16 Oct 2023
What is an Arm Lift?
News
Are you tired of seeing extra skin hanging from your arms? Are you not satisfied with the arm exercise results?
Then, an arm-lift might be perfect for you.
Dr Rory, a seasoned expert in brachioplasty, is here to provide you with clarity and a deeper understanding of brachioplasty or arm lift procedures.
What is arm lift (brachioplasty)?
Brachioplasty, commonly called an arm lift, is a transformative cosmetic surgery procedure that redefines the appearance of your upper arms.
It achieves this by addressing several key concerns:
- Reducing Pockets of Fat: Through liposuction, excess fat deposits are meticulously removed, creating a slimmer and more contoured arm profile.
- Removing Excess Skin: The excess skin, often responsible for the dreaded “bat wings” effect, is surgically excised to restore a taut and youthful arm appearance.
- Tightening Supportive Tissue: The underlying supportive tissues are tightened, ensuring a firm and sculpted result.
- Smoothing Over Remaining Skin: After the removal of excess fat and skin, the remaining skin is carefully repositioned, resulting in a smoother surface.
Deeper insights about Brachioplasty
Brachioplasty can be performed both as a standalone procedure or with other body contouring treatments.
It begins by identifying the boundaries of excess arm skin and marking it for precise removal. Liposuction then effectively eliminates stubborn fat deposits, maximising the skin’s removal potential.
The final step involves suturing the incision, resulting in a discreet scar that resembles the seam of a shirt on the inside part of the arm.
Is an arm lift right for me?
Brachioplasty may be the right choice for you if you:
- Have loose skin
- Accept risk of scarring
- Have stable weight
- Have a good health
- Are a non-smoker
It’s important to note that an arm lifts primarily targets loose and sagging skin. If you desire a more sculpted look, your surgeon can perform liposuction alongside brachioplasty to remove stubborn fat deposits that resist going with diet and exercise. However, it’s crucial to maintain a healthy weight both before and after the procedure to prevent future sagging.
What happens during an arm lift procedure?
If you decide that brachioplasty is the right choice for you, then arm lift steps would include:
- Anaesthesia: You will receive appropriate anaesthesia to ensure your comfort during the surgery. This may include general anaesthesia to induce sleep and block sensation or a local anaesthetic to numb the surgical area while keeping you relaxed.
- Incision: Surgeons make an incision on the inside or back of your arm, with the size of the incision determined by the extent of the procedure.
- Excess Skin and Fat Removal: Excess skin is carefully excised, and liposuction may be used to remove any excess fat.
- Supportive Tissue Tightening: Supportive tissues are tightened using sutures.
- Closure and Bandaging: The incision is closed with sutures, and your arm is bandaged with sterile gauze to minimize the risk of infection.
What is brachioplasty recovery like?
After your brachioplasty procedure, your arm will be protected by bandages to facilitate the healing process. You’ll also wear a snug-fitting sleeve, known as a compression garment, to reduce swelling.
Arm lift recovery involves several key steps:
- Bandage Maintenance: Regularly changing bandages and using pillow elevation as needed.
- Rest and Nutrition: Ensuring you get plenty of rest and maintain a healthy diet plays a pivotal role in promoting healing.
- Physical Restraints: Avoiding strenuous exercise and refraining from heavy lifting during the initial recovery period.
- Compression Garment: Wearing a compression garment for several weeks to support the healing process.
How soon will the results appear?
The transformation in the shape and tone of your upper arms will be noticeable immediately after the surgery. However, there are some important considerations for the long term:
- Swelling and bruising. They may be present initially but are expected to subside within a few weeks.
- Scarring: Arm lift scars may fade to some extent over time but may not completely disappear. Classically arm lift scars are less favourable than other areas of the body in terms of appearance, because you use of arms for many activities, and there is a lot of tension on the skin which often disrupts the scar. But this disrupted scar can be treated through laser treatments and other similar modalities.
- Potential recurrence: Some degree of recurrent looseness or sagging can occur naturally with ageing.
How does brachioplasty differ from liposuction?
Dr. Rory highlights the key distinction between brachioplasty and liposuction. While both procedures aim to enhance arm aesthetics, brachioplasty primarily focuses on removing excess skin and tightening supportive tissues. Liposuction, on the other hand, targets stubborn fat deposits. The choice between the two depends on your specific goals and the underlying issue you wish to address.
Why Choose Dr Rory for Brachioplasty?
Dr Rory specialises in brachioplasty, a cosmetic surgery that can significantly enhance the tone and definition of your upper arms. If you are dealing with loose skin due to weight loss or age-related changes, this procedure can provide lasting results.
While the effects of an arm lift may last long, it’s essential to be aware that sagging may return over time or with significant weight fluctuations. Dr Rory’s expertise ensures that you receive personalized care and achieve the best possible outcome from your brachioplasty procedure.