Arm Lift: Frequently Asked Questions
What to Expect from an Arm Lift?
Brachioplasty, or arm lift, is a body contouring procedure that removes loose or sagging skin from the upper arm, resulting in a more toned and shaped appearance. Around the age of 30, your muscle mass begins to decrease by as much as 5%, continuing to decrease every ten years. While this happens with age, brachioplasty can help restore a firmer shape to your arms. The procedure is best suited for men and women who are not obese and is not suitable for those with a significant amount of fat in their upper arms.
Individuals who are generally good candidates for an arm lift are those who have loose or sagging skin in the arm area, often caused by significant weight loss, aging, or genetics. It is crucial to consult a cosmetic surgeon to assess whether you are a suitable candidate for this procedure.
Who is a Good Candidate for an Arm Lift?
Individuals who are generally good candidates for an arm lift are those who have loose or sagging skin in the arm area, often caused by significant weight loss, aging, or genetics. It is crucial to consult a cosmetic surgeon to assess whether you are a suitable candidate for this procedure.
How is an Arm Lift Performed?
Brachioplasty or arm lift surgery is performed under anesthesia. This procedure involves making an incision along the inner aspect of the arm, from the armpit towards the elbow. Excess skin is then removed. The doctor may also use liposuction to remove excess fat and reshape the upper arm. After the procedure, the patient will be taken to the recovery room for observation and rest. The incision area will remain bandaged, and a drain may also be placed to help remove excess fluid.
What Should You Expect Immediately After the Procedure?
Following an arm lift, in addition to bandages, you may need to wear a compression garment. This will help reduce swelling. Due to the anesthesia and post-operative pain medications, it is important to have someone drive you home. Someone should help you care for yourself for the first few days of your arm surgery recovery process. This person can run errands and assist with meal preparation. They may also need to check your drain, if you have one. You will be asked to drink plenty of fluids right after your surgery. Staying well-hydrated speeds recovery time. It is equally important to eat a healthy, balanced diet.
Is Recovery Painful?
During your recovery, it is common to experience some discomfort. You may have pain, swelling, and bruising, which should subside after the initial few days. Allow one to two weeks of recovery for an arm lift surgery. It may take several weeks for your arm tissues to fully heal.
You will need to use pillows to keep your arms elevated. This helps increase circulation and reduce swelling. Your doctor may prescribe pain medication if necessary. Wear loose, comfortable clothing that is easy to put on and take off. Opt for a zipper or button-down shirt rather than a pullover. It's important to keep an eye on the surgical site for any changes. Any increase in redness, drainage, or swelling should be reported to your doctor as soon as possible.
What About Scarring from an Arm Lift?
Since an arm lift involves an incision to remove excess skin, there will be a scar. The incision line will continue to refine as you heal. It's important to avoid direct sunlight for 12 months post-op to prevent scar discoloration. The scar may be bright pink initially, but it will fade over time to match your normal skin color.
How Soon Can You Return to Work After an Arm Lift?
The recovery time for an arm lift is typically one to two weeks. For faster recovery, it’s important to follow your post-operative instructions. Get plenty of rest, and avoid strenuous activity, such as carrying weight or lifting objects above your head. It’s normal for your arm and hand strength to be weak initially, but they will get stronger over time. Limit arm movement and activity during the recovery phase.
What About Exercise After an Arm Lift?
You will also need to take a break from your exercise program after an arm lift. Your doctor will advise when you can resume exercising your arms. It will likely be a month or two before you can return to all your regular activities. Start slowly with daily walks, and then gradually resume your fitness program. Once cleared by your doctor, you can start weight training to help continue muscle growth and arm toning.
Does Combining Other Procedures with an Arm Lift Affect Recovery Time?
An upper body lift is a frequently combined procedure with an arm lift, reshaping the breasts, arms, and abdomen all at once. Many doctors recommend breast surgery with tummy tuck and liposuction. When combining several procedures, you only need to be anesthetized once. Depending on the number of procedures performed, you may require a longer recovery time. Your surgeon can advise you on the recovery time for each procedure and which procedures can be performed at the same time.
Why are Arm Lifts Increasing in Popularity?
75% of women admit that body image trumps self-confidence, and the same goes for more than 80% of men. Both sexes desire a more sculpted physique, including the arms. An arm lift is the solution for smoother, firmer underarm skin. Brachioplasty, or arm lift, can help correct sagging or excess skin, fixing the loose skin that results from aging or significant weight loss.
What Results Can I Expect from an Arm Lift?
An arm lift can provide significant results in terms of tightening and reshaping the arm area. You can expect firmer, more toned arms with an improved appearance. It is important to note that results vary from person to person and may take a few months to fully stabilize.
What are the Risks and Complications Associated with Arm Lifts?
As with any surgical procedure, arm lifts have some potential risks and complications, such as bleeding, infection, excessive scarring, asymmetry of the arms, changes in skin sensation, or problems with wound healing. It is essential to discuss these risks with your surgeon before deciding to undergo the procedure.
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