Prolapse may occur on innersides of upper arms because of weight loss-gain, aging and gravity. When wearing short-sleeved or sleeveless clothing, if the arms are slightly opened to the side, the prolapse of the skin becomes noticeable (bat wing appearance). The elasticity of the skin is appropriate and if there is no prolapse, the problem can be solved with liposuction. But, if prolapse on the skin is excessive and the skin has lost its elasticity, liposuction will be insufficient. In this case, arm lift surgery called brachioplasty is performed.
Just like in any aesthetic surgery, it is so important to examine the patient before an arm lift surgery. It is important that the expectations of the patient are realistic and the procedure which will be applied will respond to those expectations of the patient. In the examination, the procedure, the incisions area and scar maybe left must be told to the patient. Preoperative blood tests and anesthesia consultation must be performed.
Arm lift surgery is performed under local, sedation or general anesthesia in the operating room conditions in the hospital. The incision starts from the armpit and can be extended to the elbow depending on the degree of prolapse. Excess skin and adipose tissue can be removed and liposuction can be added to obtain a better appearance if necessary.If there is excess slack in the skin along with slackness on the inner side, subcutaneous adipose tissue is also emptied by fat removal techniques. The excess part of the skin and subcutaneous tissues which causes apparent prolapse after fat removal will also be removed. The important point to be cared about this surgery is the s of the traces of scars. The scar can be stored in the armpit in cases of very slight skin prolapse. But generally, arm prolapse, which forces the person to undergo surgery, is often more advanced level than the level which the scars can be positioned under the armpit. When the excess skin is excised parallel to the arm, then desired tightness is obtained. The scar is positioned between the inside and the back of the arm so that it is not remarkable when viewed from the front and back when the arm is normally parallel to the body. The permanence and width of the scars vary depending on the genetic structure of the person, but it takes 1-2 years for it to take its final shape. Vacuum piping system called drain is used to prevent accumulation of body floods in the operation area.
Hospitalization may be required for one night. Bandage must be used for 3-4 days. If liposuction is done, elastic arm socks should be worn for 3 weeks. There may be a painful period of 1-2 days after arm lift surgery and it may take 1 week to turn back working. The scar is planned to be on the inner back of the arm. The scars will be red in the first a couple of months; but with time and appropriate treatments, redness decreases within 1 year. Drains will be removed within 2-3 days according to the amount of accumulated blood. The patient is discharged on the same day or the following day by prescribing antibiotics and painkillers, after the surgery. Bruising or swelling in the inner arm area decreases from the first week. During this period, not putting too much on the arms accelerates the healing process. Sauna, hammam and heavy sports activities are not recommended for 8 weeks after the operation.
