arab,medicine,surgery,plastic surgery,cosmetic surgery,aesthetic surgery,gulf,uae,dubai,abu dhabi,rhinoplasty,liposuction,facelifting,breast augmentation,saudi,golden health,tourism,bahrein,oman,kuwait,quatar,katar,silicone,germany,europe,frankfurt,munich,lufthansa,emirates,hospital,clinic,beauty,nasal surgery
Updated 03/31/06
Quick Navigation
Arm
Lifts (Brachioplasty)
The
effects of aging on the skin
are familiar to all of us.
Over time, the skin changes in
four ways: it loses thickness,
loses elasticity, loses
adherence to the underlying
tissue, and is affected by
gravity. At the same time, the
deep layers of fat, muscle and
bone thin as well. The amount
of elastic tissue and collagen
present in the dermis (the
deep layer of the skin) also
decreases.
One
area where these changes are
especially apparent is the
upper arm.
An
arm lift - or brachioplasty - can
lift and tighten up loose skin in
the upper arms, resulting in a
firmer, more youthful contour.
If
you're considering brachioplasty,
the following information will
provide you with a good introduction
to the procedure. For more detailed
information about how this procedure
may help you, we
recommend that you schedule a
consultation with Dr. Kremer / Dr. Zettl.
What
are the most common benefits of this
surgery?
A
more youthful appearance
and thinner contour to
the arms.
Reduction
of flabbiness, extra
skin and fat, especially
in the upper inner arms.
Improved
appearance in related
folds of skin and fat on
the upper chest near the
armpit, which are
particularly apparent
when the arms are down
at the sides.
During
the initial consultation,
you and Dr. Kremer / Dr. Zettl
will
discuss the changes you want
to make in your appearance. He
will explain the different options
available to you, the procedure
itself, and its risks and
limitations as well as the kind of
anesthesia required.
Dr. Kremer / Dr. Zettl will begin with a
physical examination to evaluate
your overall weight, your skin and
muscle tone, and the fat deposits in
your arms. He will also take a
medical history, including any
medications that you are currently
taking. A careful history of your
weight, diet and exercise is
important as well.
Be sure to ask all the questions you
have about the procedure. Learning
everything you can about your
options, risks and benefits is the
key to making an informed decision.
Note: An arm lift procedure
does not affect muscle tone.
You will need to exercise in order to tone and firm the
muscle beneath the skin both
before and after your
procedure.
Dr. Kremer / Dr. Zettl
begins by marking
the area of excess skin,
with the patient either
standing or sitting. The
anesthesia is administered.
Incisions are made on the
inner and under surface of
the arm, most often in a
zigzagged line. The pattern
of skin removal usually
follows an elliptical or
triangular shape. Often some
fat is suctioned at the same
time. The surgical opening
may run from the armpit to
as low as the elbow.
While the excess skin and
fat is removed, the
remaining skin is stretched
and sutured into place.
Occasionally a drain is used
to lead excess fluids from
the site of incision,
allowing the skin better to
adhere to the tissue
beneath. The incisions are
then bandaged.
If
the procedure is done with a local
anesthetic supplemented by a light
sedative, the pain experienced is
minimal, although you may feel
pressure, movement, or a vibrating
sensation. More sedation will
further reduce sensations, and
general anesthesia will eliminate
all sensation. You
may experience some
discomfort after this procedure. Pain
medication, prescribed by Dr. Kremer / Dr. Zettl, can help make
you comfortable.
After
the procedure you will feel
groggy. Your arm will be
placed in a special
compression garment to help
the newly sculpted skin
adhere to the tissue
underneath. You will
probably have several layers
of stitches on the upper
arm, possibly with a drain
inserted to help the skin to
adhere to the underlying
tissue. After a brief stay in
the recovery room, you will
be allowed to go home.
For
the first week following
surgery, you will have to
avoid strenuous activity,
including bending and
lifting. You will be able to
shower on the third day
after surgery. The swelling
is mild to moderate, and
peaks at two to three days.
Drains will be removed
after about 2-3 days. Some
grogginess may persist for
5-7 days.
While each person’s
recovery is unique, the
recovery period after an arm
lift generally lasts one to
two weeks. You'll probably
be able to return to work in
a week, and resume exercise
within two weeks. Strenuous
workouts and contact sports
can be engaged in after
about four weeks.
What
is the long-term outcome like for
most people?
Improved
balance and proportion
in the contour of the
arm.
Greater
confidence and comfort
in clothing.
A
natural and presentable
appearance in the first
week that gradually
improves further over
the next three to six
months.
Please
note that the natural aging
process will eventually
affect the whole body,
including the area treated
in this procedure. Still,
the contouring effects of
arm lifts are typically
long-lasting, and most
people are very pleased with
their results.
An
arm lift is usually not
suitable for patients who
have had a mastectomy. The
drainage of fluid (lymph)
from the arm may already be
damaged, and further surgery
can lead to persistent
swelling. Patients who have
repeated infections in the
armpit, or suffer from
excess sweat formation (axillary
hidradenitis), may also not
be good candidates for this
surgery. For some people,
liposuction may be a better
way to reduce the thickness
of the whole arm.
The
most common risks associated
with this type of surgery
include, but are not limited
to, a reaction to the
anesthesia used, excessive
bleeding, wound healing
problems, infection, visible
scarring, possible asymmetry
or irregularities, and
possible nerve damage with changes in
sensation. Dr. Kremer / Dr. Zettl will discuss other
possible risks with you
during the consultation.
Tell
Dr. Kremer / Dr. Zettl about any
allergies you have (to
foods, drugs,
environmental elements)
Tell
Dr. Kremer / Dr. Zettl if you have a
history of bad scarring,
such as keloids.
Tell
Dr. Kremer / Dr. Zettl about all
medications, herbal
supplements or natural
supplements you are
taking (both
prescription and
non-prescription)
Carefully
follow any instructions Dr. Kremer / Dr. Zettl
gives you
regarding eating and
drinking and smoking.
Avoid
aspirin and
aspirin-containing
medicines for two
weeks prior to surgery.
Arrange
for someone to drive you
home after surgery or
after discharge from the
day surgery center or
the hospital.
Please
inform Dr. Kremer / Dr. Zettl
immediately in case you
should experience fever
or symptoms of an
infection after surgery.
Tell
Dr. Kremer / Dr. Zettl if you have any
of the following
pre-existing conditions:
thyroid
problems such as
hypothyroidism
elevated
blood pressure or other
circulatory disorders
cardiovascular
disease
diabetes
any
other serious medical
condition(s)
The
information on this web site
is only intended as an
introduction to this
procedure and should not be
used to determine whether
you will have the procedure
performed nor as a guarantee
of the result.
The
best method of determining
your personal options is to
schedule a personal
consultation with Dr. Kremer / Dr. Zettl. He will be able to
answer specific questions
related to your situation.
