A sudden amount of major weight loss typically causes the skin to hang and sag. This occurs because the skin is struggling to shrink back down to the body’s new contours after stretching to accommodate them during weight gain. Apart from major weight loss, old age and heredity can also lead to your skin developing a drooping appearance. The upper arm is one of the areas where skin tends to sag, and it is often resistant to removal through diet and exercise.

In order to remove the excess skin, you can come in for brachioplasty surgery, also known as an arm lift. An arm lift is a body-contouring technique that will provide your upper arms with a slender and better-defined look. It can be performed in conjunction with other contouring procedures to remove sagging skin from many areas of the body.

How Does Brachioplasty Work?

Brachioplasty surgery is typically performed under the effect of general anesthesia. During brachioplasty, your surgeon will make precise incisions in the upper arms. Your surgeon will choose the incision locations well in advance to ensure the best possible results.

After the incisions are made, loose skin is removed from the target areas, and the remaining skin is repositioned to give your arms a better shape. Liposuction will be used to remove stubborn deposits of fat that are not receptive to exercise. After your skin has been repositioned, the incisions will be sealed with deep sutures.

Good Candidates for Brachioplasty

The best candidate for an arm lift is an individual who recently lost a significant amount of weight and is unable to remove stubborn deposits of fat through diet and exercise. You will need to have a good level of overall health, and you will need medical clearance before you can get brachioplasty surgery.

Your weight must be relatively stable in the months leading up to the surgery. Chronic smokers are bad candidates, as smoking can affect the results and increase the required healing time. You should have realistic expectations for the outcome of the surgery.

How Long Will Recovery Take?

Recovery from surgery takes a minimum of two weeks, though some patients are able to recover completely within a few days. Your surgeon will provide you with a detailed, personalized recovery plan during your consultation.

You should avoid most exercise for the first two to three weeks after surgery, though light exercises are encouraged after the first week. You should be able to engage in moderates exercises after three weeks, and you will need at least six weeks to return to a rigorous exercise plan.

Patients can typically return to work in a week, unless the job requires strenuous labor. They can resume their daily routine within a couple of weeks. Patients are likely to experience swelling, soreness, and inflammation for the first week or so and will receive a prescription for pain medication. Patients will also need to take sponge baths for the first few days; they can resume normal bathing once any surgical drains are removed.

Interested in Learning More About the Arm Lift?

Those who would like to find out more about the arm lift procedure should contact the office of Dr. Patrick Felice to arrange a consultation. Dr. Felice is a board-certified plastic surgeon who will be happy to help you achieve your aesthetic goals.