ARM LIFT
What are the benefits?
Age, irregular physical exercise or a drastic weight loss can all contribute to flabby arm skin. An arm lift, or brachioplasty, tightens and lifts the skin on the arms by getting rid of excess.
Is it for me?
An arm lift can improve your appearance and self confidence but it won’t change your relationship with others. Before opting for this type of procedure, be clear about your expectations and discuss them with Dr. Duclos. She’ll be happy to answer any questions clearly and provide information on the type of procedure that’s best for you, including the pros and cons.
If you plan on losing a significant amount of weight, it’s probably best to do so before the procedure.
What techniques are used?
An arm lift consists of removing any excess skin and fat from the arm. The incision is generally made on the inside of the arm, extending to the armpit. Occasionally, the incision is made in the armpit only. Sometimes, an arm lift is combined with liposuction.
What should I expect?
During your consultation, Dr. Duclos will evaluate your health, skin quantity and quality, how much fat you have, and it’s location on your arm. She will then recommend the technique most appropriate for you, with or without liposuction. She will show you exactly where the incisions will go and explain the inherent risks as well as each step of the procedure itself, which is usually performed under general anaesthetic, and discuss pre and post operative care.
Before the procedure, you will have to purchase a support for the day of the operation. The duration of the procedure depends on the amount of work to be done. You will then remain under observation until the doctor decides you may leave the clinic. Painkillers will be prescribed and the date of your next appointment will be given to you before you leave. Make sure you ask someone to accompany you back home.
After the procedure, you will experience moderate pain that is easily relieved with your prescribed medication. This pain will fade after two to three days.
You must keep your bandage and support on until your next appointment, taking care not to get them wet (Dr. Duclos will let you know when you can take a shower). You must wear the support at all times for the following two weeks, then ten hours a day for the two weeks after that.
Avoid any strenuous physical activity for the first four weeks and avoid exposing your scars to sunlight or in any kind of tanning salon for 6 months.
What are the risks?
The risks are few. Bleeding, infection, irregular scarring, and sutures tearing can occur. A temporary loss of sensation can also happen and, in rare instances, it could remain permanent. Necrosis may affect the skin due to poor circulation.