Arm Lift Surgery - Brachioplasty

Brachioplasty – Top Considerations Before Arm Lift Surgery

Arm Lift Surgery - Brachioplasty
Oh, the dreaded jiggle of the “bat wing” – that droopy, swinging skin that seems to undulate independently of the person waving at a taxi or a friend, and makes sleevelessness a nightmare. It evokes memories of grandma reaching to hug you with arms that wiggled in the wind – and it can make an otherwise confident person cringe at the reflection in the mirror. The good news is that whether you’re celebrating a massive weight loss, fighting the effects of time, or just going for a more toned look, you don’t have to keep hiding behind long sleeves.
Brachioplasty – also known as arm lift surgery – can give you the sleek, slender arms you’ve been envying.

As with any surgery, it’s vital to do the research, find a qualified surgeon, and choose a space that you feel comfortable in. Rest assured that you’ll find an attentive, talented, and trusted professional in Dr. Kevin Tehrani, a board certified plastic surgeon with a trusted reputation among clients and colleagues alike. Dr. Tehrani has even been named among the top 10 plastic surgeons in New York. While most providers charge for a consultation, he is happy to share his initial advice and expertise free of charge. Contact either of our beautiful offices to schedule your free brachioplasty consultation, and begin the journey to the you that you deserve to become.

What is Brachioplasty?

Brachioplasty is the reshaping of the arms, including the removal of excess skin and fat. While arm lift surgery often follows on the heels of a successful bariatric surgery (after a healthy weight has been established and maintained), many people find the aging process particularly unkind to the arm area and are embarrassed by that unwanted wiggle. The removal of sagging skin can make a huge difference in the appearance of the arms, and the remaining tissue is left with a more sculpted look.

  • Where Will I Get My Brachioplasty?

    Your brachioplasty will be done here in our offices – often as an outpatient procedure, depending on the anesthesia used – and can take anywhere from two to four hours, depending on the extent of the work being done.

  • Types of Arm Lift Procedures

    You have several options when considering brachioplasty. Your surgeon will be happy to discuss any or all of them during your initial consultation.

    • Mini brachioplasty

      A mini brachioplasty is generally done on a patient who already has structured muscle tissue to shape the arm, but wants a small to moderate quantity of fat and skin removed. The incision is pretty small and generally hidden away in the armpit. Fat is removed and the remaining skin is stretched more tautly.

    • Full brachioplasty

      A full brachioplasty yields a more dramatic transformation. An incision is made along the inner arm (or sometimes slightly toward the back of the arm) from the armpit to the elbow. Once the excess skin and fat are removed, the arm will be formed into a more pleasing shape. In cases of extreme weight loss (for example, following bariatric surgery), the incision may need to stretch even longer.

    • Should I have liposuction or brachioplasty?

      Liposuction is limited to the removal of fat only, but does not address the issue of drooping skin. Most patients will require a full brachioplasty after extreme weight loss.

Am I a Good Brachioplasty Candidate?

If you’re in general good health, are free of infections, and your weight is fairly stable, you may be a good candidate for brachioplasty surgery. An arm lift is not meant for patients who are still trying to lose weight. Women who’ve had mastectomy surgery are not always good candidates for brachioplasty, but Dr. Tehrani will go over your options for brachioplasty surgery. Please let us know if you have any other health concerns when you schedule your consultation.

What Will My Brachioplasty Cost?

Arm lift surgery is an investment in your well being – in a healthy self-image and a restoration of confidence. You are moving toward a healthier future, and we want you to be comfortable doing so, but we understand that the current economy doesn’t always make it easy. While your insurance is not likely to cover a cosmetic procedure, we are delighted to offer financing options to fit nearly any budget. Dr. Tehrani understands how important this is to you, and will be happy to discuss options to offset your arm lift surgery cost during your free consultation.

How Can I Prepare For My Arm Lift Surgery?

It’s important to go into your surgery in the best possible health. In order to speed your recovery, we recommend smoking cessation before surgery, as smoking can make the skin less pliable and your blood circulation more sluggish. You’ll also be asked to stop any medication or dietary supplements that might add risk to your brachioplasty surgery, particularly anything that makes you more prone to bleeding.

What’s The Expected Brachioplasty Recovery Time?

Most patients return to work within one or two weeks after their arm lift, but you’ll still need to be careful of movements that put any strain on your arms. Even at home – simple actions such as getting up from bed or a chair must be done with care not to put pressure on your arms that could result in injury or bleeding. Try utilizing the muscles of your core and your legs where you may have otherwise supported yourself by leaning on your arms.

If your job requires moderate to heavy physical activity or puts regular strain on your arms, your return to work will take longer – possibly as long as six to eight weeks. Much will depend on how quickly you heal and what exactly you do for a living. Dr. Tehrani can discuss specifics of your arm lift recovery during your follow up appointment.

Your doctor will discuss other ways to speed the healing process after brachioplasty. As always, make sure to use sterile, high-quality bandages for wound care. We highly recommend the use of compression garments while recovering from brachioplasty surgery. These can help keep the skin motionless as it heals, helping to not only keep the stitches from popping but also the skin from stretching. No matter what the procedure, your body needs time to heal. When in doubt, don’t rush it.

  • Exercise after arm lift surgery

    Moderate physical activity such as a brisk walk can be resumed in as little as one to two weeks. Vigorous exercise MUST be postponed for at least six weeks after arm lift surgery. Please do not risk complications, pain, or injury to the delicate tissues of your arms!

  • Scarring

    While scarring is unavoidable, Dr. Tehrani will make a special effort to conceal the stitches as well as possible. Some sutures can be placed internally to minimize scarring. The incisions in the armpit will rarely be seen, but the ones on the arms will be visible. Still – the incisions will fade over time to a very thin line. Ultimately, it is up to you whether that line is worth it. Most of our patients find it far less obtrusive than the droop of their pre-surgery arms.

  • Will I ever need another arm lift surgery?

    Most of our patients will never need a second brachioplasty. In the event that you go through a period of significant weight loss after your initial procedure, or if your skin simply loses considerable elasticity as you continue to age, you may have a second arm lift surgery. While scarring from the initial arm lift surgery may require a little extra time and effort, it shouldn’t impact the success of your results.

Is Brachioplasty Surgery Painful?

As with most surgical procedures, pain, swelling, and bruising are all common. Dr. Tehrani will prescribe medication for the pain, but most patients don’t need prescription medications for more than a few days following their brachioplasty surgery.

What Are The Risks Of Brachioplasty?

Risks such as infection, bleeding, clotting, etc. are all common in all surgical procedures. There is also a risk that your arms may suffer some loss of skin sensation, or that the results will be uneven, so make sure to research your physician very carefully. Read more about Dr. Tehrani’s credentials.

CONCLUSION:

Fighting off the “bat wing” that’s been weighing on your confidence is a big decision – and one that can lead you to a more confident self-image. The good news is that you don’t have to do it alone! Aristocrat Plastic Surgery is happy to guide you on this journey, make informed decisions, and combat the drooping arms you’ve been dreading so that you can rediscover the arms you can’t wait to show the world.

We hope that we’ve answered some of your questions about brachioplasty, but remember that nothing can replace the personal interaction between you and your doctor. Please contact us to get more information, ask more specific questions, or to schedule your free consultation today.

Leave a Reply