Medically reviewed by Susan Kerrigan, MD and Marianne Madsen
With age, your body changes. The skin on your arms begins to sag and become loose. Even if you exercise regularly, it becomes harder and harder to maintain the body you had in your youth. If you find it impossible to keep your toned arms, you might want to consider arm lift surgery, also known as brachioplasty. With this surgery, a surgeon removes excess skin and fat from underneath the upper arm to create a toned, slim look. The results of the surgery can last your entire life, as long as you maintain a healthy weight.
Risks of arm lift surgery
Arm lift surgery, like all other surgeries, comes with several risks. Risks of arm lift surgery include scarring, asymmetry, numbness, and possible inflammation, as well as infection and bleeding. An adverse reaction to anesthesia is possible as well.
In addition, depending on your health, you may have risk factors that interfere with the surgery. Some risk factors include obesity, smoking, or weight fluctuations.
Before and after the procedure
Talk with a surgeon about getting arm lift surgery. You will discuss your medical history and undergo a physical examination. Explain to your surgeon what you’re looking for with the procedure. You’ll also need to quit smoking before the surgery, since chemicals in tobacco can slow the recovery process and introduce new complications.
Prior to the procedure, you will need to avoid various medications such as aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs.
During the procedure, your surgeon will make a series of incisions on the undersides of your arms. Then, he or she will remove the excess skin. After the process is complete, the surgeon may use liposuction to remove any excess fat. If there is no excess fat, your surgeon may simply close the incisions.
After the procedure, your surgeon will bandage your arms. If your arms begin to swell, you may need to wear a compression sleeve for a few weeks.
While you are recovering from the surgery, you will need to avoid certain physical activities. Your surgeon will tell you what you can and can’t do. To prevent your stitches from breaking, so not lift your arms above your shoulders. The stitches in your arms will either be removed a few weeks after the procedure, or they will dissolve by themselves.
You may have an adverse reaction to the surgery. If you’re experiencing shortness of breath, chest pains, irregular heartbeat, or redness of the skin after the procedure, call your doctor immediately.
The bottom line
Arm lift surgery is a good option for those who find it hard to keep the fat off their arms as they get older. The surgery can result in permanently lean, toned arms. Some side effects may occur, although your risk of side effects is mitigated by choosing a quality surgeon. Always consult with your doctor before deciding on surgery of any kind.
Written by Natan Rosenfeld
