Arm lift surgery, also known as Brachioplasty, is a situation that occurs after a man or woman loses a great deal of weight. When the arms get loaded down with too much body weight, the skin begins to stretch. Then when weight loss occurs, the skin fails to tighten and so the skin begins to sag. One of the best ways to solve this problem is to undergo an arm lift.
According to Pousti Plastic Surgery’s website, an arm lift consists of: “Brachioplasty (arm reduction surgery) can remove excess tissue and reduce the circumference of the upper arm. Surgical correction depends on the amount of extra skin and how loose the supporting tissues have become.”
Liposuction has often been thought of as the best way to get rid of sagging skin; however, the only time liposuction works well is when there is a lot of fat and the skin is tight. However, if the skin is just loose, arm lift surgery is the better option. But there are drawbacks from this surgery and that entails incision and scars. The scars, according to InfoPlasticSurgery.com, an online source for plastic surgery information, “will extend from the armpit to the elbow, along the inside of the arm.” But for those who have loose and baggy skin, they will come to understand that this problem is small because the results in most cases, will be positive.
With arm lift surgery, there can be general or sedation anesthesia and this procedure can be performed in a doctor’s office or in a hospital. The surgery itself takes one to two hours, can be performed in an outpatient setting and you will likely experience some discomfort for two to five days.
There will be some swelling with this procedure, but you’ll notice improvement within two weeks. It has been recorded that bruising with this operation is rare and bandages worn can be removed within one to seven days. The stitches are absorbable, which helps make the process convenient and takes away some of the stress when the stitches are removed.
And, it is also important to note that this procedure does not affect muscle tone. Most doctors advise that if this procedure is chosen, to talk with your doctor about how to tone and firm the muscle beneath the skin, before and after the procedure.
A person undergoing this surgery can go back to work within three to seven days and normal, moderate exercise can be resumed within two weeks. The end result of this operation can be seen and appreciated in about six months.
Risks
You need to be aware of two important facts concerning this surgery. First, if he is not prepared to deal with scars, then this surgery may not be for you because there will be lasting scars. Secondly, if the patient’s arms are heavy due to excess fat, then some surgeons suggest liposuction as a better alternative. To ensure that this surgery is the best alternative for you, consult with your family physician.
The average cost of an arm lift is $5,000 to $6,500. If the surgery is needed to help with a health matter, insurance may help pay for most of the cost. Check with your insurance provider and physician.
The Bottom Line
Arm lift surgery can be a great confidence booster. About six months after the operation, the feelings of self-consciousness about showing your arms in public will be gone and a wonderful feeling of self-confidence will reappear. And that’s something that is priceless.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
