By As you age, you may be feeling still fit and healthy but there’s just some ways that your body changes with aging such as a slower metabolism and loss of skin elasticity. So you diet and exercise but you realize that you can’t seem to get rid of this – flabby arms. That’s why many consider an arm lift surgery to get rid of the flaps of loose skin hanging from their upper arms.
What is arm lift surgery (brachioplasty)?
Aging and genetics both play a role in sagging skin. At a certain time in life, most will find themselves with wobbly upper arm skin or “bat wings”. This is a common problem and it does not only happen to those who are obese! Reasons that cause flabby arms include loss of skin laxity due to aging, substantial weight loss and/or weight fluctuations.
An arm lift surgery, also known as brachioplasty, is a plastic surgery procedure that treats flabby underarms by removing sagging arm skin and excess fats to reshape your upper arms to look more toned and defined. It is also often combined with arm liposuction for best results.
Arm lift surgery procedure
The arm lift surgery procedure involves removing sections of sagging skin from the inner arm that runs from the armpit to the elbow. This procedure also tightens underlying loose muscles and tissues for firmer and toner arms.
Typically, incisions extend from the top of your elbow to your armpit. If you do have stubborn fats at your arms, you should consider getting liposuction at the same time to better contour your arms.
Benefits:
- Removes excess loose skin at your arms
- Tightens loose arms muscles and tissues
- Removes excess stubborn fats at your arms
Downsides:
- Scarring on the inside or back of arms (but scars fade over time)
- Asymmetry in the shape of your arms if not done properly
How long does arm lift surgery take?
Arm lift surgery in Korea last 2~3 hours and is performed under local anesthesia.
When can I see results from arm lift surgery?
Results from arm lift surgery are immediate though there will be major bruising and swelling for at least 2~3 weeks. Your arms will be taped up after surgery to minimize swelling. Leave the tape on until instructed as it helps prevent further swelling and keeps the contours of your newly-shaped arms.
You should avoid lifting your arms above shoulder level or do any physical and athletic activities for at least 1~2 months. You will also have to wear compression sleeves for several weeks to months, depending on the amount of excess skin removed.
Do take note that the success of your arm lift surgery not only lies in the hands of your surgeon but also how you well you recover after surgery. Learn how to properly care for your arms during the recovery period by reading our article on arm lift surgery aftercare and post-op instructions.
Actual recovery time vary among individuals, and is subjected to one’s health condition & healing response.
How long should I stay in Korea?
Arm lift surgery in Korea is a major surgery but hospitalization is not required. At times, your surgeon might also insert a temporary drainage tube in your arm to drain any fluid or blood that builds up after surgery. So stay in Korea until your stitches are removed.
Stitch removal
Stitches are usually removed 7 days after surgery.
Cautions on stitch removal
If you remove the stitches earlier then advised, your wound might reopen. Hence, causing an infection. But if you remove it too late, you risk further scarring and pigmentation. So, keep to all dates diligently.
Don’t rush recovery period for best results!
Sometimes, some patients might want to have their stitches removed at the local hospitals in their home country due to time constraints.
Although that is possible (but not recommended), it very much depends on how well you have been healing, and is also subjected to doctor’s approval.
Alternatives to arm lift surgery
If you do not have much excess arm skin, but have more excess fats, arm liposuction or fat dissolving injections may be great options. But for most, an arm lift, rather than liposuction, is the best fix for saggy underarms.
What other surgery complements arm lift surgery?
1. Liposuction
More often than never, liposuction is performed in conjunction to produce the best arm contouring results. It can also be done on other parts of your body such as your abdomen and thighs etc. to get rid of stubborn fats.
2. Fat dissolving injections
If you don’t want to go under the knife, fat dissolving injections would be a good option, if you don’t have much sagging skin.
3. Tummy tuck surgery
Typically, flabby arms come with flabby tummies. Why not get rid of both flabby parts at the same time with a tummy tuck surgery?
4. Brazilian butt lift (non-surgical)
Fix issues such as sagging and shapeless flat butts with a non-surgical Brazilian butt lift.
Conclusion
The benefits of getting an arm lift surgery are plentiful. Think improved arm contours, toned arms, and restored self-esteem and confidence. And by getting it, you will become less conscious of your appearance and you have no trouble showing off your arms or wear sleeveless tops in public.
Arm lift results are typically long lasting, though your skin will naturally lose some firmness as you age and some sagging will occur. Therefore, try to maintain a stable, healthy weight and diet after surgery in order to retain your results for a long time.
That said, many are concerned with the scarring and it’s understandable. However, scarrings will fade over time. So just make sure to your follow post-op instructions, have a healthy diet and exercise routine to maintain your results.
But most importantly, get a professional board certified plastic surgeon who is experienced in arm lift surgeries for the best results.
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What do you think?