Arm Reduction Surgery

Recovery from Arm Lift Surgery

Arm lift, clinically known as brachioplasty is a surgical cosmetic procedure that eliminates droopy skin on the underside of the upper arm to define its shape. Natural aging or massive weight loss can leave you with excess skin under the arm towards your elbow. This condition can be corrected with surgery which may also be combined with liposuction. A board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Bloch can perform the procedure and give you satisfactory results. Brachioplasty is done under intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. Your surgeon will mark out your armpit, arms and elbow. The patterns depend on the kind of brachioplasty you will undergo. Incisions are then made to remove excess fat and skin. Incisions may be made in the armpits and inside of your arms extending downwards to inconspicuous areas. After fat and skin removal, incisions are brought together. Skin is then contoured and closed with sutures. Dressings will be placed and drains may also be placed.

Arm lift candidates

In general, arm lift candidates include:

• Adults with significant upper arm skin laxity
• Adults of any age whose weight is relatively stable and who are not significantly overweight
• Healthy individuals without medical conditions that impair healing or increase risk of surgery
• Non-smokers Individuals with a positive outlook and realistic expectations

Arm lift recovery

Healing from an arm lift will take a few weeks. You will be able to resume work and driving after about 2 weeks. Strenuous activities in the first week after surgery is highly prohibited as it may cause bleeding on incision sites. Walking is a safe exercise you can start immediately after surgery to avoid blood clots in the legs. Dressings and drains will be removed after the first week which will allow you to shower. You will be advised to pat your arms dry and wear a compression garment. Dr. Bloch will advise you to sleep with your arms elevated on pillows in the first 2 weeks to avoid inflammation on your arms. If swelling continues after 5 weeks, it’s advisable to visit your doctor. After 6 weeks since you had brachioplasty, you should be able to resume your routine exercise which may involve jogging, heavy lifting or contact sports. Your incision scars will appear pink after 6 weeks but it may take up to 12 months before they flatten like the rest of your skin.

Limitations and risks

Fortunately, significant complications from upper-arm-lift surgery are infrequent. This surgery remains the gold standard for arm rejuvenation and is usually performed without any major problems.

All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Some of the potential complications of all surgeries are:

• Adverse reaction to anesthesia
• Hematoma or seroma (an accumulation of blood or fluid under the skin that may require removal)
• Infection and bleeding
• Changes in sensation
• Scarring
• Allergic reactions
• Damage to underlying structures
• Unsatisfactory results that may necessitate additional procedures

You can help minimize certain risks by following the advice and instructions of your board-certified plastic surgeon, both before and after your upper-arm-lift surgery.

Brachioplasty results

Brachioplasty results can last for many years. The good results may however be compromised by weight loss and aging. Gaining weight and losing weight after the surgery will cause loose skin. Again, normal aging will make skin loose its elasticity and excess skin will return on your underarm. Laxity in the skin of your under upper arm will however be less significant whether you age or lose weight than before brachioplasty. Healthy eating, exercise and good lifestyle habits will prolong your surgery results.