Arm Reduction
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.
The Arm Lift Procedure
Arm reduction surgery is performed under general anesthesia or IV sedation, meaning you will be completely unconscious throughout the procedure. When you choose an arm lift, Dr. Maxwell will remove excess skin by making an incision on the inner arm, leaving only a minimally visible scar. 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 goal arm reduction results will have very small scars as a result of their procedure. 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
In addition to dressings and compression sleeves, you may have drains in place to help reduce swelling and improve healing. Dr. Maxwell will give you directions to care for drains, 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.
Schedule a Consultation
To learn more about arm lift surgery and find out if you are a candidate, scheduling a consultation with Dr. Maxwell is the first step. Call Maxwell Aesthetics in Tucson, AZ at (520) 751-1225 or contact us online to set up your first appointment.