such as QLD.

Sagging skin in that area can be difficult to correct and define. It is resistant to exercise, as the excess skin becomes more pronounced as subcutaneous fat is lost. A successful way to achieve a lasting improvement in the appearance of this area is a brachioplasty procedure.

A brachioplasty, commonly referred to as an arm lift, is a plastic surgical procedure that tightens the arm and reduces it’s circumference by excising the excess skin. An arm lift does involve surgery. Here’s a general look into the process:

The Preparation

As an arm lift (brachioplasty) does involve surgery, it’s important to take the proper precautions to ensure your safety. Patients need to quit smoking 6 weeks prior to surgery as this can impair healing. You need to be at your goal weight and have remained there for a period of at least three months.

Arm lift (brachioplasty) preparation will also include a routine pre-operative assessment and measurement. Expect your doctor to check your medical history for any possible health conditions that would make the surgery unsafe for you or contribute to an increased risk of post operative complications.

The Risks

Plastic Surgery procedures, like all surgical procedures, contain risks, and an arm lift is no exception. All patients that undergo brachioplasty will replace the excess skin with a surgical scar. There is a small, but present, risk of post-operative infection, bleeding, seroma, or poor scarring. Choosing an experienced plastic surgeon with an interest in body contouring procedures helps mitigate these risks, but they can still potentially occur.

Be sure to have an in-depth look into the procedure and the expected results. Compare the typical results of your surgeon to others, particularly on patients that appear physically similar to your own situation. During your consultation, be sure to ask questions of your plastic surgeon to learn more about brachioplasty and address any concerns about proceeding with an arm lift (brachioplasty) procedure.

The Procedure

A brachioplasty procedure begins with your surgeon measuring and marking where the incisions will be placed. Incisions are typically placed towards the inside or back of your arms in order to best conceal your future scars. The incisions and their markings are subject to change depending on the doctor’s assessment of where your skin excess is most pronounced.

The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia. The excess arm tissue and skin is excised and the remaining skin closed under appropriate tension, re-creating the desired contour of the upper arm. The procedure takes approximately 2 hours, and when performed in isolation can be done as a day procedure.

The Results

Arm Lift results

Upon discharge from surgery, you will be provided with post-operative analgesia and antibiotics. You will also be placed in a post-operative compression garment for your arms. Appropriate post-operative follow up is key to a good recovery. You will have regular review with the nursing staff, and your scars will be taped for up to 6 weeks post-operatively to optimise your scarring outcome. After this point, it is safe to begin gentle massage of your incisions with a scar cream.

Once fully healed, your arms will look thinner and firmer. There is a significant improvement in shape and contour. Proper maintenance is needed to keep the tightness in your skin, but it’s set to last for a long time. By maintaining a healthy weight, the surgical results should last long-term.

Conclusion

A brachioplasty procedure is the most effective, long lasting treatment for patients encumbered with excess upper arm skin. 

Considering an arm lift (brachioplasty)? The Lotus Institute in Southport provides excellent cosmetic, plastic and laser surgery with the help of their experienced specialist Plastic & Reconstructive surgeon and experienced and caring nursing staff. Contact us today!