Arm lift (brachioplasty)
Brachioplasty is a plastic surgery that helps to get rid of the excess fat and loose skin on the upper arm. This is the place where the hateful “wings” are formed which can spoil any figure. This defect is typically caused by aging and rapid weight loss. In case of rapid weight loss the skin is not elastic enough to tighten fast. Brachioplasty is often combined with liposuction.
Brachioplasty — arm lift:
If there is not much fat in the arms it is enough to perform liposuction procedure using small incisions. The excess skin is removed in the armpit region leaving a small scar there. If the effected area is quite extensive an incision is placed on the inside of the forearm from the elbow to the armpit.
After making an incision the excess fat is removed, the redundant skin is dissected and removed, the muscles are lifted. Then the wound is closed with a cosmetic suture. A sterile bandage is applied.
Preparation to brachioplasty:
As any surgery brachioplasty requires thorough preparation. General clinical examination is performed including biochemical blood and urine test, X-ray examination and electrocardiography. Blood is tested for dangerous viruses and infections such as syphilis, all types of hepatitis, AIDS, etc. The blood clotting ability and Rh factor are determined.
If a patient has an allergy to some medications a doctor should be informed about it. Such diseases as cold must be completely cured before brachioplasty. This surgery cannot be performed during pregnancy and menstruation periods.
It is recommended to drop bad habits (smoking, consuming alcohol, overeating) 2 weeks before the procedure. Thus, smoking affects tissue healing negatively as it impairs blood circulation though blood vessels.
It is recommended to stick to a low-carb salt-free diet for 2 weeks preceding surgery. While observing a diet it is important to drink at least 2 liters of fresh water daily. This diet facilitates detoxification which reduces the recovery period after the procedure. No eating and drinking is allowed for 8 hours preceding surgery.
Surgery/procedure duration: 2 hours
Anesthesia: general anesthesia
Postoperative period:
Brachioplasty is often an outpatient procedure. Within a few hours after regaining consciousness a patient is discharged from the clinic and can return home. It is of utmost importance to give complete rest to hand muscles during the first days following the procedure. Bandages are changed several times a week. There is no need to remove stitches as usually self-absorbable threads are applied.
A compression bandage is applied to a hand to prevent swelling. It is also important to keep a hand in a raised position on the heart level by means of an arm sling. This will reduce the risk of swelling and facilitate the restoration of normal blood flow.
After absorption of sutures the bandage is removed and a patient can return to his or her normal way of living and increase the intensity of physical activities gradually. If a patient feels pain a doctor prescribes painkillers.
Full healing of wounds takes 2 to 3 weeks but the final brachioplasty result will be visible in 3 months. By that time the damaged tissues will heal, scars will become lighter and almost invisible, skin elasticity will improve.
