The arms do many things for us throughout our lives. They are associated with both strength and nurturing, and they are also highly visible to others. For some, this can be a source of great frustration – especially if they are bothered by excess fat and loose skin on the upper arm. This may be caused by weight gain and loss, age and gravity, or simply a genetic predisposition to large or sagging arms. Fortunately, an arm lift can help contour the arms and restore a more youthful appearance when diet and exercise are not enough.
What Is An Arm Lift?
An arm lift, or brachioplasty, is a cosmetic operation used to tighten loose skin, remove excess fat, and contour the upper arms. The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia at a hospital or surgical outpatient facility. Dr. Bose can use one of three different incisions to rejuvenate the arms, each of which offers different benefits and may be appropriate depending on your needs and goals. The three incision types include:
Minimal Incision
The minimal incision is the preference of many, as it leaves the most discreet appearance after the incision has healed. This incision is located within the crease of the underarm. However, the minimal incision does not allow for the removal of a lot of excess skin. This makes it ideal for candidates with mild to moderate fat accumulation and sagging.
Inner Arm Incision
This is an incision that is made along the length of the inside of the upper arm. It typically stretches in a straight line from the under arm to the elbow. Through it, underlying support tissues are tightened and excess skin is trimmed away.
Back Of The Arm Incision
As the name implies, this incision is located along the back of the arm in an area that is minimally visible unless the arms are in a raised position.
Following an arm lift, many people feel confident wearing sleeveless shirts for the first time in a long time. Many patients report having greater confidence in their appearance and feeling good in their own skin again.
Recovery
Recovering from an arm lift can take several weeks. Initially, the arms may be wrapped and compressed to prevent swelling. A drainage tube may also be connected to the area to allow excess fluid to drain away. It is normal to experience some bruising and soreness. You will need to rest and follow all of Dr. Bose’s instructions in order to properly care for the incision and ensure a safe and speedy healing.
You may need to return to our office for a follow-up visit with Dr. Bose to ensure your incision is healing appropriately. At this time, we may remove the stitches from the surgical site unless absorbable sutures were used.
Are You A Candidate For An Arm Lift?
You may be a candidate for an arm lift if you are bothered by the appearance of your arms. This might include:
- Fat pockets located in the upper arms
- Loose or rippled skin in the upper arms
- Lax skin that sags or droops
You do not have to be overweight to undergo an arm lift. In fact, most arm lift patients are individuals who are of a healthy weight or only slightly overweight. They are non-smokers who have not experienced acceptable improvements in the appearance of their arms through diet and exercise alone.
If you live in the Tampa area and are considering an arm lift procedure, contact our office to schedule an in-person consultation with Dr. Bose. Our practice serves the Tampa area. We look forward to serving you soon.