Arm Stretching

What is Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)?

Arm lift surgery is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat in the upper arm area, resulting in a firmer, aesthetic and shaped arm appearance. Sagging of the upper arms may occur due to aging, rapid weight loss or genetic factors. This causes aesthetic concerns for many people and arm lift surgery offers a permanent solution to this problem.

Who is Suitable for Arm Lift Surgery?

Arm lift surgery is especially suitable for people with the following conditions:

• Significant sagging of the arm skin after rapid weight loss
• Those who lose the elasticity of the arm skin due to aging
• Those with loose arm skin that cannot be eliminated by diet and exercise
• People who are in good general health and do not have an obstacle to surgery

However, it is recommended that smokers quit smoking before surgery. In addition, people who will continue to gain and lose weight after the surgery should postpone the procedure for better results.

How is Arm Lift Surgery Performed?

Arm lift surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia and takes an average of 1.5-3 hours. Different techniques can be applied depending on the method determined by the surgeon and the degree of sagging.

Incision Making

In arm lift surgery, the incision is usually made in a line starting from the armpit and extending to the elbow. However, in some cases, the procedure can be performed with a small incision only in the armpit area.

Removal of excess skin and fat

After the incision is opened, excess skin and fat tissue are removed. If the patient also has excess fat, arm shaping can be performed with liposuction.

Stitching and Dressing

After the excess tissues are removed, the skin is tightened and stitches are removed. Drains may be placed to prevent blood accumulation at the surgical site. It is recommended to use a special bandage or corset after surgery.

Recovery Process After Arm Lift Surgery

Although the postoperative recovery process varies from person to person, it usually consists of the following stages:

First Week

• Patients are usually discharged on the day of surgery.
• There may be swelling, bruising and mild pain for the first few days. Painkillers prescribed by the doctor will make this process more comfortable.
• Keeping the arms elevated helps to reduce swelling.
• Heavy lifting should be avoided.

First Month

• The surgical site continues to heal and swelling is greatly reduced.
• Patients can return to their daily routine but heavy physical activity should be avoided.
• Hygiene must be observed to prevent infection of the surgical site.

After 3-6 Months

• Incision scars fade over time.
• The final results start to appear and the arms look firmer and shapelier.
• Doctor's approval should be obtained for activities such as sports and heavy lifting.

Advantages of Arm Lift Surgery

• Eliminates saggy and loose appearance, giving a younger and firmer arm structure.
• It allows you to feel more free in your clothing choices.
• Increases mobility by making it easier to exercise.
• It increases the self-confidence of the person by removing the deformations that occur especially after excessive weight loss.

Are There Risks of Arm Lift Surgery?

As with any surgical procedure, arm lift surgery also has some risks. These include

• Infection
• Bleeding and bruising
• Anesthesia-related reactions
• Surgical scar formation
• Loss of sensation or temporary numbness

To minimize these risks, the patient should follow the doctor's recommendations and carefully monitor the healing process.

Does Arm Lift Surgery Provide Permanent Results?

Arm lift surgery offers long-term and permanent results. However, postoperative weight gain and the aging process can cause the skin to loosen again. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, exercising regularly and maintaining an ideal weight will help maintain the results of the surgery for many years.

Other Procedures that can be Combined with Arm Lift Surgery

Arm lift surgery can often be combined with other body contouring operations. The most preferred combinations are as follows:

• Liposuction (Fat Removal): For people with excess fat tissue in the arm area, better results can be achieved with liposuction.
• Breast Lift It can be preferred to provide an aesthetic harmony in the entire upper body area.
• Tummy Tuck It is one of the most common combined procedures among the operations performed after major weight loss.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will there be a scar after arm lift surgery?
Yes, a thin scar may remain after surgery. However, since the incision is usually on the inside of the arm or in the armpit area, it becomes a scar that fades and becomes less prominent over time.

How long does the healing process take?
Patients usually recover substantially within 4-6 weeks. However, it may take 3-6 months to see full results.

When can I start sports after surgery?
Light walking can be done after a few weeks, but strenuous activities such as weight lifting should wait at least 6 weeks.

Can arm lift surgery be performed again?
If the skin sags again over time or if the patient loses a significant amount of weight, a second arm lift can be performed. However, a one-time procedure is usually sufficient.

Conclusion

Arm lift surgery for individuals with sagging and laxity in the upper arms is a permanent and effective solution. Choosing the right surgeon and complying with postoperative recommendations increases the success of the surgery. This operation, which increases self-confidence and provides a more aesthetic appearance, is among the popular plastic surgeries for both women and men.