Plastic Surgeon & Medical Spa Serving Bryn Mawr, Villanova & Communities Near The Main Line Of Philadelphia, PA
Not everyone who is concerned with sagging body parts is focused on the thighs or abdominals. A good number of our patients also worry about excess skin that hangs from the lower arm and desire a brachioplasty procedure to firm and tighten this area.
Main Line Plastic Surgery offers arm lifts to patients in Philadelphia, Bala Cynwyd, Bryn Mawr, and other nearby areas in Pennsylvania. Please Text or Call to schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Raymond Jean.
What Is Brachioplasty?
Sometimes referred to as an arm lift, brachioplasty surgery removes that hanging skin that often protrudes from underneath your upper arm when it is fully extended. Brachioplasty surgery can give your arms a more sculpted look, something you may have difficulty achieving through weightlifting exercise.
Am I a Good Candidate for Brachioplasty?
You might want to consider brachioplasty if you are constantly wearing long sleeves or are always aware of sagging skin on the backs of your arms. An arm lift might also be appropriate if you have lost more than 100 pounds and have stretched out skin that will not conform to your new body contours.
Planning Your Brachioplasty Treatment
Arm motion is sometimes limited following brachioplasty. As such, you may need to take some time off from work if your job requires a great deal of lifting, tugging, pushing, or pulling. We also recommend having someone help you around the house with things such as vacuuming or carrying in groceries.
How Is Brachioplasty Performed?
An arm lift is an outpatient procedure that requires only local anesthesia to numb the area from the shoulder to the elbow. An incision will be made either inside the armpit or between the bicep and triceps muscle. Excess fat will be trimmed with a scalpel and liposuction may also be performed in some cases. Dr. Jean will sculpt the remaining tissues, trimming away loose skin and then stitching everything together to present a tightened, toned appearance.
What Activity Restrictions Will I Have After My Arm Lift?
Your post-op instructions will have detailed guidelines about all activity restrictions and their timelines. For example, you cannot drive until you're no longer taking prescription pain medication. You'll also want to resume driving slowly and gradually so you don't overstretch the arms and potentially disrupt the healing process.
In general, after your arm lift procedure, you can benefit from the following strategies:
- Rest as much as your body requests. You can move around and can benefit from walking for two to five minutes several times a day. However, during your first week of recovery, your energy may be significantly less than your norm. Take your time. Doing too much too soon could prolong your overall healing process.
- Avoid lifting your arms overhead. You may raise your arms up to about shoulder level but should wait at least two weeks before lifting any higher than that. You may need someone to help you brush or wash your hair during that time.
- Do not lift objects that weigh more than 10 pounds. Also, refrain from pulling or pushing objects over that weight as well.
- Keep your activity level to the bare minimum. You may be given clearance to resume all of your normal activities, including exercise, four to six weeks after your arm lift.
How Long Do I Have to Wear Compression After Brachioplasty?
Compression garments are a vital aspect of surgical recovery. Wearing your compression as directed, you can move through post-operative swelling, bruising, and discomfort more readily. In addition to gently and consistently pushing excess fluid away from the upper arms, your compression garments also protect your incisions while they heal and the skin closes. These garments should not prevent you from returning to work and performing the light activities for which you've been given clearance.
What Should I Expect in terms of Scarring After My Arm Lift?
Surgery and scarring go hand-in-hand. Your arm lift incisions may extend from your elbow area to the underarm area. They're placed along the inside of the arm where scars aren't immediately visible during most activities. Using meticulous suturing techniques, Dr. Jean achieves the best possible results in terms of scarring. That said, your scars mature in phases and the entire process can take up to one full year. During this time, you may engage in scar treatment protocols approved by Dr. Jean to facilitate optimal tissue recovery. Additionally, you can promote efficient wound healing by avoiding sun exposure to the area.
Are the Results of Arm Lift Surgery Permanent?
Arm lift surgery permanently removes the fat and skin that are causing that "bat wing" appearance. You can anticipate long-lasting results from your brachioplasty procedure, but there may come a time when signs of aging recur. This is usually subtle and not enough to warrant a second surgery. Your results can be supported with healthy weight management, sun protection, and various exercises that target the upper arms.
What to Expect* after Brachioplasty
Right away, you will notice that your skin no longer sags or flaps whenever you move your arms. You will also find it more comfortable to wear certain clothing, and might even be confident enough to wear tank tops again.
Recovering from Brachioplasty
In the week following surgery, limit the amount of weight you lift to no more than 10 pounds or so if you are a woman, and up to 20 pounds if you are a man. You may gradually increase this amount until you are comfortable lifting your usual amount of weight.
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Call Main Line Plastic Surgery For Your Brachioplasty!
Say goodbye to flapping skin that wiggles when you wave by undergoing a brachioplasty procedure here at Main Line Plastic Surgery. Please contact us online or Text or Call today if you are in Philadelphia, Villanova, Bryn Mawr, or other nearby areas in Pennsylvania.
* Results will vary by person and are based upon the patient, the procedure, and the aftercare program.