Arm lift is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin and fatty tissue from the upper arm. This treatment serves to improve the shape of the area of concern, resulting in a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing overall figure.
A surgical lift is an excellent treatment for those who have been actively or steadily losing weight, but are still unsatisfied with the look they are left with even after achieving significant weight loss results. As we age, losing weight often means that the body is left with excess skin that is particularly difficult to shift. When weight loss is quick and substantial, the skin often struggles to conform to the new contour, and can therefore appear loose and saggy, which can affect the appearance of the entire body. When exercise and dieting can no longer help you achieve your optimal figure, an arm lift can work as the final step.
BENEFITS OF SURGICAL ARM LIFT:
Surplus skin and fat deposits in the arms can lead to conditions such as skin irritation and a higher rate of fungal infections. Arm lift surgery can relieve these symptoms, and also provide patients with highly satisfying results leading to:
- A much lighter feeling in the limbs, allowing for greater freedom of movement and allowing you to be even more active
- Improved self-esteem and confidence and the confidence to wear what you want
- A more proportioned, balanced figure
During your consultation with Dr Ali Hussain, you will be provided full details and insights into the options that are most suitable for your body type and lifestyle. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions, gather information, and discuss your goals and expectations with Dr Ali Hussain.
ARM LIFT PROCEDURE:
Arm lift surgery is an excellent treatment for those who experience sagging or drooping in the upper arm area due to advancing age, weight fluctuations or genetic factors, known colloquially as “bingo wings” or ‘tuckshop lady arms’. While exercise can strengthen and tone the underlying muscles, it cannot improve skin laxity or eliminate stubborn fat deposits that often settle in this area. An arm lift, however, can correct these issues by tightening and contouring the area, giving the upper body better shape and definition.
During the procedure, an incision is made on the inner surface of the upper arm, usually from the armpit to the elbow. Excess skin is removed from the area, and the remaining skin is tightened and pulled into position to accommodate for the new contour. If the surgery is combined with liposuction, then larger amounts of fat can be removed from the area for a more holistic effect. The incision is then sutured to smoothen and define the new shape of the upper arm.
Liposuction primarily serves to remove isolated deposits of fat from the body, while arm lift surgery aims to fundamentally reshape, tighten and contour the area. To learn more about the procedure, read our page on Liposuction. Depending on your needs and goals, it is possible to combine these procedures. Dr Ali Hussain will discuss this option with you upon consultation, to assess whether it is a safe and suitable inclusion for your treatment.
The results of the surgery should be long lasting, so long as your weight remains at a healthy, stable level. Arm lift surgery has demonstrated functional and cosmetic benefits for many patients, who have experienced greater confidence and an improved quality of life as a result of treatment.
SUITABLE CANDIDATES FOR ARM LIFT:
An arm lift procedure is suitable for anyone who has been steadily losing weight but may require surgical assistance to achieve his or her final, ideal figure. After significant weight loss, many people develop loose skin in the upper arm areas. Sagging skin can also be the result of ageing, as the skin naturally loses volume and elasticity over time. This excess skin can generate a lack of confidence and can prevent people from embracing the figure they have worked hard to achieve.
An arm lift is suitable for those who wish to remove this extra skin and reshape the area of concern. This surgery serves to contour and lift the skin, and is therefore suited to those who have reached, or are close to reaching, their ideal weight. Before undergoing a surgical lift, Dr Ali Hussain recommends that patients attain a stable weight that they can comfortably maintain following the procedure. It is also suggested that patients maintain a reasonable level of fitness to aid with the recovery process.
This procedure is not a substitute for weight loss and is therefore unsuitable for those who are extremely overweight. Body contouring surgery should be the final step to achieving your ideal figure, and thus should be postponed until excess weight has been lost and a stable weight has been reached and maintained.
ANAESTHESIA:
Surgical arm lift is usually performed under general anaesthesia in an accredited day hospital setting.
LIPOSUCTION WITH ARM LIFT:
Dr Ali Hussain’s patients do commonly receive liposuction of the arms simultaneously with their lift. The two treatments work together to remove excess skin and focalised areas of fat, while also contouring and tightening the area to accommodate for the new shape. However, this is usually decided on a case basis. If the surgeon judges that it is safe to do so, then liposuction may be added to the treatment. This will depend on whether the patient has a safe amount of time left under the anaesthesia, and if the patient’s risk of blood clotting is relatively low. This will be discussed in your first consultation.
RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS:
Every surgical procedure involves a certain amount of risk. While it is essential to gather information on potential complications, it is equally necessary to evaluate the benefits of the treatment.
Potential complications of this surgery may include infection, bleeding, thickened scarring, seroma formation, contour irregularity, asymmetry, nerve damage and loss of sensation. While these issues are unlikely, risks associated with the procedure will be outlined in your consultation. Dr Ali Hussain will also discuss the measures that will be taken to reduce the risk of complications so that you can leave fully aware and assured of how the procedure may go.
RECOVERY:
After the procedure, you will experience some soreness, swelling or bruising, and you may not be able to stand up straight or lay flat for a while, depending on your level of discomfort. For a smooth recovery, you will need to commit to the healing phase, recovery protocols and aftercare requirements, which Dr Ali Hussain will discuss with you prior to treatment.
Recovery time depends on the individual, but usually follows a general pattern. For the first few days, the patients may prefer to take some pain relief. During this time they generally stay at home, and they cannot drive a car or operate machinery. Near the one-week mark, when they are on milder medicine, they can start light exercise, such as walking, treadmill, stationary bike, but not impact exercises like running or aerobics.
Returning to work will depend on how work activity fits into the progression of recovery. Since this is individualised, this will be discussed directly with Dr Ali Hussain. For most patients, we recommend wearing a compression garment for a little while after the procedure, depending on how recovery is progressing.
SCARS POST SURGERY:
Although the resulting scar is truly dependent upon your own body and how you normally heal, Dr Ali will take measures to ensure that your scarring is kept to a minimum. Very rarely you may experience an unsatisfactory scar such as a keloid or hypertrophic scar, Dr Ali Hussain will work with you on a scar management plan if this occurs. After an arm lift surgery, scars usually form at the inner side of the arm where the incision is made. While this is not visible when the arm is close to the body, scars can be seen when the arm is lifted. Dr Ali Hussain will ensure that all incisions are placed carefully to reduce the amount of scarring.
HOW TO BOOK A CONSULTATION
You can book a consultation to discuss your suitability for this procedure by phoning us on 0420 488 105 or by emailing info@dralihussain.com.au. Alternatively, you can fill out the contact form on our home page and we will phone you back to organise a suitable appointment time.
Disclaimer: All surgical procedures carry risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
