What is an Arm Lift? (Brachioplasty)

An arm lift, also known as brachioplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to reshape and tighten the skin and underlying tissue of the upper arm. The procedure is typically performed on individuals who have excess skin or fat on their arms due to weight loss, aging, or genetics. An arm lift removes this excess tissue and improves the contour of the arm, resulting in a smoother and firmer appearance.

Arm Lift Options: Types of Arm Lift Procedures

The type of arm lift performed depends on the amount of excess skin and fat present, as well as the desired outcome. Here are the most common types:

1. Traditional Arm Lift (Full Brachioplasty)

• For: Individuals with significant excess skin and fat.

• Procedure:

  • A long incision is made along the inside or back of the arm, typically from the elbow to the armpit.

  • Excess skin and fat are removed, and the remaining skin is tightened.

• Scarring: This procedure leaves a more visible scar due to the long incision but results in a more dramatic improvement in arm contour.

2. Mini Arm Lift (Mini-Brachioplasty)

• For: Individuals with mild to moderate excess skin and fat.

• Procedure:

  • A shorter incision is made (usually from the armpit to the elbow), and only a small amount of skin and fat is removed.

  • This procedure is less invasive and leaves a smaller scar compared to the traditional arm lift.

• Scarring: The scar is less extensive but still visible.

3. Liposuction-Only Arm Lift

• For: Individuals with primarily fatty tissue and little excess skin.

• Procedure:

  • Liposuction is used to remove the fat deposits from the upper arm, improving contour.

  • This is ideal for those who have no or minimal skin sagging but wish to slim the arms.

• Scarring: The scarring is minimal, as only small incisions are made for the liposuction procedure.

Arm Lift Journey: Arm Lift Pre-Operative Tests

Before undergoing arm lift surgery, certain tests and evaluations are essential to ensure your safety and readiness for the procedure. Here’s an overview of the standard pre-op tests you'll likely undergo when you arrive at the hospital in Thailand:

• Blood Tests: These tests are critical for assessing your overall health. They screen for infections, check your blood count to ensure you’re not anemic, and evaluate your blood's ability to clot properly, reducing the risk of complications during surgery.

• Chest X-Ray: A chest X-ray helps evaluate the health of your heart and lungs, ensuring that they are functioning well and ready for the stress of surgery.

• ECG (Electrocardiogram): An ECG is performed to assess the electrical activity of your heart. It ensures your heart is healthy and functioning properly, minimizing the risk of complications during surgery, especially if you have a history of heart concerns.

• Physical Exam: A thorough physical exam will be performed by your doctor to ensure you’re physically fit for surgery. The doctor will evaluate your general health and address any medical concerns that could affect your surgery or recovery.

These pre-op tests are crucial for making sure you’re in optimal health for the procedure, and they help to minimize any potential risks.

Arm Lift Procedure Overview:

1. Initial Consultation:

• Pre-operative Evaluation: During the consultation, the surgeon will assess your medical history, physical condition, and goals to determine the best approach for your tummy tuck. You’ll discuss the type of tummy tuck (full, mini, or extended) that best suits your needs.

2. Anesthesia:

• On the day of surgery, general anesthesia is administered to ensure you are comfortable and pain-free throughout the procedure.

3. Surgery

• The surgery typically lasts 2 to 3 hours, depending on the complexity and the type of arm lift performed.

• The surgeon makes incisions, removes excess skin and fat, and tightens the remaining skin.

4. Closing Incisions

• After the tissue is reshaped, the incisions are carefully closed with sutures.

• In some cases, drains may be placed temporarily to remove excess fluid.

Aftercare:

Post-surgery, you’ll need to follow your surgeon's aftercare instructions, which includes wearing a compression garment, avoiding strenuous activities, and scheduling follow-up visits to ensure proper healing.

Recovery:

• Most patients are able to return to light activities within a few days but should avoid strenuous exercise for about 4 to 6 weeks.

• A follow-up visit will be scheduled to monitor healing and ensure the best results.

Results:

• The final results of arm lift are usually visible after a few months when the swelling subsides and the implants settle into place.

