What is Arm Lift Surgery?
When warm weather arrives, it’s the perfect time to don sundresses, tank tops, and swimsuits. But for many, showing extra flesh can be an anxiety-inducing experience. Due to this pervasive issue, a large number of people choose to undergo arm lift surgery. The term seems self-explanatory, but what exactly is it?
Arm lift surgery, also known as Brachioplasty, is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that treats sagging underarms by removing extra fat, smoothing, and tightening the skin. This treatment reduces sagging skin that often makes wearing sleeveless shirts difficult and embarrassing for many people.
How to Prepare for Arm Lift Surgery
Once you’ve decided to seek treatment for excessive underarm skin, you’ll need to contact a dermatologist like those with Winston Salem Dermatology for an in-depth consultation. These doctors will first want a thorough review of your medical history, including allergies and past procedures, to determine whether you’re a good candidate. The process will go a little like this:
First Consultation and Exam
• Medical History
Your doctor will want a complete medical history to ensure that you are a good candidate for the procedure. This can include lab work, X-rays, and even electrocardiograms.
• Before and after photos
Your doctor will also likely want to get an arm lift before and after photo to give you a better understanding of your final results.
• Physical Exam
The dermatologist will perform a physical exam of the treatment area to determine the best course of action.
• Expectations
Additionally, your medical professional will want to discuss your overall expectations regarding the procedure so that you are fully informed about what to expect after surgery.
• Medication Adjustments
Assuming you’ve been selected as a good candidate for the arm lift procedure, you’ll most likely be prescribed pre-surgery medications. You will also need to refrain from using tobacco products or over-the-counter medications like aspirin and ibuprofen that can cause thinning blood.
What Does Arm Lift Surgery Involve?
- On the day of your appointment, a team of doctors and medical specialists will provide you with a general anesthetic to eliminate pain during the procedure.
- Once the anesthetic has taken effect, a small incision is then made along the inner portion of your arm, where any excess fat and skin will be removed.
- After this process is complete, your doctor will suture the wound with internal stitches to strengthen the new contours of your arm.
- Surround skin is then drawn over the contour and held by external stitches.
- Your wound is properly dressed, and surgery is completed.
Arm Lift After Care
As with any minimally invasive procedure, you should expect two or three weeks of recovery time. Compression socks will be suggested to help minimize swelling and speed up the healing process. You’ll most likely need a few days of bed rest following the surgery to help reduce redness, swelling, and bruising. Staying hydrated and maintaining a healthy diet will also curtail recovery time.
The Benefits of Arm Lift Surgery
As any person suffering from excess arm skin will know, there are many benefits to undergoing an arm lift procedure. These include:
1. Removal of excess fat and skin
Many patients find the loose fat and skin of the arms a mentally taxing condition that lowers self-esteem and confidence. By removing this excess skin, patients can finally wear sleeveless shirts and dresses without having to worry about these issues.
2. Better Tone and Shape
The arm lift procedure not only reduces excess fat and dangling skin but it tones and shapes your underarm skin, making it look smooth and youthful.
3. Minimal Scars
As with any surgical procedure, an arm lift scar is a possibility. However, with advances in arm lift surgeries, doctors can place stitching in areas that make any potential scarring barely noticeable.
4. Youthful Appearance
By undergoing arm lift surgery, many patients can regain a more youthful, toned appearance that vastly improves their mental and emotional well-being.
Facts About Arm Lift Surgery
As with any medical procedure, it’s essential to understand the advantages of the surgery and the risks it may involve.
• Arm lift surgery is more effective than you might initially think
This procedure works to correct loose skin and fat deposits that don’t necessarily respond to exercise. After the process, your skin will have a restored tone and shape that makes it look years younger.
• Arm lift procedures are not the same as arm liposuction
Liposuction is an entirely different procedure that may remove deposits of underarm fat but do nothing to reduce excess skin. However, occasionally liposuction procedures are recommended in combination with an arm lift surgery for long-lasting, effective results.
• You’ll experience more than just reduced underarm skin!
For many patients, removing their excess skin and underarm fat is just one of many benefits to undergoing the procedure. Those that have had arm lift surgery often notice improved confidence and improved results from exercise.
Cost for Arm Lift Procedures
An arm lift procedure is an affordable surgical procedure for those that suffer from excess skin and fat deposits on their underarms. On average, the cost of this procedure runs a little over 4000 dollars. This cost may vary depending on your provider and the extent of your procedure. You will also want to factor in extra costs for any follow-up procedures or complications you may experience.
Connect with Winston Salem Dermatology Today to Schedule Your Arm Lift Surgery Consultation!
Winston Salem Dermatology is proud to offer arm lift procedures that help patients reclaim their smooth skin and youthful appearance. This procedure is minimally invasive and highly effective at minimizing the appearance of excess fat and skin while improving overall muscle tone. Our specialists have undergone extensive medical training to ensure that you receive fantastic, long-lasting results that will last for years.
But that’s not all we offer! Winston Salem Dermatology also offers many dermatological and cosmetic skin care procedures to reduce, relieve, and eliminate many irritating skin conditions like Rosacea, Eczema, Psoriasis, and more! Give us a call today at (336) 774-8636 and let our representatives help you find that wonderful radiant glow!