Plastic surgery procedures are more common than ever before. This is because they are becoming more reliable, and more individuals are realizing the incredible benefits that these procedures offer.
One of these common (and highly desired) procedures is arm lift surgery (Brachioplasty). Arm lift surgery addresses the upper arm (from the armpit to the elbow). This area is a common trouble spot for women and men.
For some, excess fat and skin is left over after significant weight loss; for others, age and normal weight fluctuations leave similar marks. Even with a healthy lifestyle, it can be challenging to maintain fit, toned arms. In fact, many individuals claim that the upper arms are among the toughest areas of their body to tone.
So, when your hard work at the gym and healthy diets are not paying off for your arm contour, an alternative option is likely to be desired.
If you are interested in learning how you could benefit from arm lift surgery (or even get rid of the dreaded ‘bat wings’), Brachioplasty in Cleveland may be right for you.
But, before you jump into the operating room, there are a few things you should know about this body sculpting procedure.
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1. Arm Lift Surgery Can Tighten Skin and Remove Fat
Brachioplasty is a body contouring procedure that removes excess skin and fat while tightening the underlying arm tissues. This treatment can result in a smaller, firmer arm appearance that both feels and looks years younger — not to mention healthier.
2. No Two Arm Lifts Look the Same
Like all plastic surgery procedures, Brachioplasty is customizable. This is important since no two bodies look exactly the same, not to mention have the exact same skin quality or excess fat. Plus, additional factors like age and overall health play a role.
Because of this, arm lift surgery is tailored to the patient.
Arm lift surgery has many variations, depending on the extent of your aesthetic needs. The length and placement of your incisions will depend on how much correction you need.
While a traditional arm lift incision extends from the armpit to the elbow (on the underside of the arm), this incision can be longer or shorter. Patients who have lost significant weight (often over 100 pounds), may require their incision to go past the elbow (into the forearm). Patients with minimal skin laxity may only require an incision in the armpit itself.
A consultation with a trained plastic or cosmetic surgeon in Cleveland is required to truly know what you can expect for your arm lift surgery techniques.
3. Liposuction Alone May Be Enough
Just like the length of the incision varies between patients, some patients do not require traditional incisions at all. This is because liposuction alone is enough to provide the needed improvement.
Liposuction is a minimally invasive cosmetic surgery that suctions out unwanted fat pockets. This procedure only requires small incisions that often heal without leaving scars.
Liposuction arm surgery is only appropriate for patients with a good skin tone that will maintain its elasticity even after the fat is removed.
4. Arm Lift Surgery Can Expose Your Existing Musculature, Not Create It
One of the benefits of arm lift surgery is that it highlights the arm muscles that you have. However, it is important to remember that while Brachioplasty showcases what you have, it doesn’t create stronger arm muscles.
To do that, you still need to use old-fashioned, weight-training techniques.
Exercises that help with arm muscle development include:
- Push-ups
- Planks
- Bicep curls
- Tricep extensions
It is important to remember that you will have to undergo a recovery period after your arm lift. This recovery period will mean that you will not be able to exercise (or at least use your arms) for a number of weeks.
Returning to exercise too soon can have significant consequences and can lead to a prolonged recovery period or additional complications like infection or wound separation.
5. Arm Lift Surgery Will Leave Scars
One of the primary downsides of plastic surgery is the resulting scars. Luckily, most body contouring procedures allow incisions to be made in hidden and discreet locations (such as those areas that are commonly hidden by undergarments).
Unfortunately, arm lift surgery is not that way. Even though the incisions are made on the underside of the arm, scars are still exposed if you lift your arms when wearing short-sleeved shirts and dresses.
While the scar is an unfortunate reality, the vast majority of arm lift patients would choose the scar over the presence of excess skin and fat.
It is a trade-off for sure but one that most are willing to make.
