Following major weight loss, or as a result of ageing, the upper arms tend to droop down and sag.

This can make some people feel very self-conscious and unable to wear clothing that exposes their upper arms.

People often find that this excess skin is difficult to lose through exercise and a healthy diet alone, and therefore choose to have an arm lift to correct it.

Arm lift surgery may be a potential option for these concerns, and can restore the youthful contours of the lower body.

Ideal arm lift candidates include those who:

• Are at a stable weight
• Struggling with excess skin in their upper arms as a result of weight loss, aging or genetics
• Can commit to leading a healthy lifestyle in terms of exercise and diet
• Willing to continue a healthy lifestyle after surgery
• Non-smokers or are smoke and nicotine free for at least 6 weeks before the procedure
• Realistic with their expectations
• Emotionally ready for surgery

During your first visit, your plastic surgeon will likely:

• Review your medical history. About current and past medical conditions. Talk about any medications you're taking or have taken recently.
• Do a physical exam. To determine your treatment options, we will examine the undersides of your upper arms. Photos of your arms will be taken for your medical record.
• Discuss your expectations. Explain why you want arm lift and what you're hoping for in terms of appearance after the procedure. Make sure you understand the benefits and risks, including scarring.
• You have reached a stable weight. If you lose weight after your surgery, new pockets of sagging skin may form. If you gain a lot of weight after your surgery, it can harm your already weakened skin. This can cause more stretch marks and wide scars.
• Stop Smoking. If you smoke, you have to stop smoking for at least 2 weeks before surgery and during recovery.
• Avoid certain medications. Like aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements, which can increase bleeding.

The thigh lift procedure usually takes between 1 to 2 hours. It may be done as a day case, but is more commonly an overnight stay in hospital. usually done under general anesthesia.

The incisions for a Brachioplasty can either be made in the armpit or along the back of the arm.

The choice of the most suitable technique will depend on the amount of excess skin, the amount of excess fat, the level of skin laxity and your expectations from the surgery.

There are three types of incisions that your surgeon can use:

• Mini Brachioplasty (Axillary Arm Lift)

This technique involves a single incision in the shape of a crescent under the armpit.

This technique is most suitable for people with minimal excess skin and fat in the uppermost region of the arm.

A mini Brachioplasty results in a smaller amount of scarring than a standard Brachioplasty. the scar will be hidden well within the armpit.

However, the results are only effective in patients with minimal excess skin and fat.

• Standard Brachioplasty (Vertical Arm Lift)

This technique involves an incision this goes from the armpit to just above the elbow along the triceps region.

It is most suitable for those with a moderate amount of excess skin and fat.

The excess skin and fat will be removed, then tighten and reshape the underlying tissues.

The scar is well hidden when the arms are held at the side, and this technique is thought to achieve a better result.

• Extended Brachioplasty

The incision runs from the elbow, through the armpit, and into the side of the chest.
The excess skin and fat will be removed, then tighten the underlying tissues.

They will either remove the excess fat directly, or use liposuction to remove it.

As this technique results in maximal scarring that extends to the side of the chest, surgeons do not often use it.

The choice of the different techniques will depend on a number of factors including the amount of excess skin and fat in the upper arms.

Then the incisions will be closed and the thigh will be wrapped by a tight bandage (compression garment).

You may also have some small drainage tubes put under the skin to help reduce swelling and bruising. Usually, the drains will be removed within 2 or 3 days.

You can go home in the same day of surgery.

Compression garment

After your arm lift, you will need to wear a tight bandage called a compression garment for 4 to 8 weeks.

You should be able to remove this only when bathing.

This garment helps reduce swelling and therefore helps to achieve a better end result.

Scar care, these may include

1. Scar massage: Massaging your scar after the incision heals may aid the healing process.
2. Silicone sheets, gels or creams: Using silicone gels, creams or sheets has been clinically proven to help reduce the appearance of scars.
3. Avoid sunlight & sunbeds: It is important not to expose your scars to direct sunlight. Sunlight not only darkens the scar but can also cause damage to the healing skin and increase the risk of developing skin cancer in that area.

Returning to work

How quickly you can return to work after your arm lift depends on your job.

If you have an office job, you may only need 1 to 3 weeks off.

If your job involves physical activity such as waitressing or child care, you may need to take 3 to 4 weeks off.

Despite the job you have, you should be able to resume your daily routine after 2 weeks – as long as this does not involve rigorous activity.

Returning to exercise and sport:

1. Weeks 1 to 2: For the first two weeks, you should not do any type of exercise or sport. Any physical activity such as these may reduce swelling and negatively affect your final results.
2. Weeks 2 to 6: After two weeks, you may begin to do some sports that do not involve very vigorous movements. For example, you may cycle. You will still not be able to lift any heavy weights or partake in any contact sports.
3. After 6 weeks: 6 weeks after your arm lift, you should be able to resume all types of sports and exercises again.

You should expect to see some bruising and swelling for at least the first 2 to 3 weeks. 6 to 8 weeks after your procedure, you should be able to start seeing the full results of your arm lift.

However, it can take 6 to 9 months before everything completely settles.