Arm LiftAbout The Procedure
Arm Lift surgery is becoming more frequently performed because of the rising popularity of the gastric bypass surgery to lose weight. These patients are left with a lot of excess skin after losing a lot of weight.
In the Arm Lift procedure, excess skin is removed from the arms and some fat deposits.
Aging can also cause the skin in this area to become saggy. Many times the surgeon will recommend liposuction in the arm area in addition to the arm lift.
Procedure Description
There may be no incisions if liposuction alone is all that is needed. Otherwise, the incision may be completely concealed within the armpit, or down the inside of the arm in an inconspicuous location for a variable length, depending on how much skin and where the excess is. If there is excess skin, then incisions are needed to lift the skin, tighten the arms, remove the excess fat, and tighten the arm ligaments to provide extra internal support. Drains are used for two days. These are soft and comfortable and removed without pain. Dressings and a light compression garment is used for several days.
Best Candidates for Arm Lift Surgery
Arm Lift surgery candidates must be in good health, have no active diseases or serious, pre-existing medical conditions, and must have realistic expectations of the outcome of the surgery. Patients after massive weight loss who have hanging, redundant skin are candidates. Also individuals who have arms that are disproportionate to the rest of their body. Individuals are asked to stop smoking if they are considering this surgery.
Length of the Procedure
Arm Lift surgery takes 2 to 3 hours, depending on the extent of the procedure.
Anesthesia
Arm Lift surgery is performed under either local or general anesthesia, depending on the extent of the procedure.
Inpatient or Outpatient?
Arm Lift surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis.
Possible Side Effects
Arm Lift patients may experience temporary swelling or numbness along the incisions on the arm.
Recovery
Arm Lift recovery takes one to two weeks, depending on the intensity of the procedure.
Patients typically return to work within 2 weeks. The dressing may be extensive with elastic support or something smaller. Patients need to protect the incisions after surgery. Limiting lifting is important. Elevation with pillows increases comfort.
It can take 6 months or more to see how the scars will evolve.
Duration of Results
Unless patients gain weight, Arm Lift results are very long lasting.
Risks
Major risks associated with Arm Lift surgery include temporary numbness and swelling in the hands and arms. The scar associated with the procedure may be thickened and visible for up to a year after the surgery. For some reason, arms tend to scar more than other areas on the body.
Cost
Expect to pay $4,000 to $8,000 for Arm Lift surgery.
Scars
Arm Lift surgery can leave big, visible scars. These scars can extend from the armpit to the elbow. Some patients may be candidates for a technique where the incision is limited to the underarm, which could be well hidden. This technique is for individuals who have a borderline excess of skin. Some patients may do fine with liposuction alone.
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