Arm Lift Surgery for an Improved Contour
An arm lift, also known as brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure to remove loose skin and
excess fat deposits in the upper arm. With age, upper arm skin can become loose and flabby.
Dr. Baroody will discuss arm lift surgery with those who want to tighten this skin and look as
good as they feel. In some cases, Dr. Baroody may suggest that liposuction be used alone or
in conjunction with an arm lift to remove excess fat in the upper arms.
ARE YOU A CANDIDATE FOR AN ARM LIFT?
Brachioplasty is most beneficial for men or women who are bothered by large fat deposits or
loose arm skin that do not respond to diet or exercise. Loss of skin elasticity, which frequently
occurs with slight obesity, may also be improved. Although many people who undergo the
procedure have had a gastric bypass or lap band procedure, those who lose weight by other
methods are also commonly treated.
Diet and exercise should be implemented weeks before surgery and a steady weight
established. Not only will weight loss improve your overall result after surgery but will also
decrease your risk of experiencing a complication.
ALL SURGERY CARRIES SOME UNCERTAINTY AND RISK
Arm lift surgery is becoming more commonly performed and may result in dramatic
improvements; however, every surgery inherently carries potential risks and complications.
Post-operative complications such as infection and blood clots are rare, but may occur.
Infection can be treated with drainage and antibiotics.
Poor healing, which results in conspicuous scars, may necessitate a second operation.
Because of the dramatic increase in the risk of complications, smokers must stop at least four
weeks prior to surgery.
You can reduce your risk of complications by closely following Dr. Baroody's instructions
before and after surgery, especially with regard to when and how you should resume physical
activity.
PLANNING YOUR SURGERY
During your initial consultation, Dr. Baroody will evaluate your general health, the extent of
subcutaneous fat, and the tone of your skin. Be sure to inform Dr. Baroody of your past
medical/surgical history, all medications you are taking, allergies to medications, and history of
tobacco use.
According to your anatomy, the most appropriate body contouring procedure(s) will be
recommended. Whether you would most benefit from liposuction alone or brachioplasty
with/without liposuction, Dr. Baroody will consider the potential results and the risks to offer the
procedure best for you.
PREPARING FOR YOUR SURGERY
You will be given specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on
eating and drinking, smoking, and avoiding certain vitamins/medications.
If you smoke, you must quit at least four weeks before your surgery and are not to resume for
at least four weeks after your surgery. You must also avoid second-hand smoke. If you smoke
or develop a cold/infection of any kind, your surgery will be postponed.
Whether your surgery is performed on an outpatient or inpatient basis, you should arrange for
someone to drive you home after your surgery. You will need someone to stay with you for a
day or two after you leave the facility.
LOCATION OF THE SURGERY
Dr. Baroody performs the procedure in both hospital and outpatient settings. Arm lift surgery
may be performed in New Milford Hospital or the Ridgefield Surgery Center in Ridgefield, CT.
TYPE OF ANESTHESIA
Dr. Baroody performs the procedure under general anesthesia and will numb your arms prior
to awaking.
THE SURGERY
A standard arm lift usually takes 2-3 hours, depending on the extent of work required.
Although smaller incisions may be used, most commonly, the incision will be from the arm pit to
the elbow. Next, Dr. Baroody removes the excess skin and fat of the arms. The incisions will
be closed with absorbable sutures and dressings will be applied.
AFTER YOUR SURGERY
For the first few days, your arms will be swollen and you will likely feel some pain and
discomfort which can be controlled by medication. Depending on the extent of the surgery, you
may be released within a few hours or you may have to remain hospitalized.
GETTING BACK TO NORMAL
It may take you weeks or months to feel like your old self again. Some return to work after two
weeks, while others take three or four weeks to rest and recuperate.
Exercise will help you heal better. Even people who have never exercised before should begin
an exercise program to reduce swelling, lower the chance of blood clots, and tone muscles.
Vigorous exercise, however, should be avoided until you can do it comfortably.
Your scars may actually appear to worsen during the first three to six months as they heal, but
this is normal. Expect it to take nine months to a year before your scars flatten out and lighten
in color. They will never disappear completely.
YOUR NEW LOOK
Arm lift surgery produces excellent results for patients with excess skin and fat of the upper
arms. And in most cases, the results are long lasting, if you follow a balanced diet and exercise
regularly.
If you are realistic in your expectations and prepared for having a permanent scar, an arm lift
may be right for you.
An arm lift, also known as brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure to remove loose skin and
excess fat deposits in the upper arm. With age, upper arm skin can become loose and flabby.
