As a result of considerable weight loss or with advancing age, the skin of the upper arm may sag, and this body region is difficult to slim even with targeted gymnastics exercises, while tightening the skin would require building more muscle. The problem can be corrected with combined upper arm plastic surgery.
Arm lift
When is an arm lift warranted?
Adipose tissue accumulated on the upper arms can be removed by liposuction if the skin tone is appropriate. Over the age of 40, when the skin has begun losing its firmness and is sagging on the inner surface of the upper arm, liposuction is no longer sufficient and it may be necessary to remove excess skin. After an arm lift you can say goodbye for good to flabby upper arms and wear your favorite sleeveless tops once again.
What happens at the first consultation?
During the first consultation our plastic surgeon will inform you in detail about the course of the surgery and the possible risk factors and, based on their references, show you what your expected best outcome will be if you decide to have surgery, and what corrections are needed based on your specific needs.
Preparing for surgery
As with all surgeries you will need to have a full examination before an arm lift, which includes laboratory tests and, if necessary, other tests (e.g., an ECG and an x-ray). In our private hospital, we perform all the necessary tests at the same time to save you time and make your preparations for arm lift surgery more convenient. We then give you some lifestyle tips to help you prepare for surgery and to speed up your recovery. These include quitting smoking - at least temporarily - as nicotine slows the healing processes, consuming adequate amounts of fluids, vitamins and trace elements (vitamin C, selenium, zinc) and avoiding the use of aspirin, ginkgo biloba and other natural remedies, because these affect blood clotting.
What happens during surgery?
If the plastic surgeon deems it necessary, the accumulated fatty deposits are removed by liposuction via a thin tube which sucks away the excess. To tighten the skin, an incision along the inside of the upper arms is made to achieve a firmer effect by removing excess skin. Only absorbable sutures are used throughout, sparing you the inconvenience of later suture removal. This procedure, under anesthesia, takes 2-2.5 hours, or 1-1.5 hours if only liposuction is required.
Recovery, regeneration
After surgery you will need to spend one night in our private hospital, where you can relax in pleasant and comfortable surroundings. The surgical site should not be exposed to water for one week. During the first two weeks it is important to avoid any strenuous physical activity. After two weeks you can gradually resume your previous rhythm of life, and after three weeks light exercise is allowed. Neither the solarium, sunbathing, nor the sauna are advised for two months. Our plastic surgeon will call you back for a postoperative examination at specified intervals. The visible scars heal in approximately 6 months and those under the skin within about 2 years. The change will be noticeable in the weeks immediately following surgery, but over the next six months the contours of the arm will continue to take shape. Although we try to filter out all risk factors during preoperative examinations for plastic surgery, unforeseen complications may occur. At the first consultation your plastic surgeon will inform you about these and how to avoid them.