Project Description
ARM LIFT
WHAT IS AN ARM LIFT?
Fluctuations in weight, massive weight loss, growing older, and heredity can cause your upper arms to have a drooping, sagging appearance ( so called Bat Wing). This is a condition that cannot be corrected through exercise. If the underside of your upper arms are sagging or appear loose and full due to excess skin and fat, an arm lift may be right for you.
An arm lift, or brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure that:
- Reduces excess sagging skin that droops downward
- Tightens and smoothes the underlying supportive tissue that defines the shape of upper arm
- Reduces localised pockets of fat in the upper arm region
In general, candidates for an arm lift include:
- Adults with significant upper arm skin laxity
- Adults of any age whose weight is relatively stable and who are not significantly overweight
- Healthy individuals without medical conditions that impair healing or increase risk of surgery
- Non-smokers
- Non Diabetic under insulin therapy or not controlled by therapy.
• Individuals with a positive outlook and realistic expectations
THE PROCEDURE
Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedures. The choices include intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. I will recommend the best choice for you.
Incision length and pattern depend on the amount and location of excess skin to be removed, as well as the best judgement of your plastic surgeon. Incisions are generally placed on the inside of the arm, and may extend from the underarm (axilla) to just above the elbow.
Excess fat may be directly excised or treated with liposuction. Depending on your specific condition, incisions may be more limited. Then, underlying supportive tissue is tightened and reshaped with internal sutures. Finally, the skin is smoothed over the new contour of your arm.
Your incisions will be closed either with absorbable sutures, or stitches that will be removed within one to two weeks following your arm lift.
The smoother, tighter contours that result from the brachioplasty are apparent almost immediately following your procedure, although there will likely be swelling and bruising. Your new upper arm will be dramatically improved both in appearance and feel.
RISK & SAFETY
The decision to have arm lift surgery is extremely personal, and you’ll have to decide if the benefits, risks and potential complications are acceptable.
You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure.
The risks include:
- Anesthesia risks ( you will have a full consultation with the Anesthesist a week before surgery).
- Bleeding
- Infection ( more frequent in smokers or diabetic patients)
- Poor wound healing (more frequent in smokers and diabetic patients)
- Unsightly scarring
- Fluid accumulation (seroma)
- Damage to deeper structures such as nerves, blood vessels and muscles (uncommon)
- Numbness or other changes in skin sensation
- Pain
- Sutures may not absorb, but spontaneously surface through the skin, causing irritation, drainage and redness
- Possible need for revisional surgery
These risks and others will be fully discussed prior to your consent. It’s important that you address all your questions directly with Dr. Federico di Francesco.
Your satisfaction involves more than a fee:
When choosing Dr. Federico for an arm lift, remember that the surgeon’s experience and your comfort with him or her are just as important as the final cost of the surgery.
Plastic surgery involves many choices.
The first and most important is selecting a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, an ASPS (American society of Plastic Surgeons) or ISAPS ( International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons) member surgeon you can trust.
ASPS/ ISAPS member surgeons meet rigorous standards:
- Board certification by the Official medical university in Plastic Surgery.
- Complete six years of medical training following medical school with 5 years of plastic surgery residency training
- Pass comprehensive oral and written exams
- Graduate from an accredited medical school
- Complete continuing medical education, including patient safety each year
- Perform surgery in accredited Center.
CONSULTATION & PREPARING FOR SURGERY
During your consultation be prepared to discuss:
- Your surgical goals
- Medical conditions, drug allergies, and medical treatments
- Current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco, and drug use
- Previous surgeries
Your surgeon will also:
- Evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors
- Take photographs
- Discuss your options
- Discuss likely outcomes of arm lift surgery and any risks or potential complications
Prior to surgery, you may be asked to:
- Get lab testing or a medical evaluation
- Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
- Stop smoking
- Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding
- Arm lift surgery may be performed in an accredited Surgical Centre, or a hospital.
Be sure to arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery, and to stay with you for at least the first night following surgery.
Be sure to ask Dr. Federico all the questions you have.
It’s very important to understand all aspects of your arm lift procedure. It’s natural to feel some anxiety, whether it’s excitement for your anticipated new look or a bit of preoperative stress. Don’t be shy about discussing these feelings with your plastic surgeon.
RESULT
The smoother, tighter contours that result from an arm lift are apparent almost immediately following your procedure. Initial results will be obscured by swelling and bruising and a scar will remain where the incision was made.
Although good results are expected from your procedure, there is no guarantee. In some situations, it may not be possible to achieve optimal results with a single surgical procedure and another surgery may be necessary.The results of arm lift surgery will be long lasting, provided that you maintain a stable weight and general fitness. As your body ages, it is natural to lose some firmness, but most of your improvement should be relatively permanent.
Following Dr. Federico’s instructions is essential to the success of your surgery.
It’s important that the surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, swelling, abrasion, or motion during the time of healing. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to care for yourself.
COST
Prices for an arm lift can vary. Please remember that surgeon’s fee will be based on his or her experience, the type of procedure used, and the geographic location of the office. Our clinic offer patient financing plans, so be sure to ask.
Cost may include:
- Anesthesia fees
- Hospital or surgical facility costs
- Medical tests
- Post-surgery garments
- Prescriptions for medication
- Surgeon’s fee
Health insurance does not cover cosmetic surgery or its complications.
