Arm Lift Surgery: What’s Involved, and What Does Recovery Look Like?

Arm lift surgery, medically known as brachioplasty, is a cosmetic procedure designed to reshape and improve the contour of the upper arms. This surgery helps to remove excess sagging skin that droops downward, weakened tissues, and localized fat pockets. These conditions often result from significant weight loss, aging, or genetic factors.

However, what’s involved in arm lift surgery and what recovery looks like is still the major concern of people who are considering arm lift surgery. Let’s understand!

What’s Involved in Arm Lift Surgery?

Consultation with Plastic Surgeon: The first step towards an arm lift is a consultation with the best plastic surgeon in India. During this consultation, your surgeon will assess your medical history, discuss your aesthetic goals, explain the procedure, including its risks and benefits and determine the amount of skin and fat that needs to be removed. Also, ask the question to the surgeon to make an informed decision.

Procedure: Arm lift surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia and takes about two to three hours. After giving you anesthesia, your surgeon will make incisions on the inside or back of the arm, which may extend from the underarm to just above the elbow, depending on the amount of excess skin. The surgeon will tighten and reshape the underlying supportive tissue through these incisions. After making the corrections, the surgeon will close the incision with sutures. Excess fat may be removed through liposuction, and excess skin is trimmed before incisions are closed.

What Does Recovery Look Like?

Immediately After the Procedure: Immediately after the arm lift surgery, you will taken to the recovery area, where you will monitored for some time. Your surgeon will apply the bandage to your arm and may place small drainage tubes to drain any excess blood or fluid. You can experience some discomfort and swelling after the surgery. Your surgeon will prescribe pain medication to manage the discomfort and wear compression garments to minimize swelling and support healing.

First Few Weeks: During the first week, the swelling will start to subside, and your drainage tubes will be removed. But you need to wear compression garments and avoid strenuous activities. After two weeks, you can notice a significant reduction in swelling and can return to your work or normal activities. However, you still need to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for four to six weeks. Your surgeon will schedule follow-up appointments to check on your healing progress. You should not skip these appointments after the arm lift procedure.

Long-Term Recovery: Swelling and bruising should subside completely within three to four weeks, but it can take 6 months for the final results to develop as the tissues fully settle into their new contours. Scars, while permanent, will gradually fade and improve over time.

Following your surgeon’s instructions, eating a healthy diet, staying hydrated and gentle walks can help circulation, prevent blood clots and support a quick and smooth recovery. As with any surgical procedure, arm lift surgery has risks, including infection, bleeding, scarring, and asymmetry. However, choosing a skilled and experienced plastic surgeon can eliminate these side effects.