With aging also comes skin sagging and loosening. Also, a significant weight loss can cause the undersides of your upper arms to droop. Even though exercise can strengthen the muscles in the upper arm, it can’t address excess skin that has lost elasticity.
During Brachioplasty, after skin removal is done, the remaining skin will be placed back over the newly repositioned contours to create a more toned look. In case the undersides of your upper arms are sagging, or you aren’t comfortable with how your body looks, an arm lift may be the right choice for you.
One of the primary causes of saggy arm skin is aging. As skin ages, it loses two crucial proteins manufactured in the dermis — elastin and collagen. Elastin provides skin elasticity, allowing firm skin to bounce back when stretched. Collagen, produced by fibroblasts, helps skin maintain its structure and firmness. Both elastin and collagen production decline as people age.
External factors such as UV exposure, pollutants in the environment, including cigarette smoke, poor nutrition, and excessive alcohol consumption can deteriorate these two proteins over time. Too much sun exposure and not taking care of your skin or health can speed up the process of skin aging, making your skin look saggy and wrinkled at a younger age.
Significant weight gain and/or loss is another common cause of saggy arm skin. Carrying extra weight for an extended period can damage the collagen and elastin fibers in your skin, making it harder for skin to snap back when you lose weight. Sagging skin is more likely to occur when weight loss is rapid, such as after bariatric surgery. Certain medical conditions, such as cutis laxa and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, can also cause loose skin, though these are uncommon. Genetics can also play a role in the development of saggy arm skin. Some people may simply have a genetic predisposition to saggy arm skin.
You can eat a healthy diet and exercise, but you still may have loose, sagging skin under the arms due to your genetics.
As you age, your skin loses elasticity and tends to sag and droop in women’s upper arms.
If you lose weight, you may wind up with skin hanging on the upper arms.
Also, the ideal candidate should be non-smoking and close to their ideal weight.
Reduces sagging skin and smooths and tightens supportive tissues under your arms.
Enhances your comfort after you lose a significant amount of weight.
Avoids rashes and inflammation because of extra skin folds that can cause infection.
Reduces hygiene problems.
Enhances self-esteem.
Trouble with wound healing
Infection
Excessive bleeding
Damage to lymphatic tissue
Damage to nearby nerves
Complications from anesthesia
Pain that doesn't go away
Blood clots
Patients may experience soreness, swelling, and some bruising after undergoing brachioplasty surgery. They should take 1-2 weeks off work to fully recover, but the soreness should go away after the first few days.
Brachioplasty, also known as an arm lift, is a surgical procedure that reshapes the under portion of the upper arm, from the underarm region to the elbow. It is often performed after significant weight loss, when the skin may have lost its elasticity, leading to sagging. There are several types of brachioplasty, each suited to different needs and conditions.
Liposuction of the arms: This is a less invasive procedure where excess fat is removed from the arms. However, it may not be effective for removing excess skin.
Hidden/Minimal incision brachioplasty: This procedure involves small incisions, usually made in the underarm area. It is best suited for those with a small amount of excess skin.
Traditional brachioplasty: This involves an incision from the underarm to the elbow, allowing for removal of a substantial amount of skin and fat. It’s often used when there is a significant amount of loose skin.
Extended brachioplasty: This is similar to traditional brachioplasty, but the incision extends onto the chest, allowing for more extensive skin and fat removal.
Fish-incision brachioplasty: This technique involves an incision that resembles a fish shape, allowing for the removal of skin and fat while minimizing visible scarring.
Non-excisional brachioplasty: This technique uses internal sutures to lift and tighten the skin without removing it.
Superficial fascial system suspension: This technique involves suspending the superficial fascial system (a layer of connective tissue under the skin) to provide support and improve contour.
Mini Brachioplasty: This involves a single crescent-shaped incision under the armpit and is best suited to people with little excess skin and fat in the upper arms.
Each type of brachioplasty has its own benefits and risks, and the choice of procedure will depend on the individual’s specific needs and the surgeon’s expertise. It’s important to discuss these options with a qualified plastic surgeon to determine the best approach.
Before undergoing a brachioplasty, or arm lift surgery, there are several steps you should take to ensure a successful procedure and recovery.
Firstly, it’s important to have a thorough discussion with your plastic surgeon about your expectations and any potential risks or complications. Make sure the physician performing the arm lift is a board-certified plastic surgeon.
You may be asked to get lab testing or a medical evaluation to ensure you are in good health before the surgery. This could include routine blood work. Obtaining medical clearance from your primary care doctor is also a common requirement.
Adjustments to your current medications may be necessary. This could include stopping certain medications or adding certain drugs or supplements. Specifically, you should avoid taking anticoagulants, like Coumadin, aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen), and certain herbal supplements known to increase bleeding.
If you’re a smoker, you’ll be asked to stop smoking well in advance of the surgery. Smoking can slow down the healing process and increase the risk of complications.
Maintaining a stable weight is crucial before undergoing brachioplasty. Significant weight gain or loss can affect the results of the surgery. Therefore, it’s essential to maintain a healthy weight before and after your procedure.
