Arm Lift

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Arm Lift

Brachial Lift

Arm lift, also known as brachioplasty, reduces excess skin and fat between the armpit and elbow, reshapes the arm leaving the skin smoother and with softer contours, resulting in a toned appearance.

IMPROVE YOUR APPEARANCE WITH ARM LIFTING

Fluctuations in weight, aging and hereditary factors can make the arms look saggy. Exercise can strengthen and improve arm muscle tone, but it does not treat excess skin that has lost elasticity or weakened underlying tissues and localized fat.

If the lower part of your arms is sagging due to excess skin and fat, an arm lift is indicated.

ARM LIFTING

• Reduces excess skin and fat between the armpit and elbow;
• Reshapes the arm resulting in smoother skin with soft contours;
• Results in a more toned appearance.

Note: To improve your image, the scar will be on the inside of your arm.

IS IT RIGHT FOR ME?

In general, candidates for an arm lift are:

• Adults with significant sagging skin on the arm;
• Adults of any age, whose weight is relatively stable and who are not overweight;
• Healthy individuals without pathology that could impair healing or increase the risk of surgery;
• Non smokers;
• Individuals with a positive outlook and realistic expectations.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE UNDERGOING ARM LIFTING SURGERY

The success and safety of the surgical procedure largely depends on your sincerity during the consultation. You will be asked about your health, desires and lifestyle.

BE PREPARED TO DISCUSS

• The reason why you want to undergo surgery, your expectations and the desired result;
• The surgical options available;
• Medical conditions, drug allergies and medical treatment;
• Current use of medication, vitamins, natural medicines, tobacco, alcohol and drugs;
• Previous surgeries.

THE SURGEON MAY ALSO

• Assess your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors;
• Examine and measure your body;
• Take photographs for medical records;
• Discuss your options and recommend the most suitable one;
• Discuss the possible results of the surgery and any potential risks or complications.

PREPARING FOR SURGERY

Before surgery, it may be necessary to:

• Take laboratory tests or medical evaluation,
• Take certain medications or adjust current medications,
• Quit smoking well in advance of surgery,
• Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatories and natural medicines, as they can increase bleeding.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

• What to do on the day of surgery (fasting time, medications, bath),
• Information on the type of anesthesia to be performed during the surgical procedure,
• Guidance on post-operative care.

The procedure must be carried out in a safe and comfortable place for the doctor and patient, in a surgical center authorized by the Health Surveillance, with equipment and trained staff for any complications.

RISKS AND SAFETY INFORMATION

The decision to undergo arm lift surgery is a personal one and it is up to you to decide whether the benefits will meet your goals and whether the risks and potential complications are acceptable.

You will be asked to sign the consent form to ensure that you fully understand the procedure you will undergo and any potential risks or complications.

POSSIBLE RISKS OF SURGERY

• Unfavorable scars;
• Bleeding (bruise);
• Infection;
• Accumulation of fluid (seroma);
• Poor healing;
• Skin necrosis;
• Numbness or other changes in skin sensitivity;
• Anesthetic risks;
• Skin depigmentation and/or prolonged swelling;
• Adipose tissue necrosis (fat necrosis);
• Dehiscence (reopening of a previously opened wound);
• Asymmetry;
• Recurrent sagging of the skin;
• Pain, which may last;
• Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications;
• Persistent swelling in the legs;
• Possibility of a new surgical procedure (touch-up);
• Suture threads may spontaneously emerge from the skin, becoming visible or causing irritation that requires their removal.

WHEN RECEIVING DISCHARGE

If you experience shortness of breath, chest pains, or an abnormal heartbeat, seek medical attention immediately. If any of these complications occur, you may need hospitalization and additional treatment. The practice of medicine and surgery is not an exact science. Although good results are expected, there is no guarantee. In some situations, it may not be possible to achieve the best results with a single surgical procedure, requiring a new surgery.

BE CAREFUL

Following your doctor's recommendations is essential for the success of the surgery. It is important that surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, abrasion, or movement during the healing time.

MAKE QUESTIONS

It is important that you ask all your questions directly to the plastic surgeon about the procedure you will undergo. It is natural to feel a little anxiety, to have expectations about the result or pre-operative stress. Don't be shy about discussing these feelings with your plastic surgeon.

