Who is an Arm Lift Surgery Not Suitable For?
Arm lift surgery may not be suitable for everyone. Individuals who cannot benefit from this procedure are evaluated based on certain absolute and relative contraindications. Absolute contraindications are conditions that completely prevent surgery. Neurological or vascular diseases of the upper extremity, such as advanced lymphedema, negatively affect skin healing and circulation, making surgery risky. Connective tissue diseases (such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome or progeria) can severely limit the healing capacity. Additionally, ineffective patient-doctor communication or lack of patient compliance can negatively impact the postoperative process.
Relative contraindications are conditions that can be improved before surgery. Managing accompanying conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes or hypertension is essential to reduce the risk of complications. Smoking adversely affects wound healing, so it is recommended to quit before surgery. Individuals at risk of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism should undergo careful evaluation and preventive measures should be taken. Additionally, recent surgeries or active infections may require postponement of the operation.
During pregnancy and breastfeeding, surgery should be postponed for the health of both the mother and the baby. Bleeding disorders and a history of mastectomy can increase the risk of complications and require a detailed evaluation. In individuals under 18 years of age, this surgery is generally not recommended due to ongoing physical development. Before surgical planning, all these factors should be carefully considered, and the individual’s overall health condition should be thoroughly evaluated.
How is an Arm Lift Surgery Performed?
Arm lift surgery is a procedure performed using different surgical techniques determined by the patient’s needs. It is usually performed under general anesthesia, but in some cases, a combination of local anesthesia and sedation may be preferred. The duration of the operation can vary between 1-3 hours, depending on the technique applied and the extent of the intervention.
- Classic Brachioplasty (Classic Arm Lift):
The classic technique is suitable for patients experiencing severe sagging. In this method, an incision is made on the inner part of the arm, extending from the armpit to the elbow. Excess skin and fat tissue are removed from this incision, and liposuction is applied if necessary. The subcutaneous tissues are then tightened with internal sutures, and the skin is reshaped. Incisions are usually closed with absorbable sutures.
This technique is suitable for patients who have sagging not only in the arm but also in the chest wall. It involves a broader incision extending from the armpit to the chest wall. This method removes excess tissue from both the upper arm and the chest area, providing a more holistic shaping.
- Minimal Incision Brachioplasty:
In patients with good skin elasticity and mild sagging, a minimal incision technique can be applied. In this method, the incision is placed in the armpit area, and less skin is removed. The healing process is faster, and scars may be less noticeable.
L-Brachioplasty, used in moderate and severe sagging, is performed with an L-shaped incision. This technique allows for the removal of excess tissue from the arm, armpit, and chest wall.
- Liposuction-Assisted Brachioplasty:
Liposuction supports the removal of excess fat and creates a fine contour. However, liposuction alone is insufficient for treating skin sagging; therefore, it is often combined with other techniques.
In conclusion, after closing the incision, layered sutures are used to support healing. The patient achieves a more aesthetic and tighter arm contour after the procedure.
What are the Side Effects of an Arm Lift Surgery?
An arm lift surgery can provide an aesthetic appearance while causing some side effects and potential complications. These side effects are generally temporary and can be managed with proper care. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are risks that need to be carefully considered.
Scar Formation: A surgical scar may form on the inner part of the arm, extending from the armpit to the elbow as a result of the surgery. The visibility of the scars depends on the individual’s healing process. In some patients, more prominent scars, such as hypertrophic or keloid scars, may occur. Surgeons strive to minimize these scars.
Swelling and Bruising: It is common to experience swelling and bruising in the treated area after surgery. These effects usually subside within a few weeks.
Pain and Discomfort: Patients may experience pain and tenderness in the surgical area. This discomfort can be managed with medications prescribed by the doctor.
Numbness or Sensory Changes: Temporary numbness and changes in sensation in the upper arm may occur due to nerve involvement. In most cases, sensations gradually return to normal.
Infection: May manifest with redness, increased temperature, pain, and wound discharge. Infections are usually treated with antibiotics.
Hematoma and Seroma: Accumulation of blood or fluid under the skin can cause swelling and discomfort. These conditions can be treated with drainage or aspiration.
Wound Healing Problems: Smoking, diabetes, or poor nutrition can delay wound healing.
Asymmetry and the Need for Revision Surgery: Achieving perfect symmetry is not always possible, and additional surgical interventions may be required.