Lastly, ensure you have someone to drive you to and from surgery, and to stay with you for at least the first night following surgery. This is important for your safety and comfort.
Remember, every individual is unique and your preparation may vary based on your specific situation and your surgeon’s recommendations. Always follow your surgeon’s specific pre-operative instructions to ensure the best possible outcome.
Brachioplasty is designed to remove extra skin and tissue, making your upper arm look smoother. Here’s what typically happens during a brachioplasty:
Anesthesia: You receive medication to stay comfortable. This may include general anesthesia, which puts you to sleep and blocks sensation, or you may receive a local anesthetic, which numbs the surgical area and helps you relax.
Incision: Your surgeon will make a cut on the inside or back of your arm. The length and pattern of the incision will depend on the amount and location of excess skin to be removed.
Removal of excess skin and fat: The surgeon removes any excess skin to tighten the area. If there is also excess fat, liposuction may be performed to remove that tissue before reshaping the upper arms. Sometimes the surgeon also removes extra tissue on the side of the chest.
Reshaping and suturing: After the removal of excess skin and fat, the remaining skin is smoothed over the new contour of your arm. The tissues are then sutured together to create a smoother contour. This may also improve muscle tone in your upper arm.
Closing the incisions: The incisions are then closed either with absorbable sutures or stitches that will be removed within one to two weeks following your arm lift.
Recovery: After the surgery, dressings or bandages may be applied to your incisions, and your arms may be wrapped in an elastic bandage or a compression garment to minimize swelling.
After undergoing a brachioplasty, or arm lift surgery, there are several steps you should take to ensure a successful recovery.
Post-Surgery Sensations: As the anesthesia wears off, you may feel dizzy, disoriented, and nauseous. These sensations should pass within a few hours.
Compression Garment: Your arms may be in a compression garment or wrap immediately following surgery. Wear this exactly as directed.
Drain Management: Depending on the extent of your upper arm lift, you may have tubes in your incision to drain away fluid. Your surgeon should provide you with detailed instructions for managing your drains.
Assistance: You must have a responsible adult or nurse take you home and remain with you continuously for at least 24 hours after surgery. You should have someone help you to the bathroom the first few times in case you experience dizziness or lightheadedness.
Diet: Drink only liquids for the first few hours after surgery. Advance slowly to small, light meals.
Activity: Start walking as soon as possible, as this helps to reduce swelling and lowers the chance of blood clots. However, avoid strenuous activities that involve arm movements, such as raising your arms over your head or lifting because it can trigger unnecessary fluid retention in the treated areas.
Rest: A balance of rest and reduced activity will speed up your recovery.
Pain Management: You will have a mild to moderate amount of pain and discomfort. You can control this pain with oral medications.
Follow-up: Follow all the patient care instructions your surgeon provides, including information about wearing compression garments and the level of activity that is safe for you.
Recovery Time: The typical brachioplasty recovery timeline involves 2-3 weeks for general recovery, with most patients returning to work within 1-2 weeks. It takes about 6 weeks for the body to fully recover and resume all activities, including exercise.
Equipped hospitals and advanced specialized centers with experienced doctors and specialists are available in all medical treatment areas in Iran. Also, good hotels and entertainment centers have made Iran an appropriate choice for patients who are suffering from excess skin and fat between the armpit and elbow.
The cost of brachioplasty, or arm lift surgery, in Iran is significantly more affordable compared to many Western countries. The price range for brachioplasty procedure in Iran varies, with costs ranging from 1800-3700 USD. This bundled price typically includes the surgeon’s fees, hospital stays, anesthesia, medications, compression garments, and postoperative care.
The affordability of brachioplasty in Iran, combined with the high quality of services, makes it an attractive destination for international patients. Iran boasts modern hospitals and clinics equipped with the latest technologies, staffed with highly trained and caring nurses. Furthermore, Iranian plastic surgeons are known for their expertise and refined skills in arm lift techniques.
However, it’s crucial to remember that while cost is an important factor, it should not be the only consideration when choosing a location for surgery. The surgeon’s expertise, the quality of care, and the potential for a successful outcome should also be key considerations. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for a comprehensive understanding of the costs and benefits associated with brachioplasty in Iran.
The cost of Brachioplasty may vary based on the patient's specific surgical needs, surgeons' fees, treatment, and hospital fees.
Most patients experience some pain in the first few days post-surgery. The pain of the 1-3 days after surgery can be managed by medication. Since your arms will be bandaged and wrapped after surgery, you’ll be limited in your motion and movements at first.
If you lose a lot of weight after surgery, your skin may not have the needed elasticity to spring back into place. This may lead to extra skinfolds of tissue.
Everyone heals differently but based on your skin health and overall health, you can expect your recovery to be complete in around two or three weeks.
The most common procedures to combine with an arm lift surgery would be a tummy tuck, thigh lift, or breast implant surgery.
After an arm lift surgery, you’ll need to wear a compression garment for 3-4 weeks. Deodorants should be avoided for 2 weeks. It’s also important to avoid strenuous exercise and lifting for about a month after surgery.