Arm Lift
Arm Lift is the appropriate procedure to deal with skin loosening that often occurs in the area of the arm due to advanced age or weight loss.
Arm Lift – Different Types
- Traditional Arm Lift:
The surgeon removes a large amount of skin and fat tissue from the axilla to the elbow. - Mini Arm Lift
- Liposuction:
Liposuction works best for patients with good skin elasticity and little or no excess skin. Liposuction is performed and at the same time, a small amount of excess skin near the axilla is removed. This technique concerns cases with a small amount of skin laxity and excess fat. - Cryolipolysis:
A non-surgical option which often used in cases where a small amount of fat needs to be reduced. - Tightening with High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU)
A non-surgical option is often used in cases where a small amount of fat needs to be reduced while at the same time the skin displays the first signs of aging.
Arm Lift – Type of anesthesia
Arm Lift is usually done under general anesthesia. The patient usually stays in the hospital for one night.
Arm Lift – Surgical technique
Usually, in a classic Arm Lift, excess skin is removed from the axillary area to the elbow. The incision extends along the inner surface of the arm from the axilla to the elbow. The length of the incision will depend on the degree of excess skin. This surgery gives an excellent result in the shape of the arm, leaving a scar that will take about twelve months to the final result.
In a mini Arm Lift, the incision is limited to the axilla.
Depending on the case, the procedure lasts 2-2.5 hours
Arm Lift – Post-operative instructions
- Any bruising is absorbed in the next 10 days
- Physical exercise is allowed after 3 weeks
- A compressive garment is necessary for the first 3 weeks
Arm Lift – Postoperative Complications
- Poor healing
- Hematoma
- Inflammation
- Skin necrosis
- Pulmonary embolism
- Asymmetry
Concluding, the patient should not underestimate the dangers of an Arm Lift and realize that it is a relatively simple surgery that may have complications.
Preparation before surgery
- Photographs of the area are taken.
- Classical preoperative check-up includes blood tests, chest X-ray, and cardiac evaluation.
- 12 hours before surgery do not eat anything.
- 6 hours before surgery do not drink anything.
- On the morning of the operation do not take any medication without the anesthesiologist's approval.
- Alcohol should be stopped 1 week before surgery.
- In the case of general anesthesia, it is necessary to meet with the anesthesiologist before the surgery.
- Report previous anesthetic experiences, either positive or negative and inform him/her of any health problems or medication you are taking.
- Do not take aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, or herbal supplements 10 days before the surgery, as they increase the possibility of bleeding during and after surgery.
- 3 days before the surgery and every day after washing your face or body with medicated soap, depending on the planned surgery.
General Complications after surgery
Complications in plastic surgery operations are not common but it is necessary to be aware of them at the first appointment.
- Hematoma: A hematoma is the accumulation of blood in the wound.
- Inflammation: To prevent inflammation, antibiotics are administered during surgery.
- Poor wound healing: If the incision in the operated site is more prominent than expected, it can be corrected 6 months to a year after surgery with local anesthesia. In some cases, the appearance of keloids is possible where specific treatment is needed.
- Skin necrosis: It is more likely in heavy smokers.
- Pulmonary embolism and thrombosis.
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