According to the statistics the Arm Lift is one of the most popular and frequently performed cosmetic procedures. There are many factors contributing to the sagging arms, excess skin and fat tissue in this area. Most commonly it is connected with major weight gain or loss. Hereditary factors as well as the aging process also contribute to the droopy appearance of arms. The Arm Lift does not treat the excess fat tissue accumulated in the area, therefore the procedure is often combined with Arms Liposuction. The surgery involves improving the shape of the under part of upper arms and covers the area from the underarm to the elbow giving more toned and well-shaped arms. The major disadvantage of the procedure is that it leaves a scar in the upper arm that may be quite visible depending on the skin condition, and whether the surgery was performed correctly by a team of specialists.
The surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis under local anaesthetic, therefore a patient may return home immediately after it. It takes about 1-2 hours to complete, unless it is done alongside with different cosmetic surgeries, such as Liposuction. If so, then Liposuction is commonly performed first in order to get rid of the excess fat tissue. Afterwards, a surgeon makes an incision in the back of the arms; the length depends on the amount of excess skin, which is removed and tightened during the procedure. During the surgery absorbable stitches are applied in most cases, however sometimes a surgeon may use skin sutures as well.
After the surgery patients usually wear compression garments and are advised to keep their arms elevated for a few days which reduces the swelling. Sometimes a small tube is inserted in order to drain the excess fluid or blood. The tubes are typically removed on the first follow-up visit, the next day from the procedure. The recovery period is not painful, however a slight discomfort may occur right after the surgery. Swelling and bruising is quite common, and it usually subsides in about two weeks following the surgery. Some patients experience numbness, changes in skins sensation and the feeling of tightness, which also resolves with time. In order to prevent wound infection or inflammation patients receive medications and antibiotics.
The results are fairly permanent provided that patients maintain a healthy lifestyle and control their weight. Gaining too much weight will definitely influence the final outcome achieved with the surgery. The excess skin may also reappear due to the aging process. In order to be considered a good candidate to have the Arm Lift a person must not have problems with weight fluctuations or be significantly overweight.