Surgical Procedures - Body Sculpting

Upper Arm Lift/Brachioplasty

Hurlingham Clinic Upper Arm Lift/Brachioplasty An arm lift is done to remove excess skin from the upper arm area. An upper arm lift is part of a cosmetic surgery procedure called 'body contouring' which is designed to remove skin and fat from various body areas. This sagging skin in the upper arm is usually caused by weight loss. However, the natural ageing process also causes skin to lose elasticity naturally. Many individuals find that the arms, in particular, lose their firmness as the layers of muscle and supporting fat become thinner. Some call this a 'bat wing' deformity. In such cases, an arm lift can help to restore and tighten these areas, giving a much firmer, youthful look and leaving you more confident to wear sleeveless tops and dresses.

RIGHT FOR YOU?

An arm lift can improve your appearance and your self-confidence, but it won't necessarily change your looks to match your ideal, or cause other people to treat you differently. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with your surgeon. The best candidates for an arm lift are men or women who are looking for improvement, not perfection, in the way they look. If you're physically healthy and realistic in your expectations, you may be a good candidate. However if you have 'bingo wings' associated with ageing then Smartlipo may be right for you.

This surgery is not suitable after mastectomy or other operations in the axillary (armpit) lymph nodes. Those with multiple infections of the sweat gland may also be poor candidates for brachioplasty.

SOME RISK

In most cases, an arm lift is a very straightforward procedure. But as with any operation, there are risks. Anyone considering surgery, however, should be aware of any risks. The most common risks include infection, bleeding and an unsightly scar. Your surgeon will discuss these with you during your consultation.

PLANNING

In your initial consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your health and explain which surgical techniques are most appropriate for you, based on the condition of your arms and skin tone. Be sure to discuss your expectations frankly with him. He will be equally frank with you, describing your alternatives and the risks and limitations of each. And, be sure to tell your surgeon if you smoke and if you're taking any medications, vitamins or other drugs. He will also explain the type of anaesthesia to be used, the hospital or surgery centre where the surgery will be performed and the costs involved.

PREPARATION

Our staff will give you detailed instructions to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain medications. While making preparations, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery and to help you out for a few days.

WHERE?

Can be performed with local anaesthetic and sedation, or general anaesthetic. Arm lift surgery takes place in hospital. Your surgeon will review your options with you. The surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis. Occasionally, it may be done as an inpatient, in which case you can plan on staying for an extra day.

ANAESTHESIA

The Hurlingham Clinic and Spa offers a modern, patient-friendly approach to anaesthesia TIVA - Total Intravenous Anaesthesia. TIVA, is a newer anaesthetic technique which has risen in profile within the last 5-8 years. It has been made possible with the advent of a new generation of intravenous medications with unique properties. TIVA patients sleep soundly during the entire operation, feeling no pain and experiencing no anxiousness. They wake up quickly and comfortably with no memory of their procedure. Many patients prefer this type of anaesthetic to traditional general anaesthetics since they feel comfortable, wake quickly, have less nausea, experience none of the 'hang-over' effect of a full general anaesthetic, and therefore can be discharged earlier. TIVA is safe, effective, extremely well tolerated and is the anaesthetic of choice of Hurlingham Clinic surgeons and most of their patients.

Alternatively, for some patients, they and their surgeons may decide that a full general anaesthetic is still the best choice. Discuss your options for anaesthesia during your consultation with your cosmetic surgeon.

WHAT HAPPENS?

There are different degrees of ptosis (drooping) deformity of the upper arm. Brachioplasty can remove the excess tissue and reduce the circumference of the upper arm. The specific type of surgical correction depends on the amount of extra skin present and how loose the supporting tissues have become. Extra skin is removed from incisions along the inner arm, where the resulting scars can be best hidden.

The most commonly incision extends from just above the elbow to the armpit, running along the inner aspect of the upper arm. Surgical sculpture involves treating not just the superficial skin but also the deeper attachments that have loosened. In some cases of limited extra skin, the incision can be hidden in the armpit only. This type of technique can be used to re-suspend tissues in some cases but it is not a good answer for extensive redundant skin. Liposuction can also be useful to contour the fat layer.

Regardless of the location of the surgical incision, every effort is made to insure that the resulting scars will be as inconspicuous as possible. The surgery usually takes about one-and-a-half hours to compete and drainage tubes following the operation are rarely needed. Dissolving stitches are used to close the incisions, which will also be taped for greater support.

AFTER SURGERY

You're likely to feel tired and sore for a few days following your surgery, but you'll be up and around in 24 to 48 hours. Most of your discomfort can be controlled by medication that we will prescribe. Within several days, the dressings, if you have them, will be removed, and you will be asked to wear a compression garment. This is to reduce swelling and assist in shrinking and tightening of the skin. You should wear it as directed. Elevation with pillows increases comfort.

Recovery

Most patients can return to work within a week, depending on the level of activity required for one's job. Limiting lifting is important. Follow our advice on when to begin exercises and increasing activities after surgery. Your scars will be firm and pink for at least six weeks. They may remain the same size for several months, or even appear to widen with time. After several months, your scars will begin to fade, although they will never disappear completely.

HAPPY?

For most patients, the results of an arm lift are extremely satisfying. Your decision to have a thigh lift is a highly personal one that not everyone will understand. What is important is how you yourself feel about it. If you've met your personal goals, then your surgery is a success.