WHAT DOES BRACHIOPLASTY MEAN?
The brachioplasty, or arm lift, is a surgical procedure we can use to improve the firmness and shape of the arms, elevating the sagging skin and improving body contour.
WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR IQ?
The main characteristic of these patients is the excess or flaccidity of the skin of the arms, either due to the passage of time or weight loss.
WHAT IS VALUED ON THE FIRST VISIT?
The first visit is the main step for the patient who has thought about having a brachioplasty.
Some of the characteristics that are evaluated during the consultation are:
– Medical and surgical history.
– Regular medication.
– Elasticity and quality of the skin of the arms.
– Quantity and location of excess fat and skin.
WHAT SHOULD I TAKE INTO ACCOUNT BEFORE THE INTERVENTION? PREOPERATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS
There are a few considerations to keep in mind:
– Avoid certain medications that may complicate the intervention.
– Quit smoking for a period of time, before and after the intervention, since tobacco has been shown to worsen and hinder wound healing.
– Keep in mind that you will need some help after the intervention.
WHAT SHOULD I TAKE INTO ACCOUNT AFTER THE INTERVENTION? POSTOPERATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS
Some recommendations include:
– Avoid tobacco.
– Take the prescribed postoperative medication.
– Relative rest of one week.
– Wear a compressive garment during a postoperative period of time.
HOW IS AN ARM LIFT PERFORMED?
The brachioplasty is based on the traction of the skin, to give more firmness to the skin of the arm and to raise the sagging tissue.
The method how we will perform traction on the skin of the arm depends on each individual case. The incision may be made only on the inside of the arm near the armpit or may need to be brought up to the elbow. The incisions are positioned so that the scars are as less visible as possible.
Through the incision we perform a liposuction to facilitate skin traction and then the excess of skin and fat is removed. Finally, the incisions are carefully sutured.
WHERE IS THIS INTERVENTION PRACTICED?
The arm lift is performed under general anaesthesia, so that you do not feel discomfort during the intervention. The approximate duration is about 2 hours. Generally, this intervention is performed with hospital admission for one day to make your recovery more comfortable.
WHAT IS THE EVOLUTION AND POST-INTERVENTION CONTROLS?
Although each patient has their own particularities, the postoperative course contains phases common to all patients:
During the first week:
Some stitches will be removed.
The bruising and inflammation will peak.
During the second week:
The rest of the stitches will be removed.
The bruising and inflammation will begin to disappear and the results will begin to be evident.
You can gradually rejoin your work activity.
At 4 postoperative weeks:
You will no longer need to wear the compressive garment any longer.
After several months
The sensation of swelling and tightness will gradually disappear.
The incision line will begin to get its colour again, although the final colour will not appear until a year after the intervention or it may even take longer.
WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT THE RESULTS?
Shortly after the intervention you will notice an important difference in the shape of your body, but the final result is obtained after 6-12 months.
In general, the results of brachioplasty are very long-lasting. Unless you experience a significant weight change, you will be able to maintain your new figure for many years.
ARE THERE CONTRAINDICATIONS FOR THIS SURGERY?
Each case must be assessed individually. Still, some contraindications for this surgery are heavy smokers who do not plan to interrupt the habit or obese patients who must lose a lot of weight.
CAN IT BE COMBINED WITH OTHER SURGERIES?
Yes, it is especially common to combine this technique with other body contouring surgeries, such as abdominoplasty or thigh lifts in patients who have experienced large weight losses.