MediCation Tours Arm Lift Package Inclusions:

Our comprehensive arm lift package is designed to provide you with an exceptional and seamless experience, from start to finish. Here's what is included:

• 13 Nights’ Accommodation: Stay in comfort at a luxurious 4-star hotel, carefully selected for its high standards of service and comfort.

• Hotel Room: Enjoy a spacious, well-appointed room that ensures your complete relaxation and comfort during your stay.

• Daily Breakfast: Begin each day with a nutritious breakfast to fuel your recovery and provide energy for the day ahead.

• Airport, Hotel, and Hospital Transfers: We take care of all logistics, providing convenient and comfortable transfers to ensure smooth transitions between your hotel, the airport, and the hospital.

• Plastic Surgeon Fees: All consultation and procedure fees for the renowned plastic surgeon are included, ensuring expert care throughout the process.

• Anesthesia Fees: Rest easy knowing that anesthesia costs are also included in the package, ensuring your comfort and safety during the procedure.

• 2 Night Stay in Hospital: Benefit from a luxurious one-night hospital stay with VIP nursing care.

• Hospital Meals: Enjoy nutritious, well-balanced meals during your hospital stay, ensuring comfort and proper nourishment while you rest.

• Take-Home Medications: You’ll receive medications to support your healing process and minimize any discomfort during your recovery.

• Follow-Up Appointments: We offer post-surgery follow-up appointments to monitor your progress, ensuring you’re on the right track to achieving the best results possible.

Arm Lift Package Exclusions

• Flights: Your flights to and from Thailand are not included.

• Personal Expenses: Costs for things you do for fun or sightseeing are not included.

• Compression Garments

(FAQs) about Arm Lift Procedure:

1. Who is a good candidate for an arm lift?

The best candidates for an arm lift are individuals who:

• Have excess skin or fat on the upper arms that is resistant to diet and exercise.

• Are generally in good health and do not have medical conditions that could affect healing.

• Have realistic expectations about the procedure and its outcomes.

• Are non-smokers, as smoking can hinder the healing process.

2. How long does the surgery take?

An arm lift typically takes around 2 to 3 hours, depending on the extent of the procedure (full brachioplasty or mini arm lift). The duration may vary depending on the complexity of the case.

3. What type of anesthesia is used during the procedure?

Most arm lift procedures are performed under general anesthesia, meaning you will be asleep during the surgery. In some cases, local anesthesia with sedation may be used, depending on the extent of the surgery and the surgeon's recommendation.

4. Will there be scars after an arm lift?

Yes, scarring is inevitable with an arm lift, as it requires incisions to remove excess skin. The length and visibility of the scars depend on the type of arm lift performed. A full arm lift (traditional brachioplasty) may result in a longer scar, while a mini arm lift or liposuction-only procedure will leave a shorter scar. The scars will fade over time, but they will remain visible.

5. How soon will I see the results of an arm lift?

The final results of an arm lift become more visible after several months once the swelling subsides and the skin has settled. The arms will appear tighter, more toned, and firmer. It’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and stable weight to preserve the results.

6. Are the results of an arm lift permanent?

Yes, the results of an arm lift are typically long-lasting. However, significant weight gain or aging can affect the appearance of the arms over time. Maintaining a stable weight and adopting a healthy lifestyle will help preserve the results.

7. How long should I take off work after an arm lift?

The amount of time you need to take off work depends on the nature of your job. Most patients can return to light work after 1 to 2 weeks, but those with more physically demanding jobs should plan on taking 3 to 6 weeks off to allow the arms to heal properly.

7. Can I combine an arm lift with other procedures?

Yes, an arm lift can often be combined with other body contouring procedures, such as liposuction, tummy tuck, or thigh lift. Combining procedures can help achieve a more harmonious overall body contour. Your surgeon will help determine if combining surgeries is appropriate for you.

8. Is there an age limit for an arm lift?

There is no specific age limit for an arm lift, but candidates should be in good overall health and able to tolerate anesthesia. Older patients may require additional medical evaluations to ensure they are fit for surgery. The procedure is more common in middle-aged or older adults, but healthy, younger individuals may also benefit from an arm lift.