Get More Contoured Arms with an Arm Lift

Conveniently located to serve Pensacola, FL.

Front desk photo of Gulf Coast Plastic Surgery office

An arm lift, also known as a brachioplasty, is a cosmetic surgery that eliminates sagging skin in the underarm area to give it a trimmer, more defined look. Once the excess skin is removed, what’s leftover is placed over the new contours, creating a more toned look.

Why Choose An Arm Lift

With old age, the skin on the upper arm starts to become loose and sag. Significant or sudden weight loss can also result in sagging skin. Although exercise can tone the upper arm, the loss of elasticity due to excess skin cannot be overcome. In such cases, you can choose an arm lift to remove the excess skin.

Before The Arm Lift

There are a few things you could do before surgery to reduce the risks and get better results. Smoking can slow the healing process and increase the risk of complications. Quit smoking a month or two before the surgery in order to avoid an unnecessary risks.

Doctors also evaluate your current level of health and medical history to ensure that you are ready for the surgery. This is a good time to clarify any doubts or concerns you have about the procedure. Based on the preoperative evaluation, your doctor can figure out the best approach for surgery.

This is also the time to discuss your expectations and the appearance you wish to have post surgery. Avoid certain medications like aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs two weeks before the procedure.

During The Arm Lift

Depending on the technique used in surgery, you are given either a local or general anesthetic. Incisions are made on the undersides of your upper arms. The length and number of incisions depend on the amount of skin removed. The underlying tissues are tightened and secured with stitches.

If there is any extra fat, liposuction may be used to remove the fat.

Your skin is then placed over the new contours. Excess skin is removed where necessary. Finally, the incisions are closed. The procedure takes less than three hours.

Are There Any Risks From an Arm Lift Surgery?

All surgeries come with a certain amount of risks. Risks associated with an arm lift include excessive bleeding, scarring, fluid build-up, tissue damage, asymmetry in the shape of arms, changes in sensations on the skin and inflammation. There is also the risk of going under anesthesia.

Recovering From an Arm Lift Surgery

After the arm lift surgery is completed, the incisions closed and covered with bandages. Your arms are loosely wrapped in elastic bandages to reduce swelling. Small tubes may be placed to drain any excess fluid or blood. You may also wear a compression garment to keep the swelling down.

Avoid lifting your arms above the shoulder level for the first month. Avoid any physical exertion that can stretch the incision. If you smoke, you should avoid it while you recover to speed up the healing process.

Follow the aftercare instructions given by your doctor in order to heal quicker and experience the best results possible. While you can resume some activities within two weeks, returning to your normal activity level takes about six weeks.

You may lose some firmness with age, but the results do last for many years. Maintaining a stable weight may help your results last longer.

Contact Our Office

If you’re interested in learning more about the arm lift surgery, contact Gulf Coast Plastic Surgery to schedule your consultation today! We’ll help you achieve your ideal look with excellent plastic surgery services.

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