Candidates for Brachioplasty
The best candidate for an arm lift are those in relatively good shape but are bothered by excess loose, hanging and/or flabby skin that won’t respond to diet or exercise. The surgery is particularly helpful for people who have lost a significant amount of weight and have stretched their arm skin to the point where its elasticity has been irreversibly damaged to the point where it cannot return to normal.
Patients who intend to lose a significant amount of weight should postpone this type of surgery (this also goes for abdominoplasties, breast lifts or reductions and facelifts). Of course, loss of skin elasticity in older patients, which frequently occurs with slight obesity and or genetic predisposition, can also be improved with the surgery.
Of course, individual results can vary, but brachioplasty can enhance your appearance and self-confidence but it won’t necessarily change your looks to match your ideal or, indeed, cause certain people to treat you differently. Before you decide to have this type of surgery, you must think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with your surgeon.
Risks and challenges
Thousands of brachioplasties are performed with excellent results each year. When performed by a board-certified, respected plastic surgeon who is trained in body contouring, the results of this surgery are generally very positive. Nonetheless, there are risks associated with all types of plastic surgery including this one.
These generally fall into two groups: infection and poor healing.
Infections are treated with antibiotics and drainage is necessary.
Poor healing, which results in conspicuous scars may necessitate further treatments such as steroid injections, lasers and possibly a minor secondary operation such as a scar revision. Smokers should be advised to stop smoking since tobacco use may increase the risks of complications and possible dehiscence (separation of the wound in the postoperative period).
You can reduce complication risk by closely following your surgeon’s instructions before and after the surgery and should you have any questions, never hesitate to ask the office staff.