Should I Be Worried About Arm Lift Scars?
Have you lost weight, but are struggling with saggy skin or pockets of unwanted fat, particularly with your upper arms? Has getting older or recent weight loss presented you with an undesirable appearance of "bat wings?" If you want fit, svelte-looking arms again, then arm lift surgery can be an effective solution. Brachioplasty is a surgical procedure that addresses flaps of loose skin or fat in the upper arm area caused by weight loss, age, or hereditary traits. Arm lift surgery can minimize this irritating condition for patients, even those who are fit and healthy, when their skin is not as taut or contoured as it used to be.
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jeffrey LaGrasso is well-known for his ability to listen to his patients' needs and for his technical skills, which provide beautiful results. During a one-on-one consultation at his state-of-the-art practice in Miami, FL, he will work with you to develop a surgical plan and explain the benefits of this cosmetic treatment. Read on to learn more about how this body contouring procedure can reshape how your upper arms look and what to expect during arm lift recovery.
How is an arm lift performed?
The goal of arm lift surgery is to give patients a more toned, fit-looking upper arm. Body contouring procedures, like brachioplasty, can address excess skin and fat, helping individuals achieve a more aesthetically pleasing, natural shape. During arm lift surgery, incisions are made from the elbow to the armpit to remove flabby skin. Dr. LaGrasso may determine liposuction is needed in conjunction with an arm lift to remove any excess fat for better aesthetic results. In some cases, only liposuction may be required to reduce the size of the upper arm. Dr. LaGrasso will work with each patient to determine the best method, incision placement, and overall surgical needs during a private consultation. One of the most common questions Dr. LaGrasso hears is, "Does arm lift surgery leave scars?"
Does arm lift surgery leave scars?
Arm lift surgery can help a person's arms look more proportional to other parts of their body while boosting their self-esteem. However, some individuals are hesitant about brachioplasty because of the potential scarring left behind. The surgical technique required will vary by patient, depending on how much fat and skin needs to be removed. Patients who have good skin tone or a less severe case of loose skin will only require a minor incision, also known as a mini arm lift. A small incision is made in the armpit where excess fat and skin can be removed.
More moderate to severe cases of loose, hanging skin and fat will require a full upper arm lift or brachioplasty. This surgical procedure requires a longer incision that may lead from the elbow to the armpit. Arm lift surgery, like most procedures that involve incisions, will leave scars. Regardless of what type of technique is needed for each patient's arm lift surgery, Dr. LaGrasso is extremely conscientious about incision placement to give each patient the best outcome with minimal scarring. Additionally, his experienced and knowledgeable team will review ways to reduce the signs of arm surgery scars.
What can I expect during arm lift recovery?
Arm lift surgery is an outpatient procedure that is performed while the patient is under general anesthesia. On average, arm lift surgery takes about two hours, unless patients opt to also incorporate other body contouring techniques, like a tummy tuck or lower body lift, which will extend the duration. After surgery, the arms will be protected with compression garments and drainage tubes (if needed) to reduce the risk of infection. Patients will experience bruising and swelling, which is normal. With proper at-home care, and following post-op instructions, patients should be able to return to normal function in about 4 – 6 weeks. In about six months, arm lift scars fade, and patients can begin to enjoy long-lasting results.
It is a great accomplishment to lose weight and get healthy. However, Miami, FL women and men who achieve significant weight loss are often left with skin that has lost elasticity. Upper arm skin can even become flabby and loose with age. Arm lift surgery aims to reshape a person's upper arm with liposuction and skin tightening techniques so patients can feel more attractive. Even though scarring is inevitable with a surgical procedure, working closely with an expert like Dr. LaGrasso will provide the best possible aesthetic outcome. Most patients feel the benefits of this cosmetic procedure far outweigh the scars left behind.
If you are considering arm lift surgery or need additional body contouring help in other areas, we invite you to schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jeffrey LaGrasso. Dr. LaGrasso will listen to your concerns and help you achieve your aesthetic goals, so you feel more comfortable about showing off your arms again. Call our Miami, FL office today to schedule your appointment.