After a significant weight loss, patients may be concerned about the saggy appearance of their upper arms. This can also become a concern for many as the years pass. A loss of collagen can lead to excessive droopy upper arms. This can lead patients to wonder whether brachioplasty, also known as arm lift surgery, could be the right solution for them.
Both men and women can find themselves sharing this frustration. Even following a healthy lifestyle plan that includes a great diet and a good workout regimen, that excessive upper arm skin can be a challenge to tighten and tone.
Factors contributing to loose arm skin
There are three primary reasons that the majority of men and women start to consider arm lift surgery.
- The natural aging process
- Genetics
- Extreme weight loss
Each of these factors can contribute to seeing skin laxity or looseness. Sagging or hanging skin, often colloquially described as bat wings, can fast become a reality for men and women alike.
Reviewing arm lift details & gallery results of before and after the surgical procedure can lead to patients to consider the surgery.
It’s important to keep in mind that while exercise is a very important component for any healthy lifestyle, it quite often cannot do much to reduce or tighten sagging skin. This is due in large part to the skin on the upper arms being quite thin. It also has lowered levels of elastin, which can make it more difficult for stretched out skin to snap back in place after losing weight.
What happens during the procedure?
After a consultation with a qualified and experience cosmetic surgeon, the treatment plan will be formulated. On the day of the procedure, patients will be placed under a general anaesthetic. The surgeon will make an incision on the underside of the upper arm to remove excess fat and skin. In some cases, it may be necessary to rely on liposuction to trim down any areas of excessive fat build up.
The goal of the procedure is to reestablish the balanced look between both the upper and lower arms. The result will be a more youthful and toned overall appearance.
Am I a good candidate for the arm lift procedure?
The ideal candidate for the brachioplasty procedure will be a patient who is good overall health. They should be at a healthy weight that has been steadily maintained for at least six months. If patients are going to continue to lose weight or even gain weight, it could alter the results of the surgery.
Surgeons do often recommend combining the arm lift procedure with other top surgeries, such as breast reduction or augmentation. Combining procedures can help patients to get results faster, without needing to go under the knife multiple times.
It’s important to note that the recovery period can last for several weeks. Swelling and pain may be a factor for at least the first full week, and patients are urged to avoid strenuous activities.