Contouring Arm-lift After Massive Weight Loss
Skin naturally loses its elasticity as we age, but major weight loss can significantly impact the appearance of aging or sagging skin. Fortunately, an arm-lift after massive weight loss can help patients contour their physique, decrease skin irritation and discomfort, and boost their confidence.
At Tijuana Bariatrics, our team of skilled surgeons has years of experience helping patients improve their overall health and aesthetics. With bariatric and cosmetic solutions, patients can address numerous medical and aesthetic issues with our talented team in Tijuana, Mexico.
In this post, our team of specialists discusses what to expect from an arm-lift after massive weight loss. Understanding the arm-lift procedure, its advantages, and potential risks can help you prepare for the operation and recovery period.
What Is an Arm-lift?
An arm-lift (medically known as a brachioplasty) is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fatty tissue on the upper arms. For many, a brachioplasty is a cosmetic choice. For other patients, however, an arm-lift is a medically-necessary procedure to reduce skin irritation and prevent painful skin infections.
Arm-lift procedures are remarkably safe and effective operations. The brachioplasty procedure gained notoriety in the 1980s, but arm-lifts have made tremendous advancements in the past 40 years. Indeed, experts believe that new techniques and improved technology may be responsible for the procedure’s nearly 4000% increase since 2000.
Exploring the Procedure
First, our team ensures the patient’s comfort by administering general anesthesia before beginning the arm-lift procedure. Once the patient is comfortable, the plastic surgeon can make the initial incision.
The surgeon carefully makes an opening under the arm to expose the underlying tissue. Using precision techniques, the surgeon removes excess skin and fat before tightening and contouring the skin to the patient’s specifications. After the surgeon skillfully sculpts the upper arm, they then gently close the incision with sutures.
Following the procedure, patients should carefully adhere to their aftercare instructions and minimize activity for approximately two weeks. After two weeks, patients may slowly and cautiously start increasing their activity levels.
Advantages and Disadvantages of a Brachioplasty
As with most surgeries, there are distinct advantages and disadvantages of a brachioplasty. Understanding the possible risks, as well as the rewards, can help patients make a fully-informed decision about the procedure.
Possible Risks
The potential risks of an arm-lift after massive weight loss may include:
- Excessive bleeding
- Necrosis (dying tissue)
- Infection
- Seroma (fluid accumulation)
- Nerve damage and numbness
- Pain
- Poor incision healing, leading to significant scarring
Benefits
For many patients, the rewards of a brachioplasty far outweigh the possible risks. The benefits of an arm-lift after massive weight loss include:
- Removal of bothersome tissue
- Reduction in skin infections
- Improved range of motion
- Enhanced aesthetics
- Personalized body contouring
- Greatly improved self-confidence
Schedule Your Arm-lift Consultation
If you’ve experienced tremendous weight loss, then you might be living with bothersome, excess tissue on your upper arms. A brachioplasty can help patients remove irritating skin and fat to improve the performance and aesthetics of their arms.
Patients can schedule an arm-lift consultation at Tijuana Bariatrics by sending our team a message.