For the right person this can be a life changing procedure – letting a patient wear clothes showing
her arms like she may have never done before.
What an Arm Lift Can Do
An arm lift eliminates a number of issues affecting the arms. This is what it can do for you:
- Tightens skin for a smoother contour
- Removes excess fat
- Creates a more proportionate arm shape, particularly after dramatic weight loss or aging
- Reduces the risk of irritation and inflammation caused by skin folds
- Improves muscular tone
Arm Lift Types
There are different types of surgical techniques implemented during the arm lift procedure, as well as
different incision placements. Arm lifts are categorized by their incision.
Full Arm Lift / Traditional Arm Lift
This is the most commonly performed type of arm lift. It involves an incision from the armpit to the
elbow so that fat and skin can be removed.
Extended Arm Lift
This involves a more extensive arm lift incision that runs from the armpit and just past the elbow. It
is recommended for patients who require more extensive correction.
Short Scar Arm Lift
If fat and skin excess are limited to the uppermost arm, then a short scar arm lift is suitable.
If you'd like to learn more about the arm lift procedure, contact us now to book your confidential
appointment with Dr. Kesarwani. Dr. Kesarwani will choose the incision that is right for you.
Dr. Kesarwani can also show you before and after arm lift photos from patients he has performed the
procedure on previously, during your private brachioplasty surgery consultation.
Tens of thousands of brachioplasties are carried out every year, and that makes it one of the most
popular cosmetic surgery procedures in North America. The primary goal of a Toronto arm lift
procedure is to tighten all of the soft tissue in the upper arms, from the shoulders to just above
the elbows. That either involves removing fat, removing excess sagging skin, or both.
What About Exercising?
Weight training and a proper skincare regimen can keep your arms looking great, but you might not be
able to avoid the accumulation of fat and skin excess forever. These cosmetic problems can develop
regardless of how many pushups and pull-ups you do. Your genetics play a major role in the shape and
layout of your arms. If your family members have loose skin and excess fat on their arms, then you
could end up dealing with those issues as well.
Massive weight fluctuations can also be a factor.
Once the skin begins to sag, you will most likely need to consider professional treatment options.
Exercising will build muscle in your arms, but it isn't going to tighten your excess skin.
Ideal Arm Lift Candidate
We usually suggest that patients stay at a consistent weight for at least a year before considering
any cosmetic procedures. Gaining or losing weight in a short period of time will impact the results
of your Toronto arm lift surgery at our plastic surgery clinic. You also need to have realistic
expectations about what an arm lift can accomplish.
A brachioplasty isn't going to drastically change your appearance, but many patients find that they
can enjoy wearing form fitting clothing again. The purpose of this procedure is to gently enhance
your natural silhouette by tightening sagging skin and eliminating fat on your upper arms.As can be
expected, there are significant emotional and psychological benefits. For many formerly obese
patients, this loose skin is the last symbol of that former life, and once it is gone they feel like
they've been reborn. Overall this is a group of patients that are very happy with their results. Our
patients can finally enjoy their leaner figures without all the loose skin that used to hide it.
The Arm Lift Procedure
General anesthesia is typically administered during a traditional arm lift. One or more incisions are
created, often in the upper arm and armpit area. The most common incision site is located in the
underside of the upper arm skin. Through these incisions, excess fat and sagging skin are removed and
underlying supportive tissue is modified.
Liposuction can also be performed, if
necessary, to eliminate more excess fat.
All incisions are then closed and dressed.
Arm Lift Recovery and Results
Arm lifts are almost always carried out with a general anesthetic, and you will need to have a loved one
ready to take you home after the surgery is complete. Their assistance may be needed for the first day
or two after your surgery as well, since your arm mobility may be compromised.
Light walking around the house is a great way to keep moving and help with swelling. Arm mobility may be
restricted in the days after this cosmetic procedure, but you'll be able to do more as your recovery
progresses. You may need to wear a compression garment to help reduce swelling from any excess fluid
that may accumulate. Bruising and swelling typically subside within a few weeks.
Skin sensation may be affected at this time, but it will return to normal once you've recovered.
It doesn't take very long after surgery for many patients to be cleared by our cosmetic plastic surgeon
and medical team to start exercising and following a normal routine again. This typically would be in
about a month or so, depending on your recovery rate.
Taking Care of Post Operative Scars
Scars are a common occurrence following any type of invasive surgical procedure, including those
performed in cosmetic surgery such as arm lifts. While the experience and skill of the practicing
plastic surgeons is key to minimizing, and even eliminating, a resulting scar from a incision lines made
during surgery, patients may also help in reducing the development of scars.
What is a scar?
A scar is formed when there is damage to tissue anywhere on the body, whether internally or externally.
In the case of post operative scars, the damage is caused by an incision/invasive technique required to
perform the procedure.
The body reacts to any damage to tissue by growing excess tissue that is referred to as "connective".
Connective tissue is one of the four primary types of tissue of the human body, and is quite fibrous. It
can be soft or hard, like bone.
When connective tissue grows in response to damage, it is known as scar tissue. It is typical for scar
tissue to be of poorer quality than the skin surrounding it. Hair and sweat glands are few or even
non-existent, and the area is extremely sensitive to ultraviolet radiation.
In the beginning, scars start off as red or pinkish. The incision line is quite noticeable, particularly
when scabs are present.
Over the course of a few weeks, the skin remodels itself to support the closure of the incision, at the
surface and within the underlying tissue. At this point, the incision has sealed shut and the skin
continues to remodel itself to further strengthen this closure.
It is important to protect the scar from excessive sun exposure, as UV rays can cause the scar to darken and become more noticeable. When outdoors, be sure to cover the scar with clothing or apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF to prevent further discoloration.
With proper care, the normal appearance of scar tissue can become almost invisible, blending in well
with the colour and texture of the surrounding undamaged tissue. This type of barely visible scarring is
considered ideal for patients who have undergone surgery, as it does not adversely affect the appearance
and function of the treated area.
However, there are times when scar tissue does not blend in with the surrounding area. In this case, it
may be noticeable by appearing bumpy, discoloured, and generally unappealing. In some cases, the appearance of the brachioplasty scar may be improved through additional treatments, such as laser therapy or surgical scar revision. These options can be discussed with your surgeon if you are unsatisfied with the appearance of your scar after it has fully healed.
