Also known as brachioplasty, it is a surgical procedure that reduces excess sagging skin that droops downward. It also tightens and smoothes the underlying supportive tissue that defines the shape of the upper arm and reduces localized pockets of fat in the upper arm region.
Patients considering this surgery must also determine which procedural method is best suited for their cosmetic goals. In general, there are two types of surgeries, full and limited Incisions. The type of surgery depends on multiple factors, including the amount of tissue to be removed, where the tissue is located, how dramatic a patient wishes the results to be, and what kind of scar a patient is willing to have afterward. To learn more, contact Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery in New York.
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Full Arm Lift
Conventionally, this procedure utilizes an incision that runs from the armpit down to the elbow. Fatty tissue is contoured within the arm, and unwanted skin is removed. Due to the length of the incision, this procedure leaves a more noticeable scar but is able to more effectively remove tissue. Patients with a large amount of extra skin will most likely require a full incision.
Limited Incision Arm Lift
Rather than extending an incision down the arm, a smaller incision is made within the armpit. This is best reserved for arms with a minimal to a moderate amount of flabby tissue, but not those with a significant amount of hanging skin.
The Procedure
The incision length and pattern during surgery depend on the amount and location of excess skin to be removed, as well as the best judgment of your plastic surgeon. Incisions are generally placed on the inside of the arm or on the back of the arm, depending on the surgeon’s preference, and may extend from the underarm to just above the elbow. Excess fat may be directly excised or treated with liposuction.
Depending on your specific condition, incisions may be more limited. Then, the underlying supportive tissue is tightened and reshaped with internal sutures. Finally, the skin is smoothed over the new contour of your arm. Your incisions will be closed either with absorbable sutures or stitches that will be removed within one to two weeks following your surgery.
Recovery & Results
The smoother, tighter contours that result from surgery are apparent almost immediately following your procedure. Initial results will be obscured by swelling and bruising, and a scar will remain where the incision was made. A small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid.
Are You A Good Candidate?
The best candidates for surgery are those who have excess skin that hangs from their upper arms, with a minimal amount of fat. This is often due to weight loss as lost fat leaves remaining skin with decreased elasticity. As patients age, they too suffer from inelastic skin that is less able to retain its shape. In other cases, patients may simply be genetically predisposed with loose skin or extra tissue in the area.
Because weight gain or weight loss can influence the shape of one’s body and the amount of skin and fat present, candidates are encouraged to achieve their ideal weight before undergoing surgery. This will help the plastic surgeon produce results that best match the rest of a patient’s body, and will prevent results from being lost to fluctuating weight. Likewise, good candidates should also realize that an arm lift–or any body contouring procedure, for that matter–is not a substitution for a healthy diet and exercise regimen.
If you are interested in learning more about how you can achieve the contoured arms of your dreams, reach out to the caring professionals here at Greensberg Cosmetic Surgery to learn more. Contact us today and schedule your consultation towards sculpted arms.