Arm Lift Surgery Techniques: Incision Methods

Many patients in the Mandeville area have visited Dr. Benjamin Boudreaux to learn what they can do to get rid of loose skin. You see, after experiencing substantial weight loss, people tend to notice stretch marks, drooping skin, sagging skin, and other issues related to skin laxity. This is a natural phenomenon and it can only be addressed by body contouring surgery, which removes excess skin and tightens the remaining skin.

While the abdominal region is very much affected by loose skin after weight loss, there's another problem area to consider: the upper arms. This can be addressed through arm lift surgery.

About Arm Lift Surgery

Also known as brachioplasty, an arm lift is performed in order to address loose skin, flab, and stretch marks located around the shoulder area and the triceps. By removing excess skin and pockets of fat, patients will have trimmer, better-toned, and more athletic-looking arms.

Ideal Candidates for Arm Lift Surgery

The best candidates for arm lift surgery are people who are in generally good health but have stretch marks or loose skin along their upper arms due to weight loss. They should be in overall good health and not suffer from any sorts of medical conditions that would make the surgery a risky proposition.

Different Incision Techniques for Arm Lift Surgery

There are three general methods for performing arm lift surgery. They are as follows:

• Limited Incision Arm Lift Surgery: During a limited incision arm lift, an incision is made in the arm pit area and extends just a little way down the underside of the upper arm.
• Standard Incision Arm Lift Surgery: During a standard incision arm lift, the incision may extend from the arm pit down to the patient's elbow.
• Extended Incision Arm Lit Surgery: During an extended incision arm lift, the incision will extend from the elbow to the arm pit and down to the side of the upper torso in order to remove excess skin at the side of the chest area.

Why Different Incision Methods Are Used

When a patient requires more tightening and sculpting of the arm area (or any part of their body, for that matter), a more extensive incision will be required to achieve optimal results. Sometimes patients may be able to get the arm lift results that they require through liposuction alone, though this tends to be for only very minor revisions of the upper arm area.

The Arm Lift Surgery Procedure

Regardless the type of incision method used, arm lift surgery is performed with patients under general anesthetic. This helps ensure that patients experience no undue pain or discomfort during the procedure.

Once the incision is made, the surgeon will use liposuction to remove any excess deposits of fat. Underlying structures of the upper arm are adjusted, loose skin is tightened, and the surgical area is sutured shut.

What to Expect with Regard to Surgical Scarring

Scarring is a given after arm lift surgery, though surgeons take great care in making the scars as well-hidden as possible. The scars should fade to a certain degree with time, even the extended surgery scars. These concerns can be discussed more during the consultation process.

Learn More About Arm Lift Surgery

For more information about arm lift surgery and how it may be able to benefit you and your needs, be sure to contact our cosmetic plastic surgery center today. Dr. Boudreaux looks forward to your visit and addressing all of your concerns when it comes to body sculpting and contouring.