The Growing Popularity Of Arm Lift Surgery

Arm lift is a cosmetic procedure that aims at elimination of underarm fat and excess skin through liposuction or surgery called brachioplasty. This cosmetic procedure is growing in popularity especially in women wishing to trend in fashion and look good like most celebrities. Many people who have lost massive weight are left with excess skin on various parts of their body including the back of the arms, what is popularly known a “bat wings”. This can successfully be corrected with surgery if you don’t mind the scars. If you live in Chicago area, you can have Dr. Bloch perform the procedure for you.

New techniques, technologies credited with soaring arm lift rates

Plastic surgeons have always responded to the needs, wants and desires of the public for cosmetic treatments, and the newest trend in beautification of the upper arms is no different. New technologies and techniques have made it more reasonable to treat heavy upper arms, which have driven many patients crazy for years. It is no surprise that procedures to reshape the upper arms have increased over the past 10 years since the science and technology have finally come together to meet this demand.

Arm lift procedure

Arm lift surgery is done under general anesthesia. Incisions are made either on the inner arm or on the back of the arm. Incisions run from inside the arm to the elbow. Sometimes an inconspicuous incision may be made in the armpit if you have light underarm hanging skin which is then tucked to get rid of “bat wings”. Fat is then excised or removed through excision. The underlying supportive tissues are then tightened and contoured using internal sutures. Skin is then smoothed over the treated area. Incisions are then closed with stitches which are removed after one or two weeks. If absorbable sutures are used, they don’t need to be removed. Your arms will then be dressed with bandages. Dr. Bloch will recommend come back visits to monitor your progress.

Am I a good candidate for an upper arm lift?

After losing a significant amount of weight and embarking on a program of vigorous exercise, you may find that you still have loose, hanging underarm skin that resembles bat wings. Although you can improve your upper-arm appearance with exercise, this redundant underarm skin remains a problem that does not improve with exercise. The following are some common reasons why you may want to consider an upper arm lift:

You have lost the weight you desire, but are left with redundant underarm skin.

You are an adult with significant upper arm skin laxity due to aging.

• Your weight is relatively stable and you are not significantly overweight.
• You are a healthy individual with no medical conditions that could impair healing or increase surgery risks.
• You are a nonsmoker.
• You are committed to a healthy diet and lifestyle.
• If you are in good general health, have a positive attitude and realistic expectations, you are most likely a good candidate for this procedure.

Risks

Brachioplasty has its own risks which you should discuss with your plastic surgeon before signing any consent forms. Asking questions is one thing Dr. Bloch encourages his patients to do during consultation. Some of the risks associated with brachioplasty include:

• Anesthesia effects
• Infection
• Bleeding
• Persistent pain
• Scarring
• Poor wound healing
• Fluid accumulation
• Changes in skin sensation
• Fat necrosis (death of fat cells under skin)
• Possibility for revisional surgery

Always keep in mind that the decision to go for plastic surgery is extremely personal and should not be made to please anyone. You should decide if these risks, potential complications and benefits of your procedure are acceptable.