Arm Lift After Weight Loss
Many people, as they age, find that their skin has lost elasticity and has begun to sag. While most people do experience some degree of this during their lifetime, it is much more common in those who have had significant weight loss. Sagging skin around your arm is especially troublesome since it is not easily concealable. It can also prevent you from enjoying your new, slimmer body or can make you feel less confident about your new appearance. However, an arm lift, or brachioplasty, may be the solution.
You could be a candidate for an arm lift if you have a lot of excess skin on your arm, or if you have stubborn fat deposits that remain even after regularly exercising.
The procedure will reduce the overall circumference of your arm while firming and toning the whole area. The ultimate result is a more youthful looking arm.
Traditional Arm Lift
A traditional arm lift is performed as an outpatient procedure under anesthesia. Dr. Schlechter makes an incision on your inner upper arm. The length of the incision can vary depending on your individual need. He then removes any excess fat and uses internal sutures to tighten the underlying tissue, which helps to tone and define your arm. Dr. Schlechter uses fine sutures to close the incision to minimize scarring.
Following your arm lift procedure, you may experience some temporary swelling and mild discomfort. Most patients can return to work within a one to two weeks, but they should avoid strenuous activities for six weeks. It can take up to eight months for the scars to fully mature, but they will continue to fade and become less noticeable over time.
Smartlipo™
An additional option available to assist in transforming your arms is Smartlipo™ liposuction. This technique can effectively remove excess fat and tighten your skin at the same time, improving both the shape and tone of your arms. This procedure is most appropriate for someone who has minor to moderate arm sagging and is in good health. Smartlipo™ is a minimally invasive technique that can be done in a short office visit under anesthesia or a local anesthetic, although time will vary depending on the chosen procedure site. Dr. Schlechter will insert a specialized cannula under the skin in the target area. The cannula will emit laser energy to the tissues, causing the fat cells to melt. A vacuum device will then suction out the melted fat cells, and the body’s natural metabolic process will dispose of any remaining melted fat cells. The heat emitted from the Smartlipo™ laser will stimulate the production of collagen, which will help tighten your skin and improve elasticity.
Following the Smartlipo™ procedure, you can expect some swelling and bruising, but wearing compression garments for a short time afterward will help. Unlike a traditional arm lift, you will be able to resume regular activities after just a few days. Scars from Smartlipo™ are minimal compared to those of a traditional arm lift, and they will continue to fade over time.
Regardless of which arm lift procedure you choose, the results will be immediate and improve over time and will be long-lasting as long as you maintain a stable weight and regular exercise.
To learn more about which arm lift procedure is appropriate, and how it can benefit you, contact Dr. Schlechter for a consultation. Please call us at (610) 678-9200 to schedule your appointment.
