Arm lift- What you need to know.


Arm lift- What you need to know.

Dr. Peter Bray
An Arm Lift is a corrective surgery to improve the appearance of the under part of your upper arms.
During an Arm Lift (otherwise called a Brachioplasty), excessive skin and fat are removed from between the armpit and elbow. The skin is then pulled back over the new contours to give a more toned look.

Why?

As you get older, the skin on your upper arms changes, it begins sagging and ends up loose. Large scale weight loss can make the undersides of your upper arms hang.
While exercise can improve muscle tone in the upper arm, it can’t address excess sagging skin that has lost elasticity.
You should consider an Arm Lift if the undersides of your upper arms are drooping. An Arm Lift may also help your body image and self esteem.
An Arm Lift isn’t for everybody. Your Surgeon may advise against an Arm Lift in the event that you:
  1. Are overweight
2. Have had recent large fluctuations in your weight
3. Have an pre-existing medical condition that may disrupt your healing
4. Are a smoker

How to get ready

During your initial consultation about a Arm Lift, your Cosmetic Surgeon will likely:
  1. Review your medical history. Be ready to answer questions concerning present and past medical issues. Discuss any prescriptions you’re taking or have taken recently, including over-the-counter medications and health supplements. Identify any medical procedures you have had in the past.
2. Complete a physical. To decide on an appropriate treatment, the Surgeon will study the undersides of your upper arms. Your Surgeon will take photos of your arms for your medical records.
3. Talk about your wants and expectations. Clarify why you need an Arm Lift and what your aesthetic expectations are after the procedure. Make sure you understand the risks, including scarring.
4. If you smoke, ask you to stop. Smoking reduces blood flow in the skin and can delay the healing process. If you smoke, your Surgeon will encourage you to quit smoking before your procedure or at the very least during your recuperation. Some surgeons won’t perform this procedure if you smoke, as the risks of complication are much greater.

What you can expect

An Arm Lift should be performed in a medical clinic or an outpatient facility.
Most of the time the procedure is done with mild sedation and local anesthesia, which numbs only a part of your body. In some cases general anesthesia, which renders you unconscious, is suggested.

Before the Procedure

Abstain from certain drugs. You’ll likely need to stop taking aspirin, anti-inflammatories and some health supplements, which can increase risks.
Arrange help during your recuperation. Make arrangements for somebody to drive you home after this procedure and remain with you as you recover.

During the Procedure

Your Cosmetic Surgeon will make incisions on the undersides of your arms. The length and shape of the incisions will depend on how much skin will be removed.
After making the incisions the Cosmetic Surgeon will tighten the underlying tissues and secure them with sutures. Your surgeon may also use Liposuction to remove excess fat.
Your skin will be pulled tight over the new contours and the loose skin removed. Stitches and surgical tape will be used to close the incisions.

After the Procedure

After an Arm Lift, your incisions will be bandaged. Your arms will be wrapped in flexible bandages to help reduce swelling. Small drains (tubes) may be put into your arms to help eliminate excess blood or other fluid.
You will meet with your Cosmetic Surgeon within a day or two after your Arm Lift procedure. They will remove your bandages and the drains if need be. Some Cosmetic Surgeons may have you wear a compression bandage for a few weeks to hold the swelling down.

During the first couple of days after an Arm Lift

Abstain from lifting your arms above shoulder level for 3–4 weeks.
Avoid physical exercise or athletics that might interfere with your healing for 2–4 months after this procedure.
Take pain medicine as required and use topical or oral antibiotics as instructed to avoid infection.
Talk with your Surgeon about when (or if) your stitches will be removed. Some sutures break down on their own, others must be removed in your surgeon’s office in the weeks following your procedure.
After an Arm Lift, contact your surgeon immediately in the event that you have:
  1. Shortness of breath
2. Chest pain
3. Irregular heartbeat
4. Flushed skin and a fever

Results

By removing loose skin, an Arm Lift can give your upper arms a much more youthful and toned appearance.
Arm lift results are long lasting. Keep in mind, your skin will naturally lose elasticity as you age and sagging can happen. Maintaining a healthy weight can help your longterm results.
www.cosmeticplasticsurgerytoronto.com

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