Women are often self-conscious of their arms, especially after experiencing sudden weight gain and weight loss. Besides weight fluctuations, growing older and heredity are also contributing factors to the sagging of upper arms, a condition difficult to correct with diet and exercise alone. Fortunately, arms can be treated with arm lift surgery, also known as brachioplasty. This procedure can tighten and tone the upper arms to produce a slimmer appearance by addressing loose skin and residual fat from this area.
This article will cover everything you need to know about arm lift Miami. From candidacy to recovery, we will provide you with crucial information that will guide you in your surgical journey and prepare you to make an informed decision.
What is an arm lift or brachioplasty?
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Candidates for arm lift surgery
Patients who may not feel confident about showing off their arms, even after engaging in regular exercise, may be good candidates for brachioplasty surgery. The best candidates for brachioplasty surgery are patients with excess skin that hangs from the upper arms and a minimal amount of fat to be removed. That generally happens after excessive weight loss where patients are left with less skin elasticity. Patients are encouraged to reach the desired weight before undergoing arm lift surgery.
If you are considering brachioplasty surgery, you should be aware that a scar will be present. Also, you must be in good health, without active diseases or another medical condition that may interfere with your arm lift Miami. Patients should have realistic expectations about the outcome of brachioplasty surgery.
Brachioplasty surgery
Here at Avana Plastic Surgery, our surgeons perform arm lift in Miami that produces dramatic changes yet keeps the patient’s natural contours. With arm lift, patients will have smoother and tighter curves that complement their physique.
Your initial consultation with an arm lift surgeon
During the initial consultation, you will talk to your potential plastic surgeon about the procedure(s) you wish to undergo and the results expected. Your plastic surgeon will most likely:
- Review your medical history – You will answer a few questions about any current or past medical conditions, medications you are taking, and previous surgeries.
- Undergo a physical examination – The surgeon will carefully examine the targeted area underneath the arms, take photos, and request your medical record.
- Talk about your expectations – It is crucial you express your concerns and what you are hoping for. After your surgeon explains the benefits as well as risks you will be able to make a more informed decision.
How do I prepare for an arm lift?
There are some things you should keep in mind when preparing for your arm lift surgery:
- Make sure your doctor reviews any medications or dietary supplements you are taking.
- Postoperative bleeding may increase with blood thinners such as ibuprofen, aspirin, flaxseed, vitamin E, equinacea, garlic, green tea and chia seeds.
- Arrange for someone to stay with you at least during the first day of recovery.
- Purchase compression garments and required ointments.
- Fill prescriptions you may need postoperatively.
- Arrange transportation to and fro the surgical center.
- Patients need 20% more of protein intake following arm lift surgery to help with recovery.
- Stay hydrated.
- Get proper rest before surgery.
- On the day of arm lift surgery make sure to arrive on time and bring the compression garments and any medications you may need.
Arm lift surgery incision options
What to expect during the Arm Lift Procedure?
The techniques used during arm lift Miami depend on the type of correction the patient requires. The first step is to administer anesthesia. Whether intravenous sedation or general anesthesia, your surgeon will recommend the best option. Then, the incisions are created on the inside of the arm, usually stretching from the armpit down.
Some patients may need liposuction as well to remove additional fat with the PAL technique. The loose skin is gently trimmed until a natural and tightened contour is reached, and sutures are placed at the incision sites. The incisions are closed with absorbable sutures or stitches, which are removed a week or two after the new arm lift procedure. Patients, who only have localized fat and don’t need skin removal, may choose a procedure such as SmartLipo instead of arm lift. While the results are seen immediately after arm lift surgery, there will be temporary swelling and bruising.
Arm Lift recovery
Once the arm lift surgery has been performed, dressings and bandages are applied to the incisions and an elastic bandage used to wrap the arms to reduce swelling, and preserve the contours as the patient heals. The extra fluid or blood is drained through thin tubes so that it may not collect in the body. Patients are advised to have an accompanying family member, friend or caregiver with them. They will be provided with specific instructions on how to care for the patient:
- Guidelines about the operated area and drains
- Medicines to take that will speed up the healing process and help reduce infection
- Concerns about the operated area and patient’s health
- Post-operative follow-up appointments
Within a day or two, you may see someone from the surgical team who will remove the drainage tube and bandages for patients that used it. Patients may wear a compression sleeve for a few days as advised by their surgeon. During the first few days of arm lift surgery recovery, you must avoid lifting your arms above shoulder level, refrain from strenuous physical activity, and take pain medication as directed by your surgeon. Some stitches will dissolve on their own while others will have to be removed weeks after arm lift surgery. You must contact your surgeon immediately if you are experiencing breathing problems, chest pain, and redness in the skin, irregular heartbeat, and fever.
