A person’s weight loss journey can be life-altering. If you have done the hard work of achieving significant weight loss, you should, first of all, feel extremely proud. No matter how you did it, it’s no easy feat to lose a lot of weight.
Of course, it goes without saying that you should also do yourself the favor of maximizing your hard work and success. For many, this means taking the next step and seeing if you’ll benefit from body contouring.
Body contouring procedures can include anything from arm lift surgery or an upper body lift to tummy tuck surgery or BBL procedures. Today, we’ll be discussing arm lift after weight loss.
When it comes to excess fat arms seem to often carry a lot. Of course, this also means that once you lose the excess fat, you’ll end up with a lot of excess skin. An arm lift is the surgery that can correct this issue. So is it really worth it? Let’s find out.
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What Is an Arm Lift?
An arm lift, also called brachioplasty or an upper arm lift, is a cosmetic surgery that removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms. Many weight loss patients experience sagging skin after losing weight, making an arm lift a popular choice for body contouring.
The procedure tightens and reshapes the upper arms, creating a more toned look. Arm lift surgery is often combined with other body contouring procedures like a tummy tuck or lower body lift for more comprehensive results.
Arm Lift Recovery
Recovery after an arm lift surgery requires patience and proper care. Most patients need to wear a compression garment to reduce swelling and support the healing tissues.
Swelling and bruising are common but improve within a few weeks. Surgical procedures like this require limited arm movement during the early recovery period to prevent strain on the incisions.
Most patients return to light activities within a week and resume exercise after about six weeks. Following all post-operative instructions from your arm lift surgeon helps ensure a smooth healing process.
The Benefits of an Arm Lift After Weight Loss
Improves Arm Contours
An arm lift after weight loss removes excess skin and fat, improving the overall shape of the upper arms. This creates a more toned and sculpted appearance that cannot be achieved through exercise alone.
Boosts Confidence
Many weight loss patients feel self-conscious about their arms due to sagging skin. Removing excess skin can help restore confidence and make it easier to wear short sleeves or fitted clothing.
Eliminates Skin Discomfort
Excess sagging skin can cause irritation and even skin infections. Removing excess skin through arm fat removal can reduce chafing and discomfort, making daily activities more comfortable.
Enhances Overall Body Proportions
An arm lift is often performed alongside other body contouring surgery procedures to create balanced results. Removing extra skin from the upper arms can enhance the results of a body lift or breast lift.
Long-Lasting Results
An arm lift provides permanent results as long as the patient maintains a stable weight. While natural aging can affect skin elasticity, the improvements from skin removal surgery are long-lasting.
Risks of Arm Lift Surgery
When performed by an experienced arm lift surgeon, complications are rare. Most patients heal without issues by carefully following post-operative care instructions. However, as with all surgical procedures, there are potential risks to consider.
Noticeable Scarring
All surgical procedures leave scars, but an arm lift scar typically fades over time. The incision is usually placed along the inner arm, making it less noticeable. Proper scar care can help improve healing.
Infection
While rare, infections can occur if incisions are not properly cared for. Patients should follow all wound care instructions and take prescribed antibiotics to prevent complications.
Swelling & Bruising
Swelling and bruising are common after an arm lift, but usually subside within a few weeks. Wearing a compression garment can help reduce swelling and speed up recovery.
Numbness or Short-Term Sensation Changes
Some patients experience temporary numbness or tingling in their upper arms after surgery. This typically resolves as the nerves heal.
So, Is an Arm Lift After Weight Loss Worth It?
For most weight loss patients, an arm lift is definitely worth it. This is mainly because it removes loose skin and enhances arm contours.
If you have undergone significant weight loss and are left with hanging skin, this procedure can help you achieve a more sculpted look. While an arm lift cost varies, many patients find the long-term benefits outweigh the expense. Choosing a qualified cosmetic surgeon and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help ensure the best results.
FAQs: Arm Lift Surgery
How can I find the best arm lift surgeon?
Look for a board certified cosmetic surgeon with experience performing brachioplasty. Looking at arm lift before and after photos and reading patient reviews can help you further understand their expertise. A consultation allows you to ask questions and determine if the chosen surgeon is a good fit for you.
Is arm lift surgery painful?
Most patients experience mild to moderate discomfort after an arm lift, which is manageable with prescribed pain medication. Soreness and tightness in the upper arms are common but improve as healing progresses.
How much skin is removed during an arm lift?
The amount of skin removed depends on the degree of excess sagging skin. Some patients need a traditional arm lift, while others require an extended arm lift for more significant tightening. Your surgeon will determine the best approach for your needs.
Set Up a Consultation Today
Plastic surgeon Dr. Sanam Zahedi has extensive experience performing body contouring procedures such as arm lift surgery. If you are interested in this or other body contouring procedures, please get in touch with us today. We’d love to set up a consultation for you to learn how an arm lift can improve your confidence and comfort.
References
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/body-contouring/surgeon
