WHO NEEDS AN ARM LIFT SURGERY ?

An arm lift allows for the patient to tighten the arm through extraction of the fats and removal of excess skin, hence allowing for a younger looking arm.

An arm lift surgery is usually undergone by patients having lose or sagging skin. Although, it may occur like this surgery is usually opted by old-aged patients, any person wanting to get rid of excess fat from their upper elbow region can undergo this surgery. People who have recently lost a lot of weight opt for this surgery as well. You can also undergo an arm lift surgery if you possess the following symptoms-

1. Excess upper arm skin and fat, due to ageing or excess weight loss.
2. Loss of upper arm skin elasticity, which comes with age
3. Weakened tissues in the upper arm

HOW IS AN ARM LIFT PROCEDURE PERFORMED ?

An arm lift procedure can be undergone in three different ways, i.e. there are three ways in which an arm lift surgery can be performed-

1. MINIMAL SCAR ARM LIFT– In a minimal scar arm lift surgery, a small incision is made at the crease of the axilla or the armpit and excess fat tissue is removed using liposuction.

2. TRADITIONAL ARM LIFT– In a traditional arm lift procedure, an incision is made on the inside of your arm, just above the elbow. After an incision is drawn, excess fatty tissue is removed and the skin and muscles are tightened using sutures.

3. THE EXTENDED ARM LIFT– The extended arm lift or the Thoracic lift is a traditional arm lift procedure involving the removal of skin along the side of your chest. The incision will be made from the axilla to your elbow. Excess skin and fatty tissue will be removed from your upper arm, axilla and from the side of your chest.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS OF A PRE-OPERATIVE ?

The potential risks and complications of surgery are rare but the most common ones include reactions to anesthesia, blood accumulation that may need to be drained surgically and infection.

1. Your Body Mass Index or BMI should be less than 77 pounds, calculated using the current height and weight of a patient.
2. Get rid of smoking 2 weeks before surgery.
3. Avoid intake of aspirin, multivitamins and herbals 2 weeks before surgery.
4. A physical examination (H&P) and CBC (anemia detection) will be required, clearing you for surgery.
5. Do not eat or drink after midnight (12 hours before surgery).

WHAT ARE THE INSTRUCTIONS FOR A POST- OPERATIVE ?

1. Take some time off from work for a couple of days after surgery.
2. Elevate the arms and limit arm movement.
3. Dedicate yourself to complete bed rest and make sure you have someone by your side and take care of your needs.
4. Restrict mobility for about two weeks post surgery.
5. After 3 weeks, show for a post-op, so your retention sutures can be removed.
6. After about a month, you can resume activities. Make sure you do not stress on your elbows or arms.
7. After 6 weeks, resume normal mobility and activities

SHOULD I BE WORRIED ABOUT ANY COMPLICATIONS ?

Some of the possible risks and complications that can arise if post-op instructions are not followed accurately are-

• Hematoma
• Seroma
• Infection
• Temporary scarring and bruising

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