What is Body Contouring Surgery?
Brachioplasty, also known as an arm lift, is a surgery that removes excess skin due to aging or massive weight loss. This procedure is completed by a plastic surgeon and will smooth out, shape, and tighten the skin on the upper arm. Many people choose a body contouring procedure such as Brachioplasty after losing a substantial amount of weight; when diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes are unable to get rid of the excess skin and fatty tissue.
Other areas of the body that can be contoured surgically are the tummy, breasts, thighs, and buttocks.
Getting an Arm Lift: What to Expect
If you are wondering if upper arm body contouring surgery is right for you, here is what you can expect on your journey:
Consultation: A thorough initial appointment with your plastic surgeon will help you begin your Brachioplasty journey. Depending on your weight loss history, and desired results, your surgeon may recommend complementary procedures such as liposuction, or body contouring on other parts of the body for the best overall experience.
Procedure: You will be under general anesthesia for your surgery. The length of the surgery can vary based on what needs to be done, but typically your arm contouring procedure takes 2-3 hours and is considered day surgery, meaning you won’t need to stay the night.
Recovery: Expect to have bruising and swelling in the area, after surgery. You will have scars from incisions made to tighten the skin, but they will fade as you heal. Your doctor will provide you with a postoperative routine to minimize recovery time.
Results: After your recovery and when the swelling subsides, you will notice that you will have an improved upper arm shape. They will be smoother, smaller, and firmer than they were before.
Picking Your Plastic Surgeon After Weight Loss
It is important to pick a qualified and experienced doctor to help you through the final stages of your weight loss journey. The best plastic surgeon for you will be able to:
- Determine whether or not you are a good candidate for upper arm contouring
- Explain possible risks and expected benefits to the surgery
- Provide guidance based on your overall health
- Make recommendations for complementary surgical procedures
- Explain recovery timelines and help you understand the optimal results that you can expect
- Provide follow up treatment and aftercare details
If you are considering Brachioplasty or other body contouring procedures after weight loss, Dr. Adil Ladak of Alberta Plastic Surgery is a skilled and practiced surgeon. He and his team in Edmonton have successfully guided many people through the final stages of their weight loss by providing expert plastic surgery procedures for almost two decades. For more information fill out the website form, or call 780-407-6691
FAQs
Q. Does body contouring help with loose skin?
Body contouring is one of the best ways to remove loose skin and stubborn fatty tissue, especially after a major weight loss. By removing this excess skin and tissue you are left with a smoother and improved body shape. Another benefit to body contouring is you do not have to worry about the rashes and discomfort anymore that accompany excess folds of skin.
Q. How long does an arm lift last?
Arm lifts, aka Brachioplasty, or other body contouring plastic surgeries such as tummy tuck, breast lifts, buttocks lifts, and thigh lifts can last for upwards of ten years. These types of cosmetic surgeries are considered a permanent solution for people looking to remove excess skin after weight loss.
Q. What area is addressed during an arm lift?
Arm lift body contouring is typically targeted on the ‘bat wing’ which is the upper arm between the elbow and the armpit as this is where you will find the most excess, drooping skin.
