Now There's Help to Tighten Those Saggy Arms

Have you ever looked in the mirror and dreaded your arm jiggling? Would you like your arms to look toned and firm in sleeveless tops? Having sagging upper arms can make you feel self-conscious. If you have tried every type of exercise and diet to lose arm fat and nothing is working, we have a treatment that can effectively tighten and eliminate sagging skin on arms. Read on for more information.

Arm Lift Is the Most Effective Way to Tighten Saggy Arms

As we age, our skin and muscles lose their tone and elasticity. Over time, fat droops and settles on the underside of the arms. Other factors such as weight loss or gain, genes, pregnancy, and breastfeeding can cause dramatic arm size and shape changes. Many middle-aged women dislike the appearance of their upper arms, finding them too flabby or simply too heavy. Fortunately, arm lift surgery can now resolve this problem.

Arm lift surgery, or Brachioplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that can reduce sagging skin on arms, which sometimes results in the appearance of 'bat wings or bingo arms.' The procedure removes unwanted fat and excess skin from trouble spots on the upper arms from your underarm region to your elbow and around the armpits. It also smoothens and tightens the supporting tissue, giving the arms a slimmer, more proportional appearance. You may also want to consider Brachioplasty for the following reasons:

• Have newfound confidence and feel comfortable in your skin
• Reduce discomfort such as pinching, tucking, and carrying excess weight due associated with excessive skin folds.
• Address hygiene and health issues such as sweat irritation, rash, and yeast infections in areas where excess folds trap moisture
• See the result of your weight loss, especially if you lost weight drastically or did not include weight training in your exercise plan.
• Improve the shape or contour of your arms

Consultation with Our Specialist

If you're interested in getting an arm lift, book a consultation with us at Hilton Head Plastic Surgery and MedSpa. Call us to know more about the procedure in detail and determine if it is suitable for you. During the consultation, our specialist will discuss your aesthetic goals, medical history, present physical wellbeing, past surgeries, history of unfavorable scarring, possible risks, or lifestyle factors that may impact the outcome of your procedure. 

You may be asked to pose for photographs for planning and outlining your surgery. We will also use this for a before-and-after comparison of the surgery. Do not be afraid to ask questions during your consultation. It is the right time to get all the information you need before your surgery.

Am I a Good Candidate for an Arm Lift?

People who have excess sagging skin around the upper arm area and are not smokers, are healthy, and have pre-existing conditions are good candidates for an arm lift. The patient must have a stable weight and a consistent exercise routine before having a cosmetic procedure.

Several conditions increase the risk of cosmetic surgery. Individuals that MAY NOT BE ELIGIBLE include the following:

• Patients with diabetes. To ensure proper scar healing, patients must undergo numerous evaluations before surgery.
• Those with connective tissue disorders, such as Ehlers Danlos syndrome, have a history of poor tissue quality and healing complications.
• Individuals who are taking oral steroids for medical reasons on a long-term basis 
• The risk of surgical complications is higher for smokers. If you are serious about cosmetic surgery, you should make an effort to stop smoking. Smoking slows the healing process by reducing blood flow to the skin.

What to Expect From an Arm Lift Surgery

Here's what to expect before, during, and after the procedure of arm lift surgery.

Preparation for Arm Lift Surgery

Upon scheduling surgery, you will meet with an anesthesia specialist to make sure you are healthy. As part of your preoperative preparation, you may need to undergo a battery of tests, including

• bloodwork
• chest x-ray
• electrocardiogram (EKG) and other types to ensure that you are fit for surgery

Other necessary preparations they need you to do are the following.

• stop smoking at least one to two months before arm lift surgery
• take prescription preoperative medication
• arrange to have someone drive you home after surgery. You should also look for someone to assist you while you recuperate. 
• adjust your dose of current medications
• stop taking anti-inflammatory medicines, aspirin, and herbal supplements that can increase bleeding

A preoperative evaluation helps your doctor assess the best and safest way to proceed with your surgery.

General Overview of the Procedure

For some cases, sedation and local anesthetics are used to certain numb parts of the body during some surgeries. Most surgeries, however, are performed under general anesthesia. The procedure could take up to three hours.

In the procedure, the doctor will make incisions inside the upper arm or behind the arm, which can extend along the armpit to the elbow. Afterward, excess fat is removed either surgically or through liposuction. The doctor will remove excess skin if necessary.  Finally, the cuts are stitched together. Stitches also strengthen the muscles under the arm, smoothen out skin and define the arm’s shape. Your surgeon primarily determines incision length and pattern by the amount and location of excess skin.

Recovery Process

After surgery, the incisions will be dressed and bandaged, and you will most likely wear a compression garment to reduce swelling.  A drainage tube may also be placed to prevent fluid buildup. Brachioplasty is usually an outpatient procedure. In some cases, it may be necessary to stay in the hospital if performed simultaneously as another cosmetic procedure.

Typical side effects include swelling and a little bit of bruising. You may also have mild pain, but prescribed oral medications can provide relief. To ensure a full recovery and avoid complications, it is imperative to follow post-operative instructions carefully. The doctor will walk you through all the details, including: 

• how to care for the wound or surgical area 
• what medications to take orally or topically
• potential issues to look out for
• when to go for a follow-up check-up
• avoiding strenuous physical activity during the healing process

Achieve Your Aesthetic Goals with Hilton Head Plastic Surgery and Medspa!

Skin can lose elasticity as you age, especially around the upper arms, buttocks, thigh area. The good news is that procedures are available these days that can tighten up your saggy skin effectively. At Hilton Head Plastic Surgery and MedSpa, we understand that good health and beauty often go hand in hand. We're happy to provide you with advanced techniques, effective treatments, and quality services that address all of your aesthetic goals. Call us at (843) 681-4088 or schedule an appointment online for a consultation.