What is an Arm Reduction?
Short sleeves are a must in the desert Southwest – but aging or extensive weight loss can cause sagging skin on your upper arms, making you self-conscious in your favorite summer clothes. An arm reduction, also known as an arm lift or brachioplasty, reduces excess skin and fat from the upper arms for a smoother, youthful, and more toned appearance.
Who is a Candidate for an Arm Lift?
Most patients who have significant skin laxity on their upper arms make good candidates for a brachioplasty. While many patients choose arm reduction after losing a significant amount of weight, they should be at a healthy and stable weight before choosing the arm lift procedure. During a consultation, Dr. Maxwell will examine the treatment area and review your health history to determine whether you are a good candidate for the surgery. Some patients with medical conditions that would impair healing may not be good candidates for an arm lift procedure. It is also best if you are a nonsmoker, as smoking can slow your healing after a surgery.
Anesthesia and Sedation
Arm reduction surgery is performed under general anesthesia or IV sedation, ensuring you are completely unconscious throughout the procedure.
The type of anesthesia used will be discussed during your pre-surgery consultation to determine the best option for your comfort and safety.
Incision and Skin Removal
Dr. Maxwell will make an incision on the inner arm to remove excess skin, leaving only a minimally visible scar. The incision length depends on the amount and location of excess skin.
In some cases, a minimal incision technique may be used if the excess skin is limited, often positioned on the inside or back of the arm for inconspicuousness.
Fat Removal
Any residual fat is removed, which may be accomplished with liposuction alone in cases where skin retains its elasticity.
Patients who only require liposuction to achieve their desired arm reduction results will have very small scars as a result of their procedure.
Closure and Recovery
Once incisions are closed, dressings and compression sleeves are placed temporarily to assist skin remodeling and reduce swelling.
You will wear these compression sleeves throughout recovery according to Dr. Maxwell’s directions to aid in proper healing and achieving the desired contour.
Recovery After an Arm Reduction
Dr. Maxwell will give you directions to care for dressings and compression garments as you heal. Redness, swelling, some bruising, and soreness are all normal side effects, especially in the early stages of recovery. You will likely be prescribed pain medication to keep you comfortable through the healing process. Most patients are ready to return to their normal routines, including work or school, one to two weeks after their arm reduction surgery. You should take care to avoid strenuous activity like exercise until Dr. Maxwell determines that it is safe to do so during a follow-up appointment. Usually, patients have sufficiently healed to return to all activities within about a month after their arm lift surgery.