Arm Lift Prices 2022
WHY IS IT PERFORMED?
Brachioplasty, commonly referred to as an arm lift, is a procedure used to remove excess skin in the upper arm. Arm lift surgery tightens and tones the upper arms, restoring a youthful contour.
Flaccidity is the loss of firmness of the skin due to the decrease or weakness of the supporting tissues, collagen and elastin.
There are several causes: one of the most frequent is age. The proteins that keep the skin firm and attached to the muscles become less effective over the years.
There are also causes associated with obesity, pregnancy, sudden weight loss or repeated weight changes, a low protein diet, an excess of carbohydrates and flours, sedentary lifestyle and exaggerated exposure to the sun.
HOW THE PROCEDURE IS PERFORMED? (TECHNIQUE)
Incision Types
There are three types of techniques (incisions) to treat the upper arm area. The selection of the technique will depend on the patient and his diagnosis.
Type 1: It is performed in patients with very little sagging skin, but with some accumulation of fat. In these cases a liposculpture of the area is performed, through small incisions, to eliminate fat deposits and thus subtly reduce the thickness of the arm. This procedure is used in younger patients who still have good elasticity, allowing the skin to retract after the fat has been removed.
Type 2: It is performed on candidates with loose skin, which is removed and collected through a short incision that is hidden under the armpit. Liposculpture is also usually performed to finish shaping the arm.
Type 3: It is carried out in people with more severe cases of loose or sagging skin. A longitudinal incision extends from the armpit to the elbow to remove excess skin. This incision can be located on the inside or back of the arm. The location is determined between the doctor and the patient during the preoperative evaluation.
During the procedure, excess skin is removed using a delicate dissection to avoid damaging the vessels and nerves in the arm. In cases involving liposuction, small cannulas are used to aspirate the fat. In most cases, drains are placed to remove fluids that could build up under the skin. Fabrics are layered with delicate, absorbable sutures. The surgery can take between two to five hours, depending on the complexity of the case. Bandages are placed at the end to create compression in the area and control inflammation. The drains are removed one to three days after surgery.
INVOLVED RISKS:
Fibrous tissue formation: The scars from an arm lift incision are permanent, but they are made in areas where they cannot be seen or can be easily hidden. Sometimes the incisions can cause thick, red scars.
Changes in sensitivity: Superficial sensory nerves can be affected during the procedure. This is temporary, over time, the sensitivity of the arms will return to normal.
Asymmetry of the shape of the arms: Because they are two independent areas, each arm can heal differently causing changes in shape. Our surgeons will do their best to make the arms look symmetrical, although there is no perfect symmetry.
Stitches: Rarely, stitches can split, causing inflammation and damaging the skin, so they must be removed.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER SURGERY:
An overall improved appearance: Although brachioplasty will address a relatively small area of your body, the procedure can enhance your full appearance. With slimmer arms, your entire figure may look noticeably more slender and youthful.
More clothing options: If you suffer from severely sagging upper arms, it can significantly limit your clothing options. Following your arm lift, you may be able to fit into a wider range of clothes. You may also feel more comfortable wearing sleeveless tops or bathing suits.
Augment your weight loss journey: If you have recently lost a large amount of weight, sagging skin on your upper arms can detract from the results and your dedication to your health. An arm lift can give you a figure that is more reflective of your healthy size.
An enhanced self-esteem: With the combined benefits of brachioplasty, you may feel much more confident after your surgery. In turn, you may be more willing to engage in new activities, meet new people, and take on more visible leadership roles.
HOW IS THE RECOVERY?
A compression girdle should be worn for 2 months – day and night – for optimal results. Depending on the case, the patient can choose the type of girdle with which they feel most comfortable.
During the first days you may notice some discomfort or pain that is controlled with medication.
It only takes 10 days to return to work normally. However, strong exercises should be avoided during the first month.
The scars during the first 3 to 6 months are notorious, red-wine colored, so you will have to wait between 9 months and 1 year for the scar to flatten and lighten. However the scars will never disappear.
