When to Consider retinoids for More Youthful-Looking Skin
What’s giving your face an aged look? Is it the wrinkles? The spots? The dull...
Got Chicken Wings? Learn What an Arm Lift Can Do
Jun 3, 2019
What parts of the body come to mind when you think of plastic surgery? Chances are that your arms aren’t near the top of the list, but plastic surgeons performed more than 17,000 arm lifts in the United States in 2018.
At Polavarapu Plastic Surgery, we know that changes in age and weight can have effects on the skin of your arm that you likely did not expect. If you’re tired of having chicken wings for arms, we’re happy to help you out.
What is an arm lift?
An arm lift is a cosmetic surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the underside of your upper arms between your armpit and your elbow. Also called a brachioplasty, the procedure improves the appearance of your arms as the remaining skin and tissue are contoured to create a more toned look.
As you get older, your skin and the underlying tissue can lose their elasticity. This can happen naturally because of age and genetics, or it can result from significant weight loss because the weight you used to carry stretched your skin so much that it can’t retract any more.
Who is a good candidate for an arm lift?
An arm lift can’t fix weakened muscles in your arm. Instead, it helps issues that exercise can’t. You’re not a good candidate for an arm lift if you’re significantly overweight, if your weight changes frequently, or if you’re a smoker.
On the other hand, the procedure works well for adults of most ages whose weight is stable, who don’t have medical conditions that could interfere with the healing process, and who have a realistic expectation for what an arm lift accomplishes.
What should I expect from an arm lift?
Dr. Polavarapu performs an arm lift when you’re under general anesthesia, depending on the case. She begins with an incision on the underside of your arm near your armpit. The incision length depends on how much skin and tissue she is removing. If fat is being taken out, it happens next, and then the supportive tissues are tightened with sutures.
The excess skin is reduced, and the remaining skin is contoured over the tissues to provide a leaner appearance.
The trade-off for an improved arm appearance is an incision scar on the inside of your upper arm. You should keep your arm elevated for a few days and should not attempt to lift anything heavy for a few weeks, according to Dr. Polavarapu’s aftercare instructions.
An arm lift can be an effective way to improve your body image and your confidence. Don’t forget that even after your lift, your skin will lose firmness as you age, so make sure to stay at a stable, healthy weight to help stave off the effects of aging.
To set up a consultation about your individual situation, call the office or book an appointment online today!
Recent Blogs
Recovering from Cosmetic Ear Surgery: What to Expect
Otoplasty — cosmetic ear surgery — can change your look and your outlook. How you...
5 Sagging Skin Areas a Body Lift Can Enhance
It’s easy to see the need for a face-lift because it’s easy to see the...
