The answer is dependent on what you’re looking for. Arm lifts are for specific purposes and carry with them specific possibilities. Here’s some information that might help you decide:
What Exactly Is an Arm Lift?
The first step in deciding whether an arm lift is for you is determining exactly what the procedure does. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, an arm lift, also known as brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure that “[r]educes excess sagging skin that droops downward”, “[t]ightens and smoothes the underlying supportive tissue that defines the shape of the upper arm”, and “[r]educes localized pockets of fat in the upper arm region”.
Who Might Benefit from an Arm Lift?
If you have excess skin that sags below your arms and reduces their toned appearance, and this skin bothers you, you might want an arm lift. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons says that this excess skin (and some fat) is caused by weight fluctuations, aging, and heredity. So if you’ve lost a lot of weight, were born with this excess skin, or are finding that as you age, the skin under your upper arms droops, you could be a good candidate for an arm lift. The society also points out that this excess skin will not disappear with exercise. You could be in great shape otherwise and find that this one area of your body doesn’t respond to your efforts.
Mama’s Health explains that the procedure is not meant to be used to lose weight; instead, it is meant to contour the arms. Good health overall is important, and smokers should quit smoking a few months before the procedure, as smoking can negatively affect the healing process.
How Much Do Arm Lifts Cost and What Is the Recovery Time Like?
Once you know whether the idea of an arm lift is appealing, you’ll want to consider other factors like cost and recovery time. PlasticSurgeryInfo.ca lists an approximate cost of $2,500-$5,000. As for recovery time, the Stonybrook School of Medicine reports that “Most patients are able to resume their daily routines within two weeks.
It takes about four to six weeks to return to your exercise regimen.” Another thing to keep in mind is scarring. The Stonybrook School of Medicine reports that you’ll see initial scar healing around the same time as you begin to resume regular activities, at “approximately two weeks.” The risks of the procedure are the same as for any other major surgery.
Are You Thinking About an Arm Lift ?
If this sounds like a procedure you would be interested in, you should consult a plastic surgeon to determine if you’re a good candidate, and you can get any questions you have about the procedure answered.
If you are a resident of Barrie, you’re in luck: with over 20 years experience in the field, Dr. Kenneth Dickie has helped countless people. Contact us today at the Royal Centre of Plastic Surgery to schedule an in-depth consultation with Dr. Dickie, and have all your arm lift plastic surgery questions answered.