ARM LIFT
OVERVIEW
The arm lift procedure is performed using intravenous sedation combined with local anesthesia while patients remain sleep during the procedure. The goal of the arm lift (brachioplasty) is to reduce skin redundancy and to reduce the circumference of the arm. When there is good skin tone or minimal skin sagging, fat deposits can be reduced by liposuction. But marked skin redundancy or laxity can only be improved by surgery. The incision has to be placed in an axillar crease and in the internal aspect of the arm along a line extending from the axilla to the epicondyle of the elbow. Then a piece of skin-dermis and fat is removed and the subcutis and skin are closed using routine suturing.
Who is a good candidate for arm lift surgery?
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
- Nonsmokers
- Individuals with a positive outlook and realistic expectations
How should I prepare for arm lift surgery?
In preparing for arm lift surgery, you may be asked to:
- Get lab testing or a medical evaluation
- Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
- Stop smoking
- Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding
Arm lift surgery may be performed in an accredited office-based surgical facility, ambulatory surgical center or a hospital. Be sure to arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery, and to stay with you for at least the first night following surgery.
THE PROCEDURE
An arm lift procedure includes the following steps:
Step 1 – Anesthesia
Is performed using intravenous sedation combined with local anesthesia while patients remain sleep during the procedure. Dr. Ricardo Vega will recommend the best choice for you.
Step 2 – The incision
Incision length and pattern during arm lift surgery depend on the amount and location of excess skin to be removed, as well as the best judgment of Dr. Ricardo Vega.
Incisions are generally placed on the inside of the arm or on the back of the arm, depending on Dr. Ricardo Vega’s preference, and may extend from the underarm (axilla) to just above the elbow. Excess fat may be directly excised or treated with liposuction.
Depending on your specific condition, incisions may be more limited. Then, underlying supportive tissue is tightened and reshaped with internal sutures. Finally, the skin is smoothed over the new contour of your arm.
Inner arm incision
Back of arm incision
Minimal incision
Step 3 – Closing the incisions
Your incisions will be closed either with absorbable sutures or stitches that will be removed within one to two weeks following your arm lift.
Step 4 – See the results
The smoother, tighter contours that result from brachioplasty are apparent almost immediately following your procedure, although there will likely be swelling and bruising. Get more information about arm lift surgery results.
RECOVERY AND RESULTS
The healing process may take seven to ten days. An elastic bandage or compression garment may be recommended for several months.
Good and stable results can be achieved in young patients with adiposities and good skin tone as well as in adults of older age, sometimes with the help of several months of postoperative elastic compression.
BEFORE AND AFTER
BEFORE AND AFTER
BEFORE AND AFTER
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Dr. Ricardo Vega is an international renowned Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with private practice in Tijuana, Mexico for over 20 years. He has spent a lifetime getting the expertise, education, training and practice with over thousands of procedures throughout his career… SEE MORE
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