Does loose, sagging skin on your upper arms cause you to hold back from wearing tank tops or strapless clothing, or lifting your arms for fear of being embarrassed by or judged for your “bat wings”? No matter what the cause — aging skin, weight loss or merely genetics — it’s no fun feeling like you have to hide your arms by keeping them at your sides or wearing bulky tops to conceal them. Arm lift surgery, or brachioplasty, solves this problem by reducing or eliminating this loose, sagging skin for leaner and tighter upper arms that you will want to show off.
Could You Benefit from Arm Lift* Surgery?
Do you identify with one or more of these common concerns?
- Loose, sagging skin on your upper arms (regardless of body weight or keeping healthy lifestyle habits)
- Self-consciousness while wearing sleeveless clothing
- Shame about what you call your “bat wings”
- Jiggling arm fat that causes embarrassment and keeps you from moving your arms
*Prior to having arm lift surgery, talk to Dr. McAllister about the medications and vitamins you are taking. Certain medications that increase the risk of bleeding such as aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (e.g., ibuprofen) and some vitamins/homeopathic regimens should be discontinued prior to any elective surgery. Also, if you are a smoker, it is recommended that you stop smoking well in advance of the surgery, as smoking can affect your body’s ability to heal.
What is Involved in an Arm Lift Procedure?
Dr. McAllister performs arm lift surgery as an outpatient procedure. This procedure can take one or more hours, depending on the surgical methods used during surgery. Depending on a patient’s body type and whether there is mostly fat or tissue needing to be removed, Dr. McAllister may use liposuction (whether alone or as part of the procedure). An incision is made that extends from the inside of the elbow to the underarm, and sometimes on to the side of the chest (for patients who have excess skin due to massive weight loss). For patients that have some extra skin that is minimal in nature and is located near the arm pit, an improvement can be attained through a scar limited to the arm pit. Once the excess fat, skin and tissue are removed from the area, the skin is redraped and smoothed so that it’s taut over the underlying muscles and tissue. The incision is then closed with sutures.
What Can You Expect During Your Recovery?
Dr. Andrew McAllister will place you in a compression garment or use compression bandages to protect your incisions and help bring the swelling down on your arms after surgery. To further help with the swelling, it is important that you are up and walking as soon as the day after your surgery; this will promote circulation and healing while reducing your swelling. Though gentle walking is recommended, avoid strenuous movements (especially those that involve lifting your arms and raising them over your head). Dr. McAllister will ensure a comfortable recovery by prescribing pain medication to help with any discomfort. You can expect some bruising and swelling on your arms; these symptoms will gradually dissipate, and subside altogether after 10-14 days. Sleep with your arms elevated with pillows for the first two weeks after surgery to help with swelling. It is also important to refrain from smoking for the duration of your recovery, as it will adversely affect your body’s ability to heal itself. Most arm lift patients are able to return to work within one to two weeks after the procedure.
Contact Us for an Arm Lift Consultation
Can’t wait to expand your wardrobe to include sexy tank tops and (for the ladies) strapless dresses? Why not schedule your arm lift consultation with Dr. McAllister today and discuss your goals for surgery with him? Call Coastal Plastic Surgery Institute at 850-233-7674.
