How is Arm Lift Surgery Performed?
Arm lift, medically known as brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure performed to remove sagging, loose skin and excess fat from the upper arms, typically resulting from aging, genetic factors, or significant weight loss. The goal is to give the arms a tighter and more contoured appearance. The surgical process can be examined under several main headings, from preparation to recovery.
1. Pre-operative Preparation and Consultation (Pre-operative Period)
The first step of arm lift surgery is a detailed consultation with a certified plastic surgeon. In this meeting:
- Assessment: The surgeon evaluates skin elasticity, the amount of excess fat, and the degree of skin sagging.
- Incision Type: The type of incision is decided according to the patient’s needs. If sagging is minimal, an incision limited to the armpit (mini lift) is planned; if it is moderate or advanced, a standard incision extending from the armpit to the elbow (standard lift) is planned.
- Medical History: The patient’s general health status, chronic diseases, medications used, and smoking history are thoroughly questioned. Smoking must be stopped for a period before and after the surgery, as it negatively affects wound healing.
- Expectations: The surgeon listens to the patient’s expectations and provides information about the realistic results that can be achieved.
2. Anesthesia Administration and Start of the Operation
On the day of the surgery, the procedures begin according to the determined plan:
- Anesthesia: Arm lift surgeries are generally performed under general anesthesia. Rarely, local anesthesia and sedation may be preferred for smaller procedures. After the anesthesia takes effect, the surgical area is sterilized.
- Marking: The surgeon meticulously marks the previously determined incision lines and the areas of excess tissue to be removed while the patient is standing or sitting.
3. Fat Removal (Liposuction) and Skin Excision
Arm lift surgery is usually performed with a two-stage approach:
- Fat Removal (Liposuction): If there is excess fat accumulation in the arm area, the surgeon first removes this fat using the liposuction method. This not only improves the arm’s contour but can also help achieve a smoother result by reducing the amount of skin to be removed. After the liposuction process makes the arms thinner, the actual lifting process begins.
- Skin Excision: The excess skin and underlying loose tissue are removed along the predetermined incision lines. In a standard brachioplasty, this incision extends from the inner surface of the arm (usually the least visible part, facing the patient’s body) from the armpit to the elbow. This completely tightens the sagging skin that causes the “bat wing” appearance on the underside of the arm.
4. Sutures and Closure
After the excess skin is removed, the remaining skin tissue is neatly joined together without creating surgical tension:
- Sutures: The incision line is carefully closed using multiple layers. This is important to reduce the internal tension of the wound and ensure a thinner scar. Absorbable sutures are generally used, eliminating the need to remove stitches.
- Drains and Dressing: Temporary drains (tubes) may be placed to drain excess fluid accumulated in the surgical area (not mandatory). Finally, the incision sites are covered with a dressing, and a compression garment or elastic bandage is wrapped around the arms to control edema (swelling) and help the skin adapt to its new contour.
5. Recovery Process (Post-operative Period)
- Hospital Stay: Arm lift surgery usually requires outpatient treatment (discharge on the same day) or an overnight hospital stay.
- Compression: Continuous use of the compression garment for the first few weeks is critically important for reducing swelling and shaping the skin.
- Activity Restriction: Excessive movement of the arms and heavy lifting should be strictly avoided in the first few days. Light activities can be resumed within a week, but full recovery and return to strenuous exercise usually takes 6-8 weeks.
- Wound Care: Dressing changes and wound site care should be done regularly according to the surgeon’s instructions. Scars will be noticeable initially, but they will continue to fade and soften over time.
As a result of these procedures, the arms gain a tighter, smoother, and more proportionate appearance, but the final result may take several months to fully settle. It should be noted that brachioplasty is a procedure that results in a permanent scar; however, this scar is usually positioned in the least visible area on the inner surface of the arm.
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Arm Lift Surgery (Brachioplasty) Description
An arm lift surgery (medically known as brachioplasty) is a surgical procedure performed to improve the appearance of the upper arms (the area from the shoulder to the elbow).
Here is a detailed description of the surgery:
💪 What is Arm Lift Surgery (Brachioplasty)?
An arm lift is a body contouring procedure that aims to remove excess sagging skin and sometimes excess fat from the lower (inner) side of the upper arms, which cannot be tightened with diet and exercise.
Goal: To make the underside of the arm smoother, firmer, and tighter, eliminating the “batwing” appearance.
Common Reasons: It is typically chosen to correct the looseness, sagging, and loss of volume in the upper arm skin that results from significant weight loss or due to aging and genetics.
Benefits: In addition to providing a more aesthetic appearance, it also reduces friction (chafing) caused by the sagging skin and restrictions on clothing choices.
🔪 Core Steps of the Procedure
Arm lift surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. The duration of the surgery and the shape of the incision (scar) vary depending on the area needing correction and the degree of sagging.
Anesthesia: General anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation is administered for the patient’s comfort.
Incision: The surgeon makes incisions in the predetermined areas. Incision types include:
Minimal/Limited Incision (Mini Arm Lift): Suitable for patients with minimal sagging close to the armpit area (upper part of the arm), not extending close to the elbow. The incision can often be concealed within the armpit crease.
Standard Incision (Extended Brachioplasty): The most common type. The incision usually starts at the armpit and extends down the inner or back surface of the arm to the elbow.
Extended Incision (Extended Arm Lift): To correct sagging that extends beyond the upper arm to the side of the chest and back area, an incision is made starting at the armpit and extending down to the side of the rib cage.
Tissue Removal and Contouring: The surgeon removes the excess skin and, if necessary, removes excess fat via liposuction. The remaining tissues are tightened and reshaped with internal sutures to support the new arm contour.
Closure: The incision lines are closed using sutures, surgical tape, or clips.
⏳ Recovery Process
Immediately After: Swelling, bruising, and mild pain are expected. Medications are prescribed to manage pain.
Compression Garment: A compression garment or bandages must be worn to reduce swelling and support the new contours.
Activity: Most patients can return to basic daily activities within a few days, but highly strenuous physical activities or activities that stress the arms (like heavy lifting) should generally be avoided for 4 to 6 weeks.
Scars: Since an arm lift requires extensive incisions, it will leave permanent scars. Surgeons try to conceal these scars as much as possible on the inner surface of the arm. The scars will fade over time (within 12–18 months) and become less noticeable, but they will not disappear completely.
