An arm lift — with or without liposuction — can help your arms go from “flabulous” to fabulous. This procedure can create a sculpted upper arm that complements your figure and your wardrobe. Today’s arm lift techniques are safer and the scars much less conspicuous than in the past.

Candidates for Arm Lift

Arm lift is one of the top four most popular plastic surgery procedures performed following massive weight loss. This is because people who have lost massive amounts of weight are often left with significant amounts of skin hanging under their arms.

The soft tissue of the arm becomes lax, setting the stage for ptosis (sagging), or “bat wings.” Thin people, too, may have sagging upper arms due to the effects of aging and genetics. Even people who engage in regular exercise such as Pilates and strength training cannot get rid of excess, sagging skin that develops in this area.

Arm Lift Procedure

• Intravenous sedation with tumescent anesthesia is sufficient for most patients to put them to sleep through the procedure.
• Surgical markings are made with the patient standing with arm abducted at 90 degree on the inner side of upper arm from axilla to near the elbow. the use of this positioning hides the scar so that it is only seen when the arm is abducted, thereby allowing the patient to wear short sleeves without scar exposition. Short L-shaped incision at axilla and on the posterior surface of arm offer nonacceptable results.
• The amount of skin and fat to be resected is estimated with a pinched test with 1) a triangular shape in case of excess skin at axilla 2) a elliptical shape in case of little or no excess skin at axilla.
• The fat and skin exess is removed with preservation of nerve, blood vessels and lymphatic supply. No tube drain insertion is required.
• Whenever there is excess skin in the elbow, the surgeon should consider skin removal (Elbowplasty)
• The edges of wound are sutured in place with absorbable sutures. At this stage your skin will be smooth over the new contour of your arm. Special arm compression garment needs to be worn for 3 weeks for tightening effect and prevention of hypertrophic scar or keloid formation by skin tension.

Recovering From Your Arm Lift

You should expect some swelling, bruising and mild discomfort after the procedure, but your arm should appear trim and toned almost immediately. Your surgeon can prescribe prescription pain medication to help alleviate this pain.

Swelling will peak two to three days after your arm lift, typically dissipating within two weeks. Elevating your arm with pillows can help reduce swelling and increase your comfort during recovery.

Dressings are typically applied to the incision. Many of the stitches will dissolve, but those that are not self-absorbing are usually removed within a week. Your surgeon may prescribe a compression garment to allow the skin to adhere to underlying tissues.

It’s OK to shower one week after the procedure, and most people can go back to work two to three weeks after the procedure. You should avoid any strenuous exercise for one month, and avoid heavy lifting for at least six weeks. Additional cosmetic procedures may further improve your arm’s appearance, including hair removal in armpit, forearm and upper arm areas.

Risks of Arm Lift

Arm lift risks are rare include:

• Infection
• Hematoma
• Anesthesia risks
• Temporary loss of sensation
• Scars or keloids
• Swelling of the hands
• Seromas (fluid-filled masses along the incision line)

Service cost: 80,000 THB