It is natural to develop loose and sagging skin on the underside of the upper arm, but the extra skin can hamper your self-confidence and lead you to choose attire that hides that part of your body. Arm skin removal surgery is a simple and effective solution to this problem. Knowing more about this aesthetic procedure will help you make an informed decision about whether arm skin removal is right for you.
What is an arm lift?
When loose skin, and sometimes extra fat, develops in the triceps area of the upper arm, it can cause the skin in that area to sag when the arm is lifted. There are two primary reasons for the development of extraneous skin and tissue in this region. One is age, and the other is drastic weight loss.
As you gain weight, your skin will stretch to fit the changing contours of your body. But when you lose weight suddenly, as is often the case after weight loss surgery, the skin requires time to shrink back to fit the new contours of the body. In the interim, it can cause a droopy, saggy appearance. The areas most prone to this skin sagging are the midsection, under the chin, the inner thighs, and the underside of the upper arm.
Arm skin removal surgery will remove this excess skin and fat in conjunction with liposuction if the fat removal is required. Its goal is to lend a toned and shapely appearance to the underside of the upper arm.
What does it involve?
An experienced cosmetic surgeon will conduct a thorough assessment of your overall health and the specific issue to determine if you are a candidate for the procedure. This professional will explain to you in detail the probable outcome of the surgery and will make sure that you are both on the same page regarding expectations.
The surgery typically involves the following steps:
- Anesthesia is administered to the patient. It could be local or general, depending on the type and the specifics of the surgery.
- The procedure involves first making an incision on the underside of the upper arm, typically near the elbow. Excess fat and tissue are removed through this incision via liposuction.
- Excess skin and tissue that remain are then excised. Internal stitches are made to reinforce the new contours of the arm.
- The surrounding skin is stretched over the new contour and held in place with external stitches.
- The surgery site is then dressed.
What constitutes arm lift before and after care?
Pre-surgical preparation:
- Before the procedure, the cosmetic surgeon will conduct a detailed consultation during which they will determine if you are a candidate for the surgery. Certain health conditions may exclude some individuals from the procedure.
- You will need to stop smoking and using blood thinners a few weeks before the procedure.
- If you have just had weight loss surgery, you may need to wait for a while before undergoing this procedure to make sure you close to your goal weight.
- The cosmetic surgeon will make sure that you are thoroughly informed about what to expect post-surgery concerning the appearance of the surgical site and eventually of the arm. While the goal is to provide a shapely contour, a lot depends on individual body characteristics, and a uniform result cannot be expected for everyone.
- The surgeon will perform a few standard tests and scans to assess your overall health and to ensure that you are prepared.
Arm lift recovery:
- The surgeon will prescribe antibiotics to keep the surgical site free from infection.
- You will need to wear compression garments for a few weeks to help your skin shrink as it heals so that it fits the new contour.
- The external sutures may be self-absorbing, but if not, the surgeon will schedule a follow-up visit for their removal within one or two weeks.
- You will need to avoid raising your arms or any other movement that could stretch the surgery site and cause tears before the stitches have healed.
- Swelling, some pain, changes in pigmentation, and skin shrinkage may occur and are all temporary.
- Recovery typically takes one or two weeks.
What are the risks of arm skin removal?
- While bleeding and infection are rare, they could occur in some cases. They are prevented by the use of antibiotics.
- Pain is a common post-surgical side effect that is controlled with the use of painkillers, but it can occur in varying degrees for individual patients.
- Swelling can occur for a few days due to the trauma caused to the underlying tissue, but it will subside soon.
- Changes in sensation can occur temporarily until the nerves settle after the trauma and effects of anesthesia.
- Seroma or subdermal fluid retention could occur.
- Long-term damage to muscle, capillaries, or nerves in the surgery site is possible.
- Sometimes, the wounds may not heal properly or as quickly as expected.
- Some scarring will occur, but a skilled surgeon can ensure that it is minimal. The surgeon will make sure that you have been properly informed about the extent of potential scarring beforehand.
What are the benefits of arm skin removal surgery?
If aging or sudden weight loss has caused your upper arm skin to sag, it could make you self-conscious, and you may start hiding the area with longer sleeves. Arm skin removal will restore your confidence by reshaping your upper arm to give it muscle tone and a fit and appealing look.
Sagging skin can cause rashes and infections between the excess skin folds. These issues can be eliminated with the surgery.
With this aesthetic surgery, you can regain your lost confidence when it comes to wearing short sleeves and beachwear. It is a relatively safe cosmetic procedure that can give your upper arm a toned appearance in a matter of weeks. Recovery is mostly painless and devoid of major side effects. Call Dr. Semone Rochlin in Scottsdale and Gilbert, Arizona, to schedule your appointment. We can perform an assessment and have you on your way to youthful and sculpted upper arms.
