WHAT DO YOU NEED?
Who can have an arm lift?
Any adult with sagging excess skin and accumulated fat on the inside of the arms and for whom this situation causes physical discomfort or problems of self-esteem can have an arm lift.
However, obese individuals are not good candidates. The individual must be of normal, stable weight for the results to be optimal and long lasting.
Patients must also have realistic expectations before the surgery, as they must accept a scar, which might be small if the necessary remodelling for the arm lift is moderate, or longer if the problem is more obvious.
What does arm lift surgery involve?
If there is also accumulated fat, liposuction will normally be performed in the area before removing any excess skin from the inside of the arm. This technique requires an incision that, in minor cases, is hidden in the axillary region. However, in more severe cases, the scar runs along the middle of the inside of the arm. In cases of extreme flaccidity with little excess fat, the skin can be removed without prior liposuction.
Duration, anaesthesia and hospitalisation for arm lifts
The procedure takes from 1 and a half to 2 hours. The arm list is performed under general anaesthesia and requires an overnight stay at IM CLINIC.
Results of the arm lift
Arm lift surgery gives the patient a well defined arm, with no excess skin, and having corrected this bothersome feeling on the inside of the arm.
Remember that, in individuals with very sagging skin who have never done any physical exercise, the skin might sag again over time. However, it will rarely go back to how it was before the arm lift surgery.
Postoperative recommendations for arm lift surgery
Postoperative care is painless, although some discomfort might be felt for the first few days.
You can go back to work after around ten days, depending on your job in each case.
POSTOPERATIVE CARE: AFTER THE ARM LIFT
You can shower 2 to 3 days after the arm lift. Do not use very hot water. Make sure the scars are properly dry after your shower. Use the cold air from a hair dryer (never hot) for this.
You should sleep with a cushion under your arms to raise them to 45º during the first few days.
Your plastic surgeon might sometimes recommend the use of special armbands for the first few weeks.
Relative rest is recommended during the first week, avoiding strenuous activities and lifting heaving weights.
If you smoke, you should try to stop before your surgery and give up for good afterwards. This will improve your health and your healing capacity.
When will I see the final results of my arm lift?
As of day seven after your arm lift, you will notice that the inflammation gradually disappears. You will start to see the results of the operation after one month, although the end results will not be completely seen until up to 6 months later.
Is swelling and bruising normal after arm lift surgery?
This procedure is entirely normal and may last for up to one month post-surgery.
Do I have to wear some kind of special garment?
This will depend on each case. Special armbands are required in some cases and nothing is required in others.
When can I get back to normal life?
You can return to normal life after around 7 days. Going back to work will depend on your job.
When can I start sports again?
You can resume physical exercise one month after surgery. In the case of contact sports or those involving lifting weights, you must follow the advice of your surgeon.
Do you know what IM Care is?
IM Care is the commitment of IM CLINIC to care for you for the first year after your breast reduction surgery. You will have a 24-hour hotline for your peace of mind, and our medical team will visit you regularly to ensure the results are as expected.
