Who is a Candidate for an Arm Lift?
Are you struggling with sagging skin or excess fat on your arms? If so, you could be a candidate for an arm lift. The procedure can tighten your arm muscles and remove excess skin and fat.But having sagging skin is not the only qualification that makes you a good candidate for an arm lift. Let’s take a look at what exactly an arm lift is and what makes a good candidate for the surgery.
What is an Arm Lift?
An arm lift (also called a brachioplasty) is an outpatient surgical procedure that reduces excess sagging skin on the arms, tightens the supportive tissue that shapes the upper arm, and reduces pockets of fat in the upper arm. Aging, genetics, and weight loss can affect what our arms look like. An arm lift can help you achieve your desired results. For the procedure, you have the choice of IV or general anesthesia to ensure you’re as comfortable during the surgery as possible. From there, your surgeon will make an incision in the arm. How long it is depends on how much skin and fat is being removed. Excess fat may be removed through the incision directly or treated with liposuction. The supportive tissues with then be tightened with sutures and the skin with then be smoothed over the new contours in the arm. The incisions will then be closed.
Who is a Good Candidate for An Arm Lift?
There are a number of qualifications that can may you a good candidate for an arm lift. Some of them include:
Excess Skin Under The Arms
If you have excess skin under your arms due to weight loss, genetics, or another reason, you’re likely a great candidate for an arm lift. Additionally, if you have excess fat or specific pockets of fat in your arms, an arm lift may be beneficial for you as well.
Adults with Significant Skin Laxity in the Upper Arm
While arm lifts are used to tighten the arm muscles and remove excess skin, having skin with a significant amount of elasticity is recommended for the procedure. This ensures the skin stays firm and that you see the best results possible after the procedure.
Adults without Many Medical Conditions
As is the case with most surgical procedures, the fewer medical and health conditions you have the better. This ensures you have a decreased risk of complications and that the surgery goes well.
Nonsmokers
Surgeons typically recommend that smokers stop smoking a few weeks before and after getting an arm lift. Why? Because smoking can increase the chance of wound-healing complications. There is also a risk that the skin may die for smokers who have arm lifts. If you are already a nonsmoker, it makes you a great candidate for the procedure.
Adults with Stable Weight
Adults who haven’t lost or gained a significant amount of weight in the past few months are also considered good candidates for an arm lift. Surgeons like to do arm lifts on people with stable weights because weight gain and weight loss can affect the final results and how long they last.
Adults with Realistic Expectations
Whenever you’re having cosmetic surgery, coming into the procedure with realistic expectations is crucial. Your surgeon will let you know what to expect and the results they believe they can achieve.
Recovery from Arm Lift
After an arm lift, you’ll want to listen to any instructions your surgeon gives you about drains, medications, or bandages. You will typically have your sutures or stitches removed within one or two weeks. But even before your sutures are removed, there will be some bruising and swelling. Despite this, you will likely still be able to see some results. During your recovery, dressings or bandages may be applied to your incisions, and your arms may be wrapped in an elastic bandage or a compression garment to minimize swelling. A small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid from the surgery. By six weeks after the surgery, you should be able to see your final results.
Schedule a Consultation
Are you interested in learning more about an arm lift? Scheduling a consultation with K Plastic Surgery is the perfect next step. Dr. Sanjiv Kayastha and our experienced team can answer any questions you may have and walk you through the whole procedure. To schedule a consultation, call our Albany, NY office at 518-674-9060 or use our online schedule form.