Arms are a very visible part of the body, and an area of the body that people can feel very conscious about. Time at the gym is often spent sculpting them and any changes in size, shape or skin quality can affect an individual's self- confidence.
Changes in weight and increasing age are often associated with these changes.
Large fluctuations in weight can cause major changes in the size and shape of the arms. Increasing weight can increase the volume of the arms as an increase in fat gives a more cylindrical appearance. Conversely, a loss in weight can deplete the arms of fat and result in large amounts of redundant skin or 'bingo wings'.
As we age the elasticity of the skin decreases and the tissue becomes thinner. This can give a more wrinkly appearance to the arm
What you can expect from the operation is related to the individual's arms in the pre-operative state
If the arms are very large and fatty then the amount of aesthetic improvement will be limited
If however the patient has undergone a weight loss programme and there is predominantly loose skin then the results will be more dramatic
The same applies to older patients whose skin has become more saggy and wrinkly with age. An arm lift will produce a more smooth and contoured appearance which follows the underlying musculature
An arm lift or 'brachioplasty' is a surgical procedure that is designed to reshape the arm. The procedure consists of surgical excision of tissue combined with liposuction.
The arm lift operation is performed under a general anesthetic and
It consists of an elliptical excision of skin on the inner aspect of the arm sometimes extending into the armpit, depending on the volume needed to be excised. The liposuction will complement the excision by helping to contour the arms and also reduce the possible complications associated with the procedure
The scar is hidden discreetly on the inner aspect of the upper arm. It will fade over time, but more importantly, is not visible in everyday activity.
Dissolvable sutures will be used to close the wound and glue applied
The operation lasts 2 hours and the patient is discharged home the same day.
When you awake you will find a long compression dressing that typically goes down to the forearm. Depending on the amount of tissue resected, there may also be drainage bottles to help eliminate excess fluid.
Before the patient is discharged the nurses will make sure they are comfortable in managing these, which is never a problem.
There is very little pain associated with the procedure, however, painkillers will be prescribed for one week in addition to antibiotics.
The dressings will restrict movement in the arms but are necessary as they help reduce the swelling associated with the procedure. Keeping one's arm elevated as much as possible for the first week can further assist in minimising this.
The first dressing check is typically around 3 days. The drains will be removed and the dressing reduced. If all is well the patient may be referred to a manual lymphatic masseur to assist in reducing any swelling.
Patients are typically back at work and resuming household activities after 7 days
Driving can be resumed at 14 days after arm lift surgery
Dr. Faisal typically asks patients to refrain from the gym for 4-6 weeks following the procedure
Taking arnica tablets 1 week leading up to the operation can help to significantlt=y reduce the bruising
Abstain from eating unhealthy food and drinking alcoholic beverages 2-3 days leading up to your procedure.
Also, avoid any heavy exercise a few days before the operation
If you are taking any blood-thinning medications such as aspirin, clopidogrel or warfarin, it is advisable to stop taking these one week before the procedure. Dr. Faisal may ask you to liaise with a haematologist if stopping these medications may be an issue
Following the procedure, there will be a period of a few days where the patient will have more limited use of their arms. It is advisable to have a little help around the house for a couple of days to aid in the activities of daily living. Having a friend go to the shops or help with the housework will greatly aid your recovery.
The best candidates for the procedure are patients who are:
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