Arm Lift
An arm lift is not strictly a weight loss surgery. In fact patients tend to fall into 2 distinct categories.
First are the patients who do have fatty deposits under the arms that need to be removed. In this case an Arm Lift (or Brachioplasty) can be used in conjunction with Liposuction, to suck out the fat and then tighten up the skin.
Second are those patients who have already undergone dramatic weight loss, for example after a Gastric Bypass, and who now have unpleasant flaps of skin under their arms. Having been stretched for so long, the skin finds it hard to regain its elasticity when the fat is no longer there.
Arm Lift Basics
An incision is made under the armpit, and running along the arm to the elbow. The excess fat is sucked out using Liposuction, before any excess skin is cut off and the tissue is sewn back together.
This surgery does tend to leave significant scarring underneath the arm, so the procedure is only recommended for patients willing to swap flabby arms for these scars. In practice, those patients with only slightly fallby arms or loose skin tend not to opt for this surgery.
An Arm Lift can cost upwards of $5000 with a reputable plastic surgeon.
Will an Arm Lift work for me?
Be aware that an arm lift is essentially exchanging one problem (flabby arms) for another (scarred arms). You must really want the surgery, and be fully ready for the emotional effects of scarring, before undergoing this procedure.
Arm Lift Recovery
Patients usually undergo general anaesthesia for an arm lift. The procedure is relatively straightforward and should last no longer than 2 hours, after which patients will go home. There will be some pain for the first 5 days or so, and swelling that can last up to 2 weeks. All bandages will be removed after 7 days, and most patients can be back at work within a week. You must hold off the exercise for at least 2 weeks though.
Arm Lift Dangers
An Arm Lift is a very safe procedure, but those patients who choose general anaesthesia are subject to the usual associated risks.
Of greater concern is whether the patient is ready for the scarring that inevitably follows this type of surgery. You should always consult your doctor before making a decision.