Arm Lifts
The aging of the upper arm is a common cause of concern for many women. They are troubled by lax and excess skin, fatty deposits, and increased mobility of the soft tissue of the upper arm.
There are three basic methods to correct problems with the arms. The individual technique is determined by fully evaluating the patient’s skin quality, amount of excess fat, age, and muscle tone.
For younger patients, with excess fat being the principal complaint, liposuction is an excellent solution. By removing the fat of the upper arm, it will become thinner and more refined. Muscle definition will become more apparent, and both the triceps and deltoid musculature will be enhanced. When combined with post operative weight training, outstanding results can be achieved. The beauty of this procedure is that it can be done through an incision measuring about 1/4 inch that is placed in a crease behind the elbow, making it virtually invisible.
The standard excisional procedure to correct hanging arm skin is called a brachioplasty. A traditional brachioplasty involves a long incision from the armpit to below the elbow. Excess skin and fat is removed, and dramatic changes in the arm can be seen. The drawback from this operation is the scar. It is almost always visible, and limits clothing options. Many people are reluctant to have such a visible scar to improve their arms.
We offer a third option to our patients who need more than liposuction, but are unwilling to have a permanent scar along the length of their upper arm. It is called a modified brachioplasty. In this procedure, the scar is confined to the armpit fold, and is barely visible. Excess fat is removed by liposuction, and the excess arm skin is removed and advanced towards the axilla (armpit). The amount of skin removal is less than with a standard brachioplasty, since the skin resection must be balanced to allow the patient to lift their arms. We have achieved excellent results from this procedure, and it has been my experience that the scar almost completely disappears. Patient satisfaction is quite high.
All three of these procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, and general anesthesia is not required. Post operative pain is minimal, and return to work and regular activities can resume in a matter of days.
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