Dr. Baroody will discuss arm lift surgery with those who want to tighten this skin and look as
good as they feel. In some cases, Dr. Baroody may suggest that liposuction be used alone or
in conjunction with an arm lift to remove excess fat in the upper arms.
ARE YOU A CANDIDATE FOR AN ARM LIFT?
Brachioplasty is most beneficial for men or women who are bothered by large fat deposits or
loose arm skin that do not respond to diet or exercise. Loss of skin elasticity, which frequently
occurs with slight obesity, may also be improved. Although many people who undergo the
procedure have had a gastric bypass or lap band procedure, those who lose weight by other
methods are also commonly treated.
Diet and exercise should be implemented weeks before surgery and a steady weight
established. Not only will weight loss improve your overall result after surgery but will also
decrease your risk of experiencing a complication.
ALL SURGERY CARRIES SOME UNCERTAINTY AND RISK
Arm lift surgery is becoming more commonly performed and may result in dramatic
improvements; however, every surgery inherently carries potential risks and complications.
Post-operative complications such as infection and blood clots are rare, but may occur.
Infection can be treated with drainage and antibiotics.
Poor healing, which results in conspicuous scars, may necessitate a second operation.
Because of the dramatic increase in the risk of complications, smokers must stop at least four
weeks prior to surgery.
You can reduce your risk of complications by closely following Dr. Baroody's instructions
before and after surgery, especially with regard to when and how you should resume physical
activity.
PLANNING YOUR SURGERY
During your initial consultation, Dr. Baroody will evaluate your general health, the extent of
subcutaneous fat, and the tone of your skin. Be sure to inform Dr. Baroody of your past
medical/surgical history, all medications you are taking, allergies to medications, and history of
tobacco use.
According to your anatomy, the most appropriate body contouring procedure(s) will be
recommended. Whether you would most benefit from liposuction alone or brachioplasty
with/without liposuction, Dr. Baroody will consider the potential results and the risks to offer the
procedure best for you.
PREPARING FOR YOUR SURGERY
You will be given specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on
eating and drinking, smoking, and avoiding certain vitamins/medications.
If you smoke, you must quit at least four weeks before your surgery and are not to resume for
at least four weeks after your surgery. You must also avoid second-hand smoke. If you smoke
or develop a cold/infection of any kind, your surgery will be postponed.
Whether your surgery is performed on an outpatient or inpatient basis, you should arrange for
someone to drive you home after your surgery. You will need someone to stay with you for a
day or two after you leave the facility.
LOCATION OF THE SURGERY
Dr. Baroody performs the procedure in both hospital and outpatient settings. Arm lift surgery
may be performed in New Milford Hospital or the Ridgefield Surgery Center in Ridgefield, CT.
TYPE OF ANESTHESIA
Dr. Baroody performs the procedure under general anesthesia and will numb your arms prior
to awaking.
THE SURGERY
A standard arm lift usually takes 2-3 hours, depending on the extent of work required.
Although smaller incisions may be used, most commonly, the incision will be from the arm pit to
the elbow. Next, Dr. Baroody removes the excess skin and fat of the arms. The incisions will
be closed with absorbable sutures and dressings will be applied.
AFTER YOUR SURGERY
For the first few days, your arms will be swollen and you will likely feel some pain and
discomfort which can be controlled by medication. Depending on the extent of the surgery, you
may be released within a few hours or you may have to remain hospitalized.
GETTING BACK TO NORMAL
It may take you weeks or months to feel like your old self again. Some return to work after two
weeks, while others take three or four weeks to rest and recuperate.
Exercise will help you heal better. Even people who have never exercised before should begin
an exercise program to reduce swelling, lower the chance of blood clots, and tone muscles.
Vigorous exercise, however, should be avoided until you can do it comfortably.
Your scars may actually appear to worsen during the first three to six months as they heal, but
this is normal. Expect it to take nine months to a year before your scars flatten out and lighten
in color. They will never disappear completely.
YOUR NEW LOOK
Arm lift surgery produces excellent results for patients with excess skin and fat of the upper
arms. And in most cases, the results are long lasting, if you follow a balanced diet and exercise
regularly.
If you are realistic in your expectations and prepared for having a permanent scar, an arm lift
may be right for you.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| DOWNLOADS |
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
51-53 Kenosia Avenue . Danbury, CT 06810 120 Park Lane Road . Unit B 202 . New Milford, CT 06776 203-790-5700 2006-2011 Baroody Plastic Surgery - All Rights Reserved |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Typical scar location along the inner aspect of the arm. |
| Reduce Bruising and Swelling with SinEcch (Arnica) |
