The natural aging process, genetics, hormonal changes, and weight loss can cause the skin around the upper arms to sag. Women in particular are very self-conscious and try to hide the deformity by wearing long sleeves. Although laxity of the arm skin is part of our aging process it is also seen in certain individuals at a younger age.
This redundancy can be particularly pronounced following significant weight loss. Once the skin has been stretched, arm lift plastic/cosmetic surgery can return the arms to a more youthful contour. This procedure is called a brachioplasty, or arm lift. A brachioplasty is performed by removing skin and soft tissue from the inner aspect of the arm. This allows the surgeon to redrape the skin in this area and improve the support of the underlying soft tissue. The result is a much improved contour to the upper arm, especially when the arm is raised.
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How is a Brachioplasty (upper arm lift) done?
Upper arm lift, also called brachioplasty, is typically performed under general anesthesia. An incision from the elbow to the armpit is made, the excess skin is removed, and the arm skin is sutured back together along the incision line. Although the incision is in an inconspicuous place, some scarring will always be visible.
Recovery from Brachioplasty (upper arm lift)
A brachioplasty is usually performed on an outpatient basis. The surgery takes approximately 2 hours and is performed under general anesthesia. After arm lift surgery, the upper arms will be bandaged to reduce swelling. Drains may be placed on either side and usually removed within a few days. Patients can usually return to their normal level of activity by 3 weeks, though it is not uncommon for there to be some swelling of the hands that resolves over the course of a few weeks. There is a scar along the inner aspect of the arm, from just above the elbow to the armpit that fades over time.
Take the next step: request a FREE Body Contouring Consultation now and see if an Arm Lift is right for you! Call us at 216.227.FACE. You can visit the Western Reserve Center for Orofacial and Cosmetic Surgery at our convenient locations in Canton and Cleveland, Ohio or complete the form and one of our representatives will call you within 24 hours!
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