Candidates for an Arm Lift

Candidates for an Arm Lift

When it comes to toning up specific areas of the body, the upper arms aren’t usually at the top of our list of priorities. However, for many people, their upper arms are a source of constant frustration. This is mainly because this area of the body typically doesn’t respond at all to weight loss, and even exercise and lifting weights doesn’t always provide satisfactory results. Even if the amount of fat in your upper arms reduces, many patients are left with excess, hanging skin that causes them to feel self-conscious and can even be uncomfortable to live with. Oftentimes, the only way to correct these issues is by using a procedure called a Brachioplasty, often better known as an arm lift.

 

What is Arm Lift Surgery?

An arm lift is a cosmetic surgery procedure that targets the removal of excess skin and fat on the upper arms. It is usually always performed using a general anesthetic, enabling patients to be asleep as well as unable to feel any pain during their procedure. A long thin incision is made into the inside of the upper arm, through which liposuction is performed to eliminate any localized fatty areas as well as general excess fatty tissues. After all of the necessary fat has been removed, the skin is pulled tight so that it adheres closely to the curves of the upper arm. It will be secured in place, usually using sutures or staples, and then any excess skin cut away. Finally, the wound will be dressed before you are bought back around from the general anesthetic and placed in recovery. You may need to stay in overnight following your arm lift surgery but should be able to go home the next day. 

Bruising, swelling and some discomfort in the days following your procedure is normal and to be expected, and your surgeon may be able to give you prescription pain relief if you need it. You’ll be given specific instructions to follow during your recovery and it’s essential that you follow these as doing so will minimize your risk of complications and ensure the best cosmetic outcome from your procedure. 

 

Am I a Good Candidate for Arm Lift Surgery?

Before you can undergo arm lift surgery, you’ll need to attend a consultation appointment with our cosmetic surgery team to make sure that an arm lift is a right procedure for you, and that you are a suitable candidate for the treatment. 

The best candidates for an arm lift are those people who have excess skin that hangs down from their upper arms. This is often due to having lost a significant amount of weight and the overstretched skin being unable to ‘ping back’ into position as it has lost some of its elasticity. 

Patients should also be at their ideal weight, as weight gain and loss can undermine the effects of the procedure, leading to patients later being dissatisfied with their appearance. You’ll also be assessed to make sure that you are in good general health, that you understand the risks associated with the procedure and that you have realistic expectations for the outcome of the procedure. 

If you’d like to know more about arm lift surgery, including whether or not you are a candidate for the procedure, get in touch with our office in Plano, TX today where our knowledgeable team will be delighted to help.