Many people are insecure about the appearance of their arms. Many women hide their arms by wearing long-sleeve shirts or dark clothing. Having to adjust your wardrobe to accommodate your arms can be frustrating and impact your self-confidence. An arm lift is an effective procedure as it improves the shape of the upper arms. It removes excess skin and fat, revealing a smoother and more toned appearance. You may wonder, am I a good candidate for an arm lift? Below you will find helpful information about the procedure and why it is right for you.
Am I a Good Candidate for an Arm Lift?
Even with regular exercise and dieting, it can be challenging to achieve the arms you want. Natural aging and weight loss can affect how your upper arms look. They may look flabby, untoned, and large. This can affect self-confidence because it changes the appearance of your entire body. An arm lift is a great option to address the upper arm area. Below are the candidacy requirements for the procedure.
Loose or Sagging Skin on the Upper Arms
Loose or sagging skin is often caused by weight loss, aging, or genetics. In some cases, exercise alone may not address the issue. Many people combine cardio and weight lifting to tone their arms. However, it can be difficult to achieve your desired look. Stubborn fat and loose skin can be addressed with an arm lift. If you have loose skin in the upper arms, consider an arm lift at the top plastic surgery center. They have the necessary skills and experience to deliver amazing results.
Maintain a Stable and Healthy Weight
Maintaining a stable weight ensures your results last. Weight fluctuations can impact your results and require additional surgery. Significant weight gain stretches the skin out again. This can leave you right where you started once you lose the weight again. It is important to be at your goal weight before surgery. Maintaining your goal weight for a few months is a strong predictor of patient success after an arm lift.
Good Overall Health
Patients should be in good overall health before surgery. This reduces your risk of complications before and after surgery. If you have any health conditions that could affect healing, they must be well-managed before surgery. Work with your surgeon to ensure you can achieve your health goals well before your surgery date. If you are a smoker, you must quit before and after surgery. Consult with your surgeon about your smoking habits so they can determine if you are still a good candidate or not.
Realistic Expectations
Patients should have realistic expectations about the surgery. This includes both the benefits and limitations. Your surgeon can help you understand the ways in which an arm lift can help you achieve your aesthetic goals. Be sure to ask any questions you have about the procedure and the recovery process to ensure you are fully prepared. Patients with realistic expectations before surgery often have the highest satisfaction rates after surgery.
Arm Lift Procedure
An arm lift is a surgical procedure that reshapes the upper arms. This is done by removing the excess skin and fat in the area. An arm lift is typically performed under general anesthesia. However, this will be discussed at your consultation, so you are fully prepared on the day of your surgery.
Once you are anesthetized, an incision is made along the inner or back of the arm. The excess skin and fat are then removed. The remaining tissue is tightened and reshaped to achieve your desired aesthetic. Once this is done, the incision is carefully closed. Depending on the amount of excess fat in the area, liposuction may be combined with an arm lift. This may be necessary to help you achieve your desired results.
There are several types of arm lift techniques. The type that is right for you depends on how much excess skin you have. A small incision can be used for mild skin laxity in the upper arm area. However, a traditional arm lift is necessary for moderate to severe sagging. For patients with excess skin extending toward the chest, an extended arm lift is best. Your surgeon will advise you on which technique is best based on your unique needs.
Recovering from an Arm Lift
Recovering from an arm lift can take about 1 to 2 weeks. Each patient is unique so that recovery timelines can vary. Knowing what to expect throughout the process can make healing so much easier.
First Week After Surgery
The first week should be focused on rest and recovery. Symptoms may include swelling, bruising, mild discomfort, and limited arm movement. This is entirely normal, and these symptoms should subside gradually over the next few weeks.
Compression garments are used to reduce swelling and promote healing. Any pain is effectively managed with medication. Take all of your prescribed medication as directed during this time. It is helpful to have a trusted friend or family member stay with you for the first few days. They can help with meal preparation and administering your prescribed medication.
Second Week After Surgery
The second week after surgery is often much easier. Swelling gradually improves, and mobility increases. It is still advisable to take things slowly during the second week. Light movement can help increase blood flow and promote healing. Gentle walks throughout the day are the best form of movement as you heal. By the end of the second week, you can often get back to your daily routine. This includes going to work if you have a desk job. Strenuous activity, vigorous exercise, and heavy lifting should still be avoided. Attend all of your follow-up visits so your surgeon can assess your progress.
Top Plastic Surgery Center
Feeling confident in how you look is important for your self-esteem. If you are unhappy with the look of your arms, contact the team at Leyngold Institute for Plastic Surgery today to schedule your consultation!