While the arm lift is nothing new to cosmetic surgery, some of the advances in cosmetic plastic surgery are. Cosmetic plastic surgery is an ever changing and expanding field of medicine bringing patients the latest in technology and medical advances to enhance their body image and maintain a more youthful appearance. An arm lift targets problem areas such as the bicep and upper area of the arms.









Try as you may with diet and exercise some people have a genetic predisposition to saggy or excess fatty areas of the upper arms, while others may suffer the “chicken wings,” a condition that results from massive weight loss or simply aging. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons states that arm lift surgery after massive weight loss is the fourth most popular type of plastic surgery being performed by board-certified and licensed plastic surgeons today. An arm lift may be the answer to giving you the contoured arms you desire for a total body healthy image.







What is Arm Lift Surgery?





Brachioplasty is performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation (which means you are awake but not aware), this is determined by the extent of the surgery required. The procedure generally takes between one to three hours, again depending on the extent of the surgery and the cosmetic outcome you desire.







There are different types of brachioplasty that your surgeon can perform which will be determined by your surgeon during your consultation. For some patients it may only be necessary to perform liposuction to achieve toned, contoured upper arms, while other patients may require further surgery. Typically patients who have had massive weight loss or have poor skin elasticity due to aging or sun damage will require further surgical procedures.









Typically the surgeon will make an incision on the underside of the arm from under the armpit area that will run from your under arm to your elbow, the incision pattern will be determined by the extent of repair your surgeon deems necessary to achieve your desired results. This is called a minimal arm lift.







For patients who have experienced massive weight loss, the surgical procedure is the same with the exception that excess skin will be removed and liposuction performed to remove excess fat deposits. The surgeon making an incision that begins at the elbow and runs under the armpit and continues to the side of the chest achieves this. At this time liposuction is performed, excess skin is trimmed and tightening contouring is accomplished with sutures that are self absorbing, or stitches that will be removed after one or two weeks post operation.







Post-Operative Expectations





Florida Plastic Surgeons offers prospective patient’s top-notch resources to take the first step in connecting with board-certified and licensed plastic surgeons in your area. As with any type of surgery there are risks involved and following your board-certified and licensed plastic surgeons pre-operative and post-operative orders are essential to achieving your arm lift surgery goals.