Getting cosmetic surgery is somewhat of a dream for many, but a lot of people hold back for fear of complications, unsatisfactory results and of what the recovery process can look like. Fortunately, Northeastern Plastic Surgery is here to save the day! Learn how arm lifts actually work, the risks, expectations, and beautiful results you can obtain.
What Is an Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)
An arm lift—also known as an arm rejuvenation or brachioplasty—is a surgical procedure that aims to make the arms look smaller. This is achieved usually in two steps. First, liposuction to the lower biceps where excess fat can be found, and second, removing the loose skin that is left to tighten the figure of the upper arm.
Arm lifts are popular among people who have had massive weight loss, as the arms are one of the most common areas that develop loose skin. They are also popular with older patients who wish to retain the youthful appearance of their arms.
The procedure has a historical record dating back to the 1930s, and it has only grown in popularity and technique since! It can be a complementary treatment for body contouring or a solo surgery depending on what you are looking for.
What Will Happen During the Surgery
The first thing that should happen before getting started is a thorough consultation with the plastic surgeon who will perform the arm lift. During it, expectations about results and a comprehensive explanation about the procedure should happen, as well as a discussion about the possible risks and complications that might happen after the surgery.
Arm lifts are mostly performed under general anesthesia, so you won’t be conscious through the operation. There is ample variety in how to actually do the brachioplasty, some involve a bigger scar, and some are safer than others. It’s important to get to know your surgeon, their previous work and revision surgery rates to get a sense of how they approach this operation.
What to Expect for Arm Rejuvenation Recovery
The average recovery time for arm lifts is around two weeks, depending on the complexity of the surgery itself. Compression garments are recommended to achieve that youthful tight look you want.
It’s paramount to be careful with movement during the recovery process. Your arms and skin need time to readjust to your new shape, and there should be reduced mobility and effort. It’s normal to experience some pain and sensation of pulling near the incision points at first, but these are not cause for concern and treatable with regular painkillers.
Some lifestyle adjustments can help you after the arm lift as well. Wearing loose clothes, preferably with buttons or zippers so that you don’t need to lift your arms is an excellent option. Staying home for the first 24 hours can aid the recovery process as well, and try to have your support system near to help with daily chores that might be uncomfortable in those first days.
After two weeks, the arms should be mostly healed, and you can go back to your regular office job. If you work in more exerting environments, it’s best to consult with your surgeon when to resume regular activities.
This is also when scar care begins. Dr. Fodero (Florham Park, New Jersey) is an expert in scar placement, and can conceal it beautifully under the arm so that it’s almost invisible. His revision rate is very low so you can trust him to create those sculpted arms you’ve been wanting to have. Creams can also help to reduce the natural color of scar tissue.
Types of Candidates for Brachioplasty
Many people come to our office in New Jersey unsatisfied with the way their upper arms look. They can be mostly divided into two categories, people who have experienced massive weight loss, and people who are chasing a more youthful appearance.
Arm Rejuvenation
As we age, it’s normal for our skin to begin sagging in all sorts of places. Your face might look less plump, the abdominal area can become less defined. Arms also go through this! As we lose muscle or fat, the skin under the biceps can become heavy in appearance.
Only people with very intense exercise routines can manage to hold off this effect, and even then the results of gym work varies wildly depending on your genetic predisposition. Arm lifts are an alternative to all of this, and with the help of an expert hand, you can achieve a proportioned and youthful look once more.
Arm Lift for Massive Weight Loss
Having loose skin after massive weight loss can have a negative effect for people who have gone through all that process. The expectation is that after getting yourself in shape, your body will be like those in the magazines, showing off your new strong figure. However, skin doesn’t always do its part in this, and can end up hiding all the progress you have done.
Furthermore, aesthetics are not the only reason loose skin can be problematic. Constant rubbing of it can cause irritation in areas like the legs and the arms, and difficulty working out since it’s an additional weight that isn’t strongly anchored to your frame.
Arm lifts can be a part of your weight loss journey, and help you regain the confidence to wear sleeveless tops without having to worry at all.
Arm Lift Surgery in Florham Park, New Jersey
If you happen to be located near Florham Park, New Jersey, the award winning Dr. Fodero can help you through the process of getting an arm lift. Northeastern Plastic Surgery prides itself in offering an excellent service that prioritizes patient satisfaction over quantity, and we have the expertise to deal with whatever plastic surgery you want to get done.
Don’t hesitate to contact us for your appointment. Time to get the body you have always wanted!