If you haven’t been able to wear a sleeveless top or dress for quite some time now, know that there are ways to feel more confident about your arms. Exercise can do a lot for your upper arms but not if there is excess fat and skin present – this is where brachioplasty comes in.
The Basics of Brachioplasty
Brachioplasty, also known as an arm lift, is a body contouring procedure that addresses sagging skin on the upper arms. It’s only natural for your muscle mass to begin declining after the age of 30 but brachioplasty can add firmness to your upper arms again.
The procedure is not ideal for patients who are overweight or have a significant amount of fat present in the upper arm.
During the procedure, an incision is made on the inside of the arm between the armpit and elbow, after which excess fat and skin will be removed. A drain may be placed under the skin to reduce fluid build-up. Patients will be able to go home on the same day as their surgery.
Recovering after Brachioplasty – 5 FAQs
What can I expect right after my arm lift?
According to Melbourne plastic surgeon Dr Morris Ritz, your first priority is to reduce any swelling. Along with wrapping the area in bandages, you will also need to wear a compression garment. To reduce any discomfort, your surgeon will provide you with pain medication, which means you will need someone to drive you home. Increase your fluid intake once you get home and have someone to help you out for a few days.
How painful is my arm lift recovery going to be?
Discomfort is not something that you can work around unfortunately but it only lasts for a few days and you will have pain medication available to help you through it. Your arms will need at least a week or two to recover from the procedure. Keeping your arms elevated, even while sleeping, will help speed up your recovery.
Should I expect any scarring?
Since incisions are necessary to complete this procedure, there will be a scar. However, it will continue to fade as your arm heals and your skin regenerates. Keeping your scar out of direct sunlight will reduce its appearance.
When can I go back to work?
It’s important to take at least a week off of work but two weeks is ideal. Use this time to get as much rest as you can, which means you should also avoid any strenuous exercise and lifting your arms above your head. If your hands feel slightly weak after your procedure, know that this is normal and your strength will return. You may need to wait a month or two before you will be able to exercise your arms again.
Is it possible to combine an arm lift with other procedures?
It is absolutely possible to combine brachioplasty with other procedures but understand that this could affect your recovery time. Very often patients choose to also contour their breasts and abdomen along with their arms. Your surgeon will give you a better idea of how much recovery time you will need if you choose to combine procedures.
Your next step is to find a qualified and experienced surgeon who can walk you through this process from start to finish.
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