The arm lift, also known as brachioplasty, is a plastic surgery during which excess fat and skin is removed between the armpit and elbow.
Dr. Dragana Spica identifies the amount of excess skin under the arm and marks it before the surgery. The incision is made on the inside of the arm through which Dr. Spica uses liposuction to eliminate excess fat tissue and another technique to tighten the loose skin.
The result is better toned and contoured upper arms with a scar on the inside of the arms.
The different techniques of brachioplasty depend on the skin quality and extend of excess underarm fat tissue and skin.
Good candidates for arm lift surgery are individuals who had a major weight loss and experience significantly stretched and loose skin in the upper arm area.
Individuals who wish to contour their upper arms and also elevate physical discomfort caused by rashes or inflammations in excess skin folds can significantly benefit from arm lift.
Good candidates are people who have loose, hanging skin in the upper arm area because of aging or genetic predisposition.
Brachioplasty is a surgical procedure that significantly improves the appearance of the upper arm area.
After the excess fat and skin have been eliminated, upper arms appear better toned and contoured.
Arm lift surgery generally lasts from 1 to 3 hours. It may last longer depending on the complexity and extent of the surgery.
Brachioplasty is performed under general anesthesia.
In some cases, Dr. Spica and the anesthesiologist can decide to perform it with sedation and local anesthesia.
Since brachioplasty is an invasive surgical procedure it carries certain risks and side effects including:
The results of brachioplasty may last for up to 10 years, or even longer depending on the genetic predisposition, lifestyle habits and aging. It’s important to keep a steady weight to prolong the results.
The price of brachioplasty depends on the complexity and the length of the surgery.
Before the brachioplasty surgery, you need to have a thorough consultation with Dr. Dragana Spica. She will examine the skin on your upper arms and decide which brachioplasty technique would be the most suitable in your case.
Dr. Spica may require blood tests to determine if you are in good physical shape for the surgery.
She will advise you to stop smoking and taking certain vitamins and supplements.
It’s important to arrange for someone to drive you home after the surgery.
On the day of your brachioplasty you are prepped for the surgery and given anesthesia.
According to the chosen brachioplasty technique, Dr. Dragana Spica makes the incision and removes the excess skin and fat tissue. Dr. Spica then brings the incision together to create a firmer and smoother upper arm contour.
She will close the incision carefully in order to minimize scarring. The sutures may be placed beneath the skin. The treated area will be covered with dressing and compression garment and, if necessary, drains may be placed as well.
When you feel comfortable, you are discharged from the surgical sites and given all the instructions for the recovery period.
Brachioplasty is not painful during the procedure. After the surgery, you may experience moderate discomfort.
The recovery after brachioplasty generally lasts for 1 week.
During the first 2 weeks you should sleep with your arms elevated on two pillows to help with drainage of fluids and reduction of swelling. Avoid lifting heavy objects for several weeks.
You can return to exercising after 6 weeks.
The scars will be pink and firm for about 6 weeks. They will lighten in color and get flat after 9 to 12 months.
You should pay attention to the presence of swelling, which should subside after several weeks.
Also, you need to keep the surgical site clean to prevent infection.
It’s important to have regular follow-up appointments with Dr. Dragana Spica and schedule an appointment for removing the stitches.
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