In our continuing series highlighting plastic surgery procedures in Singapore, Expat Choice caught up with internationally acclaimed Plastic Surgeon Dr Marco Faria Correa to discuss Arm Lift Surgery.
According to Dr Marco, an Arm Lift, also known as Brachioplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure to tighten and improve the appearance of the arms, due to excess skin or fat, or both being the result over time of aging or a significant weight loss.
When a person gains a lot of weight, his or her skin slowly stretches over time. If the patient loses a lot of weight, the skin may not have enough elasticity to spring back into place. This can lead to extra skinfolds of tissue thus leading to the option of an Arm Lift.
While exercise can strengthen and improve muscle tone in the upper arm, it cannot address excess skin that has lost elasticity. Where there is excess fat, Liposuction could also be an option.
Is the Arm Lift intended to mostly remove excess skin?
If the skin has good elasticity, Liposuction alone can be used to treat excess fat. Liposuction is a method that can be used to minimize bat-wing arms, by removing the excess fat cells that are literally sucked out of patient’s upper arms. This method is best used for younger patients who have great skin elasticity.
During the Arm Lift, excess skin and fat are removed from between the armpit and elbow. The Plastic Surgeon takes out areas of extra tissue from under the upper arm making an incision on the inside, or back of the patient’s arm to remove extra folds of skin and fat, tightening the remaining skin to create a more toned appearance and a smoother contour. The length and pattern of the incisions depends on how much skin is to be removed.
Brachioplasty or Arm Lift is a type of body contouring surgery often performed after weight-loss surgery and can be done under pure local anaesthesia, or local anaesthesia plus sedation or general anaesthesia, depending on each case by case, considering, the overall size of the operation, individual patient needs and surgeon’s preferences.
Arm Lift is normally performed as a day surgery where patient can go home a few hours after the procedure.
Why might a person need an Arm Lift?
Arm Lift surgery may be for a person who recently lost a lot of weight and is not happy about the appearance of their under-arm area with extra folds of skin showing.
Extra Skinfolds may cause problems like:
- general discomfort
- inflammation and rash
- problems with hygiene
- poor self-esteem
After an Arm Lift or Brachioplasty procedure, the incisions will be covered with a waterproof dressing allowing patient to take showers regularly. Elastic sleeves will be supplied to the patient to wear throughout the day and evening to minimize swelling.
In the days and weeks after an Arm Lift the patient must:
- avoid lifting the arms above shoulder level for three to four weeks
- avoid physical and athletic activities with the arms that might stretch the incisions for two to five weeks after surgery
What results can be expected?
Arm Lift surgery is generally well tolerated and appreciated by patients. By removing loose skin, an Arm Lift can give the upper arms a more toned appearance. Good and stable results can be achieved in young patients with adiposities and good skin tone as well as in adults of older age, sometimes with the help of several months of post-operative elastic compression.
The results are typically long lasting. But it is important to remember that, however, the skin will naturally lose some firmness as the person ages when some sagging may occur. Maintaining a stable, healthy weight can help retain the results.
According to Dr Marco Arm Lift or Brachioplasty is a reshaping surgery that may significantly improve the patient´s body comfort and quality of life. An Arm Lift provides the patient with a natural look, improving self-body image, self-esteem, and self-confidence.
Dr Marco indicates the importance of a patient to always talk to the surgeon before deciding on whether Arm Lift Surgery is the right cosmetic surgery for them.
Dr Marco is a pragmatic surgeon who has mastered the traditional open methods of surgery by applying the latest techniques for properly hiding surgical scars in the anatomical folds and creases, leaving inconspicuous scars.
He is a well-versed Plastic Surgeon in the various benefits and limitations of the different procedures and methods; hence, he will always advise his patients on what is the most appropriate option to achieve the outcome the patient desires.
For more information about Arm Lift or Brachioplasty visit www.drmarco.com or call Dr Marco Faria Correa, Internationally trained Plastic & Cosmetic Surgeon with over 30 years of experience on +65 6464 8075, WhatsApp +65 9176 1813 or email [email protected]
