Arm lift
The arm lift is a surgical procedure designed to improve the shape of the arms by repositioning the tissues toward the armpit, and removing excess fat and sagging, excess skin.
- Surgery time 2–4 hours
- General and local anesthesia
- Outpatient surgery
- Recovery 5–7 days
- Return to work 10–14 days
- Exercise at 3 weeks
- Informational consultation
- Assessment
- Preoperative care
- Postoperative follow-up visits
- 24-hour emergency phone
What is an arm lift?
The arm lift is a surgical procedure designed to improve the shape of the arms by repositioning the tissues toward the armpit, and removing excess fat and sagging, excess skin.
Many causes lead to sagging skin on the arms, from age to weight changes.
Types of arm lift
In all arm lifts, an aggressive preoperative liposuction is performed underneath the skin that will be removed, respecting the lymphatic vessels.
- Axillary arm lift: the scar is placed in the armpit. It is used for moderate cases and is done together with preoperative liposuction that respects the lymphatic vessels of the groin area.
- Full arm lift: the scar is located in the axillary area and on the middle back portion of the arm. The arm scar extends in cases with greater excess skin, up to the elbow. The ideal is to make it as short and as visible as possible in the middle back area of the arm. The armpit scar can be extended downward, and in that case a Z-plasty is performed (it helps prevent the skin from falling again in the armpit).
Who is the ideal candidate for an arm lift?
Ideal candidates are those who have significant excess skin in the armpit area and on the inner side of the arm, and who are looking for an improvement—not absolute perfection—in their appearance. If you have a good general state of health, emotional stability, and realistic expectations, you will be a good candidate.
What type of anesthesia is used?
An arm lift is performed under general anesthesia, or under local anesthesia at the Clínica de San Pío. Please remember that for us it is essential that your results are optimal, which is why we choose the anesthesia technique that allows us to work best and with the greatest safety.
How is the surgery carried out?
First, the excess skin is marked, taking into account the way it moves so that no tension remains that could make the scar unattractive. Next, very aggressive liposuction is performed in the area of skin that we will remove; in this way, we leave the lymphatic vessels intact.
The incision may be made only in the armpit or on the inner back side of the arm, up to the armpit and from the armpit toward the flank. However, please remember that the incisions will be proportionate to the amount of excess skin, and that there is no other possible way to remove it than by making scars. The goal is for the incision to be positