An arm lift surgery is a type of plastic surgery procedure that removes and shapes excess skin in the arms to make them appear thinner and smoother. For the surgery to be a success, you must engage in thoughtful pre and post-operation care. In fact, the recovery period can often determine the overall appearance of one’s results. If you have an arm lift surgery planned, take a look at this guide that can help you decide what to wear during your recovery period.
What Is an Arm Lift?
An arm lift is a surgery that modifies the appearance of the arms. The scientific term for an arm lift is a brachioplasty. This is employed for a number of reasons, though it is most commonly selected by individuals who have recently undergone significant weight loss commonly undergo this surgery. Others undergo the arm lift procedure when they are not able to achieve the aesthetic results they desire from diet and exercise alone.
What Does an Arm Lift Achieve?
A brachioplasty can be effective at treating a variety of aesthetic concerns with regard to the skin of a patient’s arms. Common issues that a brachioplasty can correct include:
- Tightening skin that has lost elasticity due to aging
- Adjusting the appearance of the arms after extreme weight loss
- Adjusting the appearance of the arms that have altered due to genetic conditions
- Repairing skin that has been damaged due to conditions like lymphedema
You will be able to discuss with your physician whether an arm lift is the right course of treatment for you moving forward.
Am I a Good Candidate for an Arm Lift?
There are certain qualities that your physician will look for to determine whether you are a good candidate for a brachioplasty. Generally, the following qualities will increase your likelihood of having a successful procedure:
- Are generally of stable weight
- Do not smoke tobacco
- Have no complicating chronic health issues, such as anemia
- Can accept the appearance of mild scarring
- Have an aesthetic condition that can be fixed by brachioplasty
It is important to note that there may be other procedures that are more appropriate for your medical situation than an arm lift. For example, liposuction is a plastic surgery procedure that is frequently applied to the arms to modify their appearance. The specific reason for your operation will determine what your best course of action is. You and your physician can discuss this in a pre-surgical consultation.
What Occurs During an Arm Lift?
There are several steps that a patient can expect to move through as they proceed through the brachioplasty procedure. In general, the procedure goes as follows:
- The patient receives anesthesia to prevent excessive pain and discomfort during the surgery. This can be local or general anesthesia, depending on the details of the surgery.
- The surgeon makes an incision on the inside or the back of your arm. The size of the incision will be dependent on the scope of the arm lift.
- Excess skin is removed from the arms.
- Stitches are employed to tighten the supportive tissue surrounding the arms.
- Sutures are employed to close the incisions surrounding the arms. Bandages and sterile gauze are applied to reduce the risk of infection.
What to Wear After Arm Lift Surgery
Your surgical site will be swollen and tender following the completion of your procedure. Wear sleeveless shirts that will not interfere with the surgical site. Consider loose-fitting clothing that does not apply pressure to your surgical area.
In addition, try to select clothes that are made from soy and non-irritating fabrics that will not inflame your surgical site. This can expedite your recovery time by sparing you additional stress.
Risks of Arm Lifts
A brachioplasty is an invasive surgery that carries some level of inherent risk. Staying aware of these risks can help you be more prepared to proceed through the surgical process. The common risks of an arm lift include:
- Fluid accumulation
- Nerve damage
- Muscle damage
- Numbness at the site
- Excessive bleeding
- Seroma development
You can discuss with your physician whether they think you are particularly vulnerable to developing some side effects from your surgery. This may determine if you decide to go through with the procedure.
Giving You the Best Arm Lift Experience
Leyngold Plastic Surgery is a plastic surgery clinic that gives patients the best, whatever the procedure. If you are interested in an arm lift procedure and would like to discuss it with a professional, contact us today to hold a discussion.