How do I know if arm lift surgery is a good option for me?
There’s always something, isn’t there? You work so hard at eating right and exercising, even when you don’t feel like it. You pick the kale salad over the loaded chili cheese fries and take the stairs instead of riding the temperature-perfect elevator, no matter what time of year it is. You finally reach your ideal weight goal, grab your credit card and excitedly head out for your favorite clothing store.
Other than the possibility of sticker shock, is there anything that could possibly put a damper on this much-deserved and anticipated outing? Unfortunately, there is. Unless this shopping is being done for winter clothes, there is a very good chance that the outcome will be less than imagined. Having found the perfect size, style and color of garment, there comes the moment when you look in the dressing room mirror, and the only thing you can see is the unattractive sagging skin beneath your upper arms.
What do you do? The very young may be able to wait it out and hope that the body will self-correct and return to its natural, toned self. However, for those who have experienced the effects of decreased collagen, due to aging or exposure to things like pollution, ultraviolet light, smoking and excessive amounts of sugar, as well as significant weight loss, the sagging skin is most likely here to stay.
What Is Arm Lift Surgery?
The good news is that you have options besides removing all of the sleeveless tops from your wardrobe and resigning yourself to ski lodge vacations instead of sunny days at the beach. If you find yourself feeling self-conscious or even embarrassed about the sagging skin on your arms, it might be time to consider brachioplasty, commonly known as arm lift surgery.
If you have tried exercises designed to strengthen the muscles and tone the skin in your upper arm and are still left with sagging skin, brachioplasty is an option. This procedure may be done using local or general anesthesia and usually takes one to three hours, during which your surgeon will remove excess fat and extra skin.
In about two weeks, once any bruising and swelling have gone, your arms will noticeably have a more toned and youthful appearance. The results of the procedure are generally long-lasting, although as the skin continues to age, it will also continue to lose elasticity.
Candidates for Arm Lift Surgery
If you are considering arm lift surgery, it will be important for you to consult with an experienced plastic surgeon. Unfortunately, not everyone is a good candidate for this type of procedure. Finding an experienced and highly skilled surgeon will not only help to ensure that you have a successful outcome for your surgery but also that you do not embark on a procedure that is not in your best interest.
Some of the more common situations that will likely cause your surgeon to counsel you against arm lift surgery include:
- Obesity or significant changes or fluctuations in body weight
- Issues or conditions that interfere with normal wound healing
- Smoking, which can affect wound healing, anesthesia and put additional stress on the heart
Dr. Brian D. Cohen is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with extensive training in cosmetic/reconstructive plastic surgery and has had years of experience performing a wide array of cosmetic surgery procedures, specializing in procedures of the face, eyes, nose, breast and body and is known for his exemplary and compassionate care by his patients. Knowing that Dr. Cohen has been selected by his peers in Super Doctors for 8 years in a row in 2020 gives you the confidence that he is highly respected for his performance in his specialty.
Information on locations and office hours for Cohen Plastic Surgery can be found by clicking here.