PLASTIC SURGERY

Q: I can only wear long sleeves… can you tell me about Arm Lift surgery? A: An arm lift, or brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure popular with both women and men that reduces excess sagging skin that droops downward from underneath the upper arm. This procedure can also tighten and smooth the underlying supportive tissue that defines the shape of the upper arm, and reduce localized pockets of fat in this region.

This procedure is often performed following significant weight loss, but simple aging and heredity can cause upper arms to have a drooping, sagging appearance with excess skin and/or fat. While exercise may help the appearance a little, this condition can only be corrected through surgery.

Adults of any age are candidates, providing they are not obese, their weight is relatively stable, they are in overall good health without medical conditions that impair healing or increase risk of surgery, and they are non-smokers.

Brachioplasty is performed under general anesthesia, and typically on an out-patient basis. Recovery is relatively simple. Dressings or bandages may be applied to your incisions, and your arms may be wrapped in an elastic bandage or a compression garment to minimize swelling following surgery for just a day. Some medications to aid in the healing may be prescribed to apply to the surgical area, or take orally. If your job does not require lifting, most people are back to work in about a week.

Brachioplasty results are long-lasting, provided that you maintain a stable weight and a reasonable level of general fitness. Let’s get you back into short sleeve clothing soon! Dr. Paul Vanek M.D., F.A.C.S. Vanek Plastic Surgery 9485 Mentor Ave #100 Mentor, OH 44060 440-205-5750 www.MentorPlasticSurgery.com Accepting new patients for non-intrusive and surgical cosmetic and reconstructive solutions