Losing weight in some cases is associated with a loss of firmness of the whole body, however, particularly around the arms, where the excess of flabby skin is most visible. This problem most often affects people who have reduced their weight in a short time – but this is not the rule. The arms also lose their firmness due to changes in skin quality with age or genetic predisposition, so this problem can also affect slim people.
Arm lift (brachioplasty) is a procedure aimed at improving the appearance of arms by removing excess flabby skin, modeling their shape and restoring the right proportions. In some people, excess body fat also accumulates on the arms – in this case, for better results, the procedure is combined with liposuction of this area.
INDICATIONS FOR THE TREATMENT:
-
loose, dangling skin associated with aging
-
excess of stretched skin around the arms in patients who have quickly lost their weight
Arm lift is recommended primarily for patients whose upper limb appearance is the cause of severe complexes and low self-esteem. It should be remembered, however, that, patient should be properly prepared and qualified to the procedure by a plastic surgeon.
CONTRAINDICATIONS:
- local skin changes (inflammation, abscesses, infections – until they are cured)
- recent heart attack and stroke, active cancer
- untreated hypertension
- thromboembolic disorders
- blood coagulation disorders,
- lymph circulation disorders
- diabetes
- patient’s general poor health
When planning the operation, remember:
- quit (or limit) smoking at least four weeks before the surgery
- avoid blood thinning preparations such as aspirin two weeks before the scheduled date of surgery
- inform your doctor about medicines and substances you are allergic to
- inform your doctor about all medications and supplements you have recently taken
LIST OF PREOPERATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS – DOWNLOADS FOR ARM LIFT
Medical consultation and surgery
The day of consultation with the plastic surgeon is just as important as the day of surgery. It is the time when patient is pre-qualified for thigh surgery and / or liposuction, and the individual scope of treatment is agreed. At the consultation visit, the doctor measures the thighs and also informs patient where he is planning to perform incisions. To ensure that during the consultations no issues are missed, specialists from the Beauty Group Clinic recommend to write down the most important questions beforehand to be well prepared for the visit.OUR ADVICE: DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK, THERE ARE NO STUPID QUESTIONS!
It should be remembered that arm lift surgery is a serious surgery and before making the final decision patient should dispel any doubts. Depending on patient’s time options, the consultation may take place several months before surgery or one day before planned surgery (next day surgery). When sending an inquiry to Beauty Group Clinic, we always ask patients which option they are interested in. Our staff will then guide you what steps you should take next.Arm lift surgery
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and usually lasts up to two hours. The surgeon proceeds to make three incisions: in the lower part of the armpit (minimum 5 cm), along the inner part of the arms (from armpit to elbow), along the back of the arm, from the beginning of the armpit to the elbow (the length of this incision depends on the size of the skin area and the amount of fat to remove). It is worth mentioning that when deciding on the procedure, the patient must accept the possibility of formation a long scar located along the inner surface of the arm. The next step is to remove excess skin and fat tissue in accordence to the operational plan. The specialist tightens the ligaments, thanks to which it is possible to tighten and lift the skin. At the end of the procedure, sutures are placed, which are usually removed after 7-10 days (only if non dissolvable sutures have been used). After the operation, a dressing is put on, which is covered with an elastic bandage or properly selected compression clothing. The patient stays in the clinic a day or two depending on the surgeon’s instructions. Patients after operations under general anesthesia are in the clinic with round-the-clock medical care and full board.Recovery after surgery
Pain usually occurs immediately after the procedure, but it can last for several days (it is controlled by painkillers). Pain intensifies with increased physical activity, therefore during the first two weeks any physical effort is inadvisable. During convalescence period, swelling and redness are normal (2-3 weeks after surgery). Some patients may also accumulate serous fluid in the subcutaneous tissue, requiring evacuation by several punctures. In the event of prolonged surgery time or the presence of additional inditcations in the perioperative period, the patient may be given antibiotic and low-molecular-weight heparin for antibacterial and antithrombotic prevention. The outcome of the arm lift surgery is visible immediately after it is performed. Over time, the surgical edema of the tissues subsides, the cut lines fade. The final effect of the operation is visible after about 6-18 months and depends on the initial state and subsequent compliance with following postoperative recommendations. The result of the treatment is permanent provided that significant fluctuations in body weight are avoided (may worsen after the body weight increases again), however, the skin is still subject to aging.Postoperative recommendations
Patients receive the discharge card and the full postoperative recommendations on the day of leaving the clinic. In addition to individual indications for the patient, these documents also contain fixed points:- you should wear well-fitting compression garment for the next few weeks after the surgery
- during the first 2-3 weeks after the procedure, activities that require physical effort should be avoided (cleaning, hand washing, vacuuming, etc.)
- during the first stage of convalescence, that is for six consecutive weeks after the operation avoid sports (gym, aerobics, swimming, etc.)
- up to 6 months after the operation do not go to sauna and solarium; you should also avoid intensive sunbathing
