An arm lift is an improvement of the contour of the upper extremities, solving the popularly known as “bat wings”. In this way, excess fat and skin is eliminated, giving the arms a smoother appearance.
Who is a good candidate for an arm lift?
The ideal candidate for an arm lift is a person who has an accumulation of fat and lax skin in the area.
In order to undergo this procedure it is essential that the person has a stable weight. If the patient has recently undergone bariatric surgery, it is recommended that about 18 months have passed since the weight loss began. If the weight is unstable and may undergo variations the brachioplasty could fail.
What does a brachioplasty consist of?
There are several arm lift options and, based on the patient’s situation, they will be tailored to their needs. Some patients have accumulated fat. In other cases, the patient has excess fatty tissue and lax skin (“bat wings”). Depending on the circumstances, the surgery will be adapted:
- Liposuction. This is the technique of choice if there is only excess fat. In addition, it is a requirement that the dermis of the inner arm be elastic and not too flaccid. This ensures that, a posteriori, there is a good retraction. Otherwise, if the skin is too lax, there is a risk of aggravating the problem. On the other hand, if these two conditions are met -fat but elastic-, liposuction may be the best technique to use. The intervention consists of the introduction of very fine cannulas, which will extract the fat without damaging the rest of the structures of the arm. In addition, it is a technique that can be used as a complement to standard brachioplasty. Combining both techniques the results will be better.
- Brachioplasty with reduced incision. It is a technique that is recommended in some limited cases, since it is an option for when there is not an important excess of fat and the excess of skin is limited to the armpit area. This is where the incisions will be placed.
- Standard brachioplasty. It is a recommended option if the excess skin affects from the armpit to the elbow.
- Extended brachioplasty. It is similar to the standard brachioplasty, with a larger scar, since it not only reaches the armpit but extends to the thorax, with the objective of covering the excess skin and fat on the sides, as well. It is a recommended option in patients who have lost a lot of weight.
Whatever the technique chosen by the specialist in Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery, it is a surgery that is always performed in a hospital. It usually lasts two or three hours and will be performed under general anesthesia.
What will the postoperative period be like after an arm lift?
The patient will be able to go home within 6 to 24 hours after the surgery, depending on the technique used by the specialist. After the surgery, the patient will be given a compressive bandage, which must be left on for 2-3 days. The bandage will be replaced by pressotherapy sleeves that the patient will have to wear for the time stipulated by the surgeon, normally at least one month.
It is normal that there may be swelling and edema in the hands after surgery, especially during the first week. The doctor may recommend the patient to rest his arms on pillows. In some cases, lymphatic drainage sessions may also be recommended.
As far as mobility is concerned, it is recommended that the patient should return to a life as normal as possible after the first week. In fact, he/she could return to work in one or two weeks, depending on the job performed and always being very careful with the arms. On the other hand, the patient cannot play sports for at least one month. However, he/she can go for a walk, for example. After that time, he/she will be able to resume physical exercise, but without using his/her arms.
Are there scars after a brachioplasty or arm lift?
Scars are a handicap in this surgery, except for the brachioplasty technique with reduced incision, in which the scar is hidden in the armpit. The scar remains on the inside of the arm, but it is long and visible, from the armpit to the elbow.
However, all scars improve with time. During the first year they are usually red and indurated but, from then on, they improve and evolve, with a much more concealed appearance. The patient should always have realistic expectations.
Arm lift results: are they forever?
The results of the arm lift will be long lasting, as long as there are no drastic changes in weight. What is clear is that nothing can stop the aging process of the skin, so it may become lax again over time. But it will never be as it was before surgery. The surgeon’s guidelines should always be followed for the most satisfactory results possible.