PROCEDURES
BODY
ARM-LIFT (BRACHIOPLASTY)
An arm-lift, also known as a brachioplasty, is a procedure that modifies the under portion of the upper arm, from the underarm region to the elbow, by removing excess skin and fat.
INDICATIONS
With age, the skin on the upper arms changes; it sags and becomes loose. Significant weight loss may also cause the undersides of the upper arms to become lax. Exercise may strengthen and improve muscle tone in the upper arm, but it cannot address excess skin that has lost elasticity and become lax.
Individuals that are good candidates for the procedure are individuals -
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With significant upper arm skin laxity or fat
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Who have relatively stable weight
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Who are nonsmokers
PROCEDURE
The procedure is performed under general anaesthetic and usually involves an overnight stay. Dr Sofianos will meticulously mark your arms preoperatively. The length and pattern of incisions depend on how much skin will be removed. The procedure begins with liposuction, if excess fat is present. The incisions are then made and lie in the groove on the inside of the arm. The skin is then redraped over the new contours and excess skin will be removed. Stitches are used to close the incisions and usually a small suction drain is placed.
RECOVERY
After an arm lift, the incisions are covered in bandages and loosely wrapped to reduce swelling. Patients usually return to work within a week after the procedure.
In the first few days after an arm lift -
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Avoid lifting your arms above shoulder level for four weeks.
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Avoid physical or other activities with your arms that may stretch the incisions for six weeks after surgery.
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Take pain medication as prescribed by Dr Sofianos and use topical or oral antibiotics as directed to prevent wound infections.