GOOD SURGERY CANDIDATES ARE

• Individuals with significant soft tissue laxity in one or more areas of the body;
• Healthy individuals who do not have medical conditions that could impair healing or increase the risk of surgery;
• Non smokers;
• Individuals with a positive attitude and realistic expectations of the surgical result;
• Individuals committed to leading a healthy lifestyle, including proper nutrition and fitness.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING SURGERY?

Surgical procedure

Step 1 – Anesthesia

Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. Options include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best option for you.

Step 2 – Incision

The incision length and pattern will depend on the amount and location of excess skin to be removed, as well as the judgment of your plastic surgeon.
The incisions are generally made on the inside or back of the arm, depending on the surgeon's preference, and may extend from the armpit to just above the elbow. If there is a need to reduce fat during the procedure, it will be removed or liposuctioned.

Incision on the inside of the arm

Depending on certain conditions, the incisions may be more limited. The underlying supporting tissue is secured and remodeled with internal sutures. Finally, the skin is smoothed along the new contour of the arm.

Step 3 – Closing the Incisions

The incisions will be closed with absorbable sutures, or stitches that will be removed within 1-2 weeks after surgery.

Step 4 – Results

Smoother contours that result from brachioplasty are visible almost immediately after the procedure, although initial results are somewhat obscured by swelling and bruising. His arm, well shaped and toned, has improved in appearance.

POSTOPERATIVE RECOVERY

After surgery, dressings or bandages may be applied over the incisions and the arms may be wrapped in a bandage/bandage/elastic bandage or compression garment to minimize swelling. A drain may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood and fluid that may accumulate.

Special instructions will be given, including:

how to care for the surgical wound and drains, medications to take orally to help reduce the potential for infection, specific care for the surgery site, your health status, and post-operative follow-up with the plastic surgeon.

ASK YOUR PLASTIC SURGEON QUESTIONS ABOUT RECOVERY

• Where will I remain in recovery after surgery is complete?
• What medication will I be given or prescribed after surgery?
• Will a dressing be necessary after surgery? When will it be removed?
• Will the stitches be removed? When?
• When will I be able to resume my normal activities and exercise?
• When will the return appointment be?

RESULTS

Maintaining the result depends on your maintaining a stable weight and good shape, your skin type and hereditary characteristics. As the body ages, it is natural to lose some firmness over time.

WHAT IS THE COST OF THE SURGERY?

Cost is always a consideration in elective surgery. A surgeon's fees can vary based on their experience and the type of procedure performed.

COST MAY INCLUDE

• Surgeon's fees;
• Hospital or surgical center costs;
• Anesthetist's fees;
• Prescribed medications;
• Post-operative and mesh;
• Medical exams.

YOUR SATISFACTION IS WORTH MORE THAN THE COSTS OF THE SURGERY

When choosing a plastic surgeon to perform the procedure, remember that the surgeon's experience and your good relationship with him are as important as the final cost of the surgery.

GLOSSARY

• Arm lift: Surgical procedure, also known as brachioplasty, to correct sagging arms.
• Armpit: Lower arm area.
• Brachioplasty: Surgical procedure, also known as Arm Lift, reshapes the lower part of the arm, starting from the armpit region, continuing to the elbow.
• General anesthesia: Drugs and/or gases used during surgery to relieve pain and reduce consciousness.
• Hematoma: Accumulation of blood beneath the skin.
• Intravenous sedation: Sedatives given by injection into a vein to help you relax.
• Liposuction: Procedure that vacuums fat from beneath the surface of the skin.
• Local anesthesia: Drug injected directly into the incision site during surgery to relieve pain.
• Sutures: Stitches used by surgeons to hold skin and tissue together.

ASK YOUR PLASTIC SURGEON QUESTIONS

Use this list as a guide during your consultation:

• Are you a specialist by the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery?
• Have you been trained specifically in the field of plastic surgery?
• How many years of plastic surgery training have you had?
• Is the installation of the procedure room in your office authorized by the Health Surveillance of your city?
• Am I a good candidate for this procedure?
• What is expected of me so that the best results are obtained?
• Where and how will the procedure be performed?
• Which surgical technique is recommended for my case?
• How long can I expect to recover, and what kind of help will I need during my recovery?
• What are the risks and complications associated with my procedure?
• How are complications treated?
• What will my arm look like over time?
• What are my options if I am dissatisfied with the aesthetic result of the procedure?