During the third week after surgery, if you see that the incisions are healing properly, you can start light exercises such as yoga and riding a stationary bike. Patients are also encouraged to stretch their elbows and armpit. Silicone-based creams can help improve the appearance of the arm lift scar. As you incision continues to heal, you may resume your normal activity level. Above all, make sure you follow your surgeons’ tips for arm lift surgery recovery.
What are the risks of arm lift surgery?
The risks associated with arm lift include:
- Scarring – The incisions from the arm lift are permanent, but they are usually placed in areas that aren’t noticeable. It’s rare for incisions to result in red scars. The appearance of the arm lift surgery scars can be significantly improved with injections and corticosteroid medication.
- Unevenness – Some patients may experience changes in the shape of their arms during arm lift recovery, which may result in asymmetry. While perfect symmetry is not possible, your surgeon’s skill will determine the outcome.
- Changes in skin sensation – It is possible for the relocation of arm tissues to affect sensory nerves and for patients to experience temporary numbness.
- Problems with stitches – Some stitches may work their way to the surface and may need to be removed, which can cause inflammation of the skin and require a second procedure.
- Reactions to anesthesia - An allergic reaction can occur with any anesthesia, whether local or general anesthesia, it carries some risks. Some adverse reactions include nausea, vomiting, temporary weakness or paralysis of the affected area.
- Delayed healing- Patients that have diabetes or smoke may experience delayed healing. Surgeons advise to refrain from smoking six weeks prior to arm lift surgery and six weeks following surgery although according to a study published in MD Magazine: “…it takes nearly 6 months of cessation for smokers’ perioperative pulmonary risks to decline to the same level as nonsmokers, though a minimum of 8 weeks diminishes these risks significantly.”
ARM LIFT COST IN MIAMI
Several factors will determine the cost for arm lift surgery including geographic location, surgeon’s skill and experience, facility fee, and anesthesiologist’s fee. Patients who choose to combine arm lift with another procedure such as liposuction will pay more. The arm lift Miami cost is between $4,500 and $12,000 with an average of $7,125 according to RealSelf reviews.
Contact us today for a free consultation
If you are interested in brachioplasty surgery, we encourage you to visit us at Avana Plastic Surgery for a personal consultation. During your consultation, we can answer any questions you may have and go over the details of the arm lift Miami procedure. You can also view arm lift surgery before and after photos; learn about surgery steps, advantages, and arm lift surgery recovery. Your body should reflect who you feel like on the inside. If the condition of your arms is interfering with your quality of life, call us today and schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our talented surgeons.
Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) FAQs
It all depends on the amount of tissue to be removed. Surgery generally takes 2-4 hours and is done on an outpatient basis.
This procedure is generally performed under general anesthesia. Surgeons may inject an additional local numbing medicine in the targeted area as well so that patients don’t experience postoperative pain.
It all depends on the amount of tissue to be eliminated. Some patients may require an incision nearer the armpit while others may need a lower incision. There is a traditional horizontal incision that goes from armpit to elbow. If the surplus tissue is located above the upper arm, the patient may benefit from a curved incision in the armpit.
Some normal symptoms patients will experience include:
- Redness, bruising, and swelling
- Itching as the skin heals
- Swelling and bruising
- Hypersensitivity or lack of sensitivity
- Sporadic pain
Patients are advised to sit in the passenger seat with the chair reclined slightly. Fasten your seatbelt and bring a few pillows to help you rest your elbows and keep your hands elevated.
The scar will heal in about two weeks. Your surgeon can work with you on scar management options including topical therapies and massage to improve the appearance of the arm lift scar.
The arm lift scar is visible in the inner surface of the upper arm but should fade with time. The improved contour of the arms is so rewarding that most patients are not bothered by it. Scar treatments during early arm lift recovery can help alleviate tension on the incisions and result in a less noticeable arm lift scar. Also, a well-positioned scar can be hidden with clothes and the position of the arms. That’s why is so essential patients undergo this procedure with an experienced surgeon.
Patients with desk jobs may take 7 to 10 days off work while those with physically demanding jobs may take 14 to 18 days to recover fully.
The final results should be seen 3-6 months postoperatively.
Based on the patient’s health status, anatomy, and types of procedures chosen, arm lift surgery may be combined with short procedures to improve the patient’s overall look. As long as the operations are complementary and the postoperative course is similar, there shouldn’t be any problem. A board-certified surgeon can help you make an informed decision after taking a closer look at your specific circumstances.