Arm Lift
What is arm lift surgery?
Arm lift surgery – also known as an arm reduction or brachioplasty is surgery that reduces excess skin and fat on the upper arms to give a slimmer, more toned and defined look.
Why consider arm lift surgery?
An arm lift may be right for you if you have:
- Sagging skin caused by the natural ageing process.
- Loose skin on the upper arm caused by weight fluctuations. While exercise can improve muscle tone in the upper arm, it cannot tighten all excess skin that has lost elasticity.
- Stubborn fat on the arms, an area that can be particularly resistant to dieting.
My patients often tell me they do not have the confidence to wear short sleeves, gym-wear or a cocktail dress because of their arms. An arm lift is an effective treatment to help restore their self-esteem.
Did you know?
What happens during the procedure?
In younger patients with firm skin that bounces back, liposuction alone can be sufficient to contour and sculpt the arms. Liposuction can also tackle pockets of fat around the armpit and bra strap bulges. If arms have excess fat and less elastic skin, liposuction may need to be combined with surgical skin removal.
If your arms are slim with little excess fat, but the skin is loose and crepey, surgical skin removal alone may be sufficient. Alternatively, you may require both liposuction and skin removal.
How long does arm lift surgery take?
Arm Lift surgery can take between one and two hours.
Which areas can be treated by arm lift surgery?
An arm lift focusses on the upper arm area, but adjacent areas of fat deposits and excess skin can also be treated at the same time. These include:
- the shoulder
- armpit
- back
- breast
- forearms
- back of the elbow
When will I start to see results from arm lift surgery?
You should start to see results in the days following surgery. These will fully start to appear from around the six-week mark and improvements will be ongoing for the first 12 or so months.
Will I have obvious scars following arm lift surgery?
During skin removal surgery, an incision will be made along the inner arm, so the scar will be discreet when your arms are by the sides of your body. During liposuction any small scars can usually be hidden in the armpit or on the back of the elbow. Mr Olivier Amar has a particular interest in managing scarring and will ensure your scars are as discreetly placed as possible.
What form of anaesthetic will be used?
Arm lift surgery is usually performed under total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA) as a day surgery, a technique of anaesthesia which uses a combination of agents given exclusively via the intravenous route without the use of gas anaesthesia. This means you will sleep comfortably throughout the procedure and wake immediately afterwards with significantly reduced likelihood of feeling groggy or nauseous. The anaesthesia will be explained to you by your Anaesthetist during the preoperative consultation.
Will it be possible for me to stay in hospital following my procedure?
Having surgery with TIVA allows you to go home the same day to rest and recuperate in comfort. Mr Olivier Amar’s practice is happy to arrange the procedure at a hospital with an overnight stay facility if you wish or assist with a nurse to stay with you overnight, as well as helping you find local accommodation after your surgery if necessary.
How can I compliment my overall result?Â
Renuvion treatment
When fat removal is a priority and skin laxity is a concern, the combination of Renuvion J Plasma and liposuction gives great results.
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Aerolase Neo laser treatment
Aerolase Neo laser treatment can be performed 4-6 weeks after surgery to support healing, to help flatten scars and reduce redness and thickness.
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What can I expect after arm lift surgery?
After arm lift surgery, your arms are protected with a soft compression garment. Swelling and bruising can be expected and will begin to subside between ten to 20 days after surgery.
You will be asked to come in for a post-operative nurse appointment one week and two weeks after your surgery. At this point your incision sites will be reviewed, stitches removed and your preliminary healing will be assessed. You will come back at six week after surgery to be reviewed by Mr Olivier Amar.
How long do I have to wait to return to normal activities following the surgery?
Depending on your type of daily activity, you will usually be able to resume your normal activities and return to gentle exercise after three to four weeks. Strenuous activity should be avoided for at least four weeks. Mr Olivier Amar will discuss this with you in further detail at your consultation.
