Brachioplasty, or arm lift surgery, is a cosmetic procedure that reshapes and molds the upper arms. It removes excess sagging skin and fat pockets, giving the skin a more toned and youthful appearance.
What To Expect During Arm Lift Surgery?
Understanding the process of arm lift surgery is crucial for candidates to set realistic expectations and adequately prepare themselves.
Preparation
The preparation phase is the first step toward your arm lift surgery, where the groundwork is laid for a successful procedure.
During this phase, the surgeon provides instructions about the diet and medications to follow before the surgery.
These could include blood tests, imaging studies, or a cardiovascular evaluation based on your health condition and the surgeon’s assessment.
Procedure
The surgeon starts with an incision along the arm’s inner or back. The length and pattern of the incision depend on the amount and location of the excess skin to be removed.
Next, the underlying supportive tissue is tightened and reshaped with internal sutures. The skin is then smoothed over the new contour of your arm.
Your surgeon will aim to achieve the most aesthetically pleasing and natural-looking results possible.
Recovery
Post-surgery, you’ll likely feel some discomfort. You can expect some swelling, bruising, and soreness in your arms, which will be managed with medication.
Bandages will be applied to your incisions, and your arms may be wrapped in an elastic bandage or a compression garment to minimize swelling and support the new contours as they heal.
In the initial recovery phase, which usually lasts two weeks, you might need assistance with daily activities. You should take it easy and refrain from strenuous activities that might stress your healing incisions.
Reasons To Consider Arm Lift Surgery
The decision to undergo arm lift surgery is often driven by various factors, ranging from the natural effects of aging to the consequences of significant weight loss and genetic predispositions. Let’s delve into these factors in more detail.
Age
As we journey through life, our skin undergoes numerous changes. One of the inevitable changes that come with aging is the loss of skin elasticity. Our skin’s elasticity depends on collagen and elastin, two proteins that allow our skin to stretch and return to its original form.
Significant Weight Loss
While losing a significant amount of weight is an accomplishment worth celebrating, it often comes with challenges. Rapid and effective weight loss can lead to excess, sagging skin that diet and exercise can’t adequately address. It is because the skin has been stretched for a prolonged period due to excess weight and can’t shrink back to fit the body’s new size.
Genetic Factors
Our genes play a significant role in determining how our bodies store fat and where we might have excess skin.
In such cases, diet and exercise might do little to change the arm’s appearance. Genetic factors might lead people to consider arm lift surgery as it can effectively address these issues, removing excess fat and skin to achieve a more balanced and proportionate appearance.
The Pros Of Arm Lift Surgery
Improved Appearance
One of the primary benefits of arm lift surgery is enhancing physical appearance. This procedure can significantly alter the look of your arms, shifting them from a state of sagging and drooping to a more desirable, toned, and tightened appearance. Removing excess skin and fat gives your arms a sleeker and more proportionate look, aligning them better with the rest of your body profile. With time, as the scars fade, your arms can achieve a natural-looking contour that syncs seamlessly with your physique, leading to an overall improved appearance.
Increased Confidence
A successful arm lift surgery does more than revamp your physical appearance – it can also dramatically boost your self-confidence and self-esteem. Living with sagging arms might make you self-conscious, causing you to shy away from social situations or avoid certain types of clothing that expose your arms. After undergoing an arm lift, this new-found confidence can be reflected in all aspects of your life.
Expanded Clothing Choices
An unanticipated but pleasant side effect of arm lift surgery is the sudden expansion in your wardrobe choices. Before the surgery, you might have found yourself limiting your clothing options, avoiding sleeveless tops, dresses, or swimsuits to conceal the appearance of your arms. However, after the surgery, as you grow more comfortable with the look of your arms, you may feel confident wearing clothing styles you previously shied away from.
Is Arm Lift Worth It?
Consulting with a Professional
Deciding whether to undergo an arm lift is not a decision to be taken lightly. It’s always best to consult a qualified medical professional before making a critical decision.
Personal Considerations
Are you ready, both physically and mentally, for the potential impacts of the surgery? It includes the time you’ll need to set aside for the procedure, the recovery period, and any adjustments you’ll need to make to your routine. Are you comfortable with the cost of the procedure?
Your expectations should also be realistic. While arm lift surgery can provide improved contours and a more youthful appearance, it won’t necessarily match the ideal image you have in your head. Being honest about the expected outcomes can help you avoid disappointment and dissatisfaction.