Comparing Arm Lift Surgery Techniques
The people who come to our Gatineau plastic surgery centre can count on us for excellent cosmetic results. We offer a wide array of body contouring surgeries that can trim, tone, tighten, and enhance.
While many people focus on the tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) to tighten the stomach, other parts of the body are affected by weight gain and weight loss. With that in mind, we would like to discuss arm lift surgery (brachiplasty) and how it is tailored to the needs of the patient.
How Arm Lift Surgery Works
Arm lift surgery is a procedure that removes loose skin and excess fat from the shoulder area and tricep area. The surgery helps tighten the skin of the arms to reduce the appearance of stretchmarks and offer a toned, trim, and more athletic appearance to the arm area. Thanks to arm lift surgery, patients can look great and feel great about the look of their arms.
Arm lift surgery is great for people who have flabby or droopy upper arms as a result of major weight loss, pregnancy and childbirth, or the natural aging process. Body contouring surgeries such as the arm lift are the only reliable way to remove excess skin from the arm and eliminate stretchmarks.
Traditional Arm Lift Surgery
During a traditional arm lift surgery, the incision starts in the arm pit. From the arm pit, the incision extends down the arm to the elbow along the tricep. Through this incision, excess fat and tissue is removed and the underlying structures of the arm are adjusted. The skin is then tightened and sutured for optimal results.
This is the most common means of performing the procedure. It'll meet the needs of most patients quite well.
Mini Arm Lift Surgery
When a patient does not require a full arm lift to address their body contouring needs, the ideal option is the mini arm lift. During a mini arm lift, the incision begins in the arm pit but only extends partway down the underside of the arm. All of the necessary contouring and adjustments are made through this smaller incision. The length of the arm lift incision will be determined by the amount of sagging and the presence of stretchmarks.
Extended Arm Lift Surgery
When a person has lost a massive amount of weight, extended body contouring surgeries are necessary to achieve optimal results. For an extended arm lift, the incision begins below the arm pit to the side of the chest. The incision work through the arm pit all the way to the elbow. This larger incision allows a surgeon to remove all of the additional skin that can affect the contour of the shoulders and triceps.
A Word on Post-Surgical Scarring
Scarring is a reality after any surgery has been performed. That's why scarring after arm lift surgery will be visible in the early months of recovery, though fading with time. The extent to which the scar fades and the nature of the scarring in general will depend on the patient. If patients are prone to keloids and other kinds of significant scarring after surgery, this can be discussed during the consultation process.
Which Type of Arm Lift is Right for Me?
The best way to learn which type of arm lift is best suited to your needs is to visit our practice in person. We can assess your situation and determine the right arm lift to tighten and tone your arms. We will go over the risks and benefits of the surgery in full detail as well so you know what to expect.
Learn More About Arm Lift Surgery
For more information about arm lift surgery and your many other options for body contouring treatment, be sure to contact our cosmetic plastic surgery centre today. The team at our practice will work with you to enhance your appearance and sense of self.