- Factors Increasing the Risk of Complications:
Obesity, smoking, and diabetes increase the risk of complications.
How Successful is an Arm Lift Surgery?
An arm lift surgery is one of the most frequently chosen procedures in aesthetic surgery, providing significant benefits to patients both visually and psychologically. Success rates vary depending on the patient’s personal goals, surgical technique, the surgeon’s experience, and patient compliance during the postoperative period.
Studies show that a large majority of patients who have undergone arm lift surgery are satisfied with the results. Especially in arm lift surgeries performed after significant weight loss, it has been reported that patients have a satisfaction rate of 71-97%. These percentages are related to personal gains such as an aesthetic appearance, increased self-confidence, and greater freedom in clothing choices. Additionally, psychosocial benefits such as improved self-esteem and easier participation in social life are emphasized.
While arm lift surgery is generally considered a safe procedure, some complications such as infections, hematomas, hypertrophic scars, and contour irregularities may occur. The rate of major complications varies between 3-5%, while minor complications are more common. However, most of these complications can be resolved without surgical intervention. The revision rate ranges between 12-22%, usually related to aesthetic improvements or scar corrections.
Appropriate patient selection is critical to increasing success. Particularly, patients with good overall health, who do not smoke, and have realistic expectations achieve better results. The surgical technique used is also an important factor affecting the outcomes. Traditional excisional methods offer more noticeable results, while liposuction-assisted techniques can provide more minimally invasive approaches. The surgeon’s experience and patient compliance during the postoperative care process are determining factors in reducing complication rates and achieving satisfactory results.
How to Prepare for an Arm Lift Surgery?
Before an arm lift surgery, it is important for patients to be well-prepared both physically and mentally to increase the success of the operation and facilitate the recovery process. These preparatory stages aim to improve the patient’s overall health condition, reduce possible risks during surgery, and make the postoperative process more comfortable.
Comprehensive medical evaluations conducted in the preoperative period are necessary to determine the patient’s suitability for the surgical procedure. Blood tests, electrocardiogram (ECG), and if necessary, other imaging methods help identify potential health risks. Especially in individuals with chronic conditions such as diabetes or hypertension, it is crucial to control these conditions.
Medications that can increase bleeding risk, such as aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and some herbal supplements, need to be discontinued in the preoperative period. Your surgeon will inform you in detail about which medications to stop and how long before the surgery you need to discontinue them.
Smoking can slow wound healing and increase the risk of infections and other complications. Therefore, it is strongly advised to quit smoking at least four weeks before the surgery and to refrain from smoking during the postoperative period as well.
Achieving a stable weight before the surgery is important for the durability of the surgical results. If you are in the process of gaining or losing weight, you should inform your surgeon so that an appropriate plan can be established.
Clearly understanding the healing period and the expected results of the surgical procedure is vital for the patient to successfully undergo the operation. It is important to ask your surgeon any questions without hesitation and to have realistic expectations, which will make the process more positive.
How Should Postoperative Care Be After an Arm Lift Surgery?
The recovery process after an arm lift surgery requires careful care to achieve a successful result. The first 24-48 hours are a critical period for patients. Due to numbness and limited movement after surgery, it is important to arrange for someone to support you when returning home and during this period. During this time, your arm will be wrapped with compression garments to reduce swelling and accelerate healing. Make sure to wear these garments as prescribed by your doctor.
If drains were placed during the surgery, carefully follow your doctor’s instructions on how to use and care for these drains. Drains are usually removed within one to two weeks. For pain management, you can use the prescribed medications in the recommended dosages but should avoid blood-thinning medications like aspirin. Additionally, it is important to complete your antibiotic course to minimize the risk of infection.
Physical activity should be limited for the first few weeks. Especially within the first 24 hours after surgery, taking light walks can promote blood circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots. However, you should avoid strenuous movements and heavy lifting. To reduce swelling, keep your arm elevated using pillows. Driving is not recommended as long as you are taking painkillers.
Hygiene and wound care are vital to minimize the risk of infection. Incision areas should be gently cleaned and dried. Steri-strips should remain in place until they fall off naturally. Protecting scars from sunlight is very important to reduce the visibility of scars. Therefore, it is recommended to regularly use sunscreen during the healing process.
A balanced diet and adequate fluid intake after the surgery will support your body’s healing process. Throughout this entire process, it is necessary to stay in contact with your surgeon and attend regular follow-up appointments for a healthy and smooth recovery.