Tuesday, February 7, 2012

A Brief Guide to Arm Lift Procedures

An arm lift is also known as a brachioplasty and is one of the many body contouring techniques that cosmetic surgeons employ. The extra fleshy undersides of the upper arms found on overweight individuals are treated through arm lifts. The condition can also occur with age as the skin and muscle lose their tone. Exercise can help you firm muscles but sometimes it becomes very difficult to address loose skin and tightening it through an arm lift is the only alternative.


The procedure is basically carried out to tighten the skin and give it tone so that the resulting shape better reflects the natural shape of the upper arm. The results of an arm lift last for a long time. On your part, you need to maintain a stable weight and lead a healthy lifestyle.


A healthy individual, preferably a non-smoker, is an ideal candidate for brachioplasty. During the initial consultation, you will be evaluated for the procedure. Let the surgeon know about any drug allergies, previous medical conditions, and of course your expectations from the procedure. The surgeon may decide to carry out the arm lift along with liposuction to remove localized fat deposits from the underarm. Post-evaluation, you will learn about the risks associated with brachioplasty, the actual procedure, and post-operative care. Ask the doctor about the costs involved. These include surgeon's fees, anesthesia costs, post-surgery follow-up costs, prescription medicine, and special garments if required.


Risks that you are exposed to include infection, fluid accumulation, hematoma, skin necrosis, poor scar healing, and blood clotting. Your surgeon will also discuss with you the chances of revisional surgery, which is different from post surgery follow-ups and future surgery. In the period leading up to the brachioplasty procedure, you will be asked to give up smoking if you are a smoker. Aspirin can act as a blood thinner and you will be asked to stay off it.


The procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis. You will need to have somebody take you home.


During the surgery, incisions are made after either intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. The wound is closed with absorbable stitches or those that can be removed in around a fortnight's time. An advantage with brachioplasty is that the scar is fairly well hidden as the incision is made on the underside of the arms. This allows women to wear garments of their choice, for example short-sleeved dresses. The length of the scar will depend upon the extent of the procedure and the amount of skin to be removed. The scar, in any case, heals with time and blends with the skin. Also, unlike with other body contouring procedures there is very little chance of the subject being required to wear a compression bandage.


After the surgery, you need to be aware of how your body is reacting. Swelling that refuses to go, pus discharge, fever, shortness of breath are symptoms that should be reported to the doctor immediately. Follow the surgeon's instructions on how to take care of the operated-upon area. Do not stretch your arms such that the skin is unduly stretched. A small drainage tube may be placed to drain fluids; this will likely be kept for twenty-four to forty eight hours after the arm lift.

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