Upper Arm Lift / Reduction
Loose skin that hangs from the upper arms is most commonly the result of large weight loss. As a result of significant weight gain, the skin is greatly stretched, which causes it to lose its ability to retract and conform to the body’s new contours when weight is lost. This hanging skin is frequently a source of embarrassment that makes it difficult to wear sleeveless clothing and swimsuits with confidence.
An additional factor which can cause the upper arms to have a flabby appearance is the accumulation of fatty deposits in this area. In arm lift surgery, a firmer, slimmer appearance is restored to the arms through the removal of excess skin and fat and tightening of the underlying supportive tissues.
The surgery achieves the following goals:
- Eliminates the appearance of “bat wings,” the loose skin which hangs from the upper arms.
- Reduces the excess accumulation of fat which can give the arms a flabby appearance.
- Restores a firmer, slimmer appearance to the arms through techniques to tighten the skin and underlying supportive tissues.
- Allows you to wear sleeveless styles and swimwear with greater confidence.
Before
After
The Arm Lift Procedure
The incision length for an arm lift largely depends on the amount of excess skin that is to be removed. In general, the incision stretches from the axilla (underarm) to the elbow. In cases where less skin removal is required, a semi-circular incision may be made in the underarms.
If there is excess fat, this will be removed using liposuction. Excess skin is trimmed away, and the underlying tissues are tightened and reshaped with internal sutures. The incisions are closed with absorbable stitches or stitches that will be removed in 1-2 weeks. An arm lift procedure is completed in 1-3 hours.
Arm Lift Recovery
Following your surgery, Dr. Laufer may recommend an overnight stay in one of his SurgiCentre’s recovery suites, where you will be cared for by our highly-trained registered nursing staff. If you live within 30 miles of our facility, Dr. Laufer will offer a visit to your home by a plastic surgery nurse who is trained to assist you with your recovery. The nurse will monitor your recovery, change any dressings, assist you with your medication, and provide Dr. Laufer with an update on your condition.
To reduce swelling and help your body conform to its new contours, you may be fitted with a compression garment which will be worn for approximately four weeks. Bruising and swelling diminishes within 1-2 weeks. Most patients are able to return to work in a week and resume exercise in about four weeks.
The results of an arm lift are typically long-lasting provided that you maintain a stable weight.
The Liposuction Procedure
In the liposuction procedure, a sterile solution containing anesthetic to reduce pain, and epinephrine to minimize bleeding and bruising is injected into the areas of localized fatty deposits. Through small incisions, a thin hollow tube called a cannula is used to suction out the unwanted fat. To minimize scarring, these incisions are typically no more than one-quarter of an inch in length, and they are placed in inconspicuous areas such as natural skin folds and creases.
While some patients undergo large-volume liposuction to remove 10 to 25 pounds of excess fat, most patients have moderate liposuction to remove smaller amounts of fat from specific areas to achieve their contour goals. The length of liposuction surgery can range anywhere from 1 hours to 5 hours depending on the volume of fat that is is to be removed and the number of areas to be liposuctioned. Once the procedure is complete, dressings are applied, and you will be fitted with a compression garment to reduce swelling and help your body conform to its new contours.
Liposuction Recovery
Following the surgery and after adequate recovery period you will be discharged home and cared for by your family members or friends.Our nursing staff will be available and will monitor your recovery.
You will experience bruising and swelling after a liposuction procedure. Ice packs are helpful to reduce swelling and discomfort. Much of the bruising and swelling will diminish within 2-3 weeks. Stitches are dissolvable and do not require removal.
During the recovery process, it is important to take short walks. More strenuous activities and aerobic expercise may be resumed in 2-4 weeks or when Dr. Laufer advises. Patients typically are able to return to work approximately one week after a liposuction procedure. The results of liposuction are usually long-lasting provided that a stable weight is maintained.
Liposuction Methods
With advances in technology, a multitude of liposuction methods are now available to the plastic surgeon, including SmartLipo, Vaser liposoction, and power-assisted liposuction. However, the most important factor to consider in selecting a liposuction provider is not the method of liposuction that is used, but rather the skill and expertise of the surgeon in achieving favorable contouring results. Two of the most widely preferred methods of liposuction are the tumescent technique and ultrasonic methods of liposuction.