If you're considering arm lift...
The arm lift begins by marking the area of
excess skin. This is usually done with the
patient standing or sitting. The excess skin is
then removed. The pattern of skin removal is
usually an ellipse or a triangle with the base
in the axilla. Because the skin is very mobile
in the upper arm it is usually not necessary to
undermine extensively. Some fat is left over the
nerves and arteries for their protection but
liposuction in Washington DC is sometimes performed to provide a
smooth result.
After the fat and skin are removed the wound is
stitched together and occasionally a drain is
used. The operation is done under either a local
anesthetic or a general anesthetic. It is most
commonly done as an outpatient. This means you
can be home within a few hours. Some surgeons
shave the axilla others feel that this is not
important.
After surgery you will have a bandages applied .
This can be anything from an extensive absorbent
bandage with elastic support to a simple
dressing with paper tapes (steristrips).
As we grow older loose skin begins to develop on
the upper arm. Sometimes this becomes so severe
that it hangs down creating a "bats's wing
deformity." In some patients this can even
interfere with the use of the arm. The treatment
for this is to remove the excess skin and fat (brachioplasty)
but not everyone is a candidate for surgery. The
operation leaves a scar which may go from the
elbow to the armpit. This can be noticeable.
Patients should not have the operation unless
they feel comfortable with the scar or can wear
clothes that hide it. Many patients will need to
change clothing styles. Still the removal of the
excess skin is worth it for many of them. An arm
lift or brachioplasty is usually not suitable
for patients who have had a mastectomy. The
drainage of fluid (lymph) from the arm may
already be damaged and surgery can lead to
persistent swelling.
Patients who have repeated infections in the
armpit or suffer from excess sweat formation (axillary
hidradenitis) may also not be candidates for
this surgery.
In some obese patients liposuction may be more
suitable. Because of the thickness of the whole
arm a brachioplasty may not achieve the desired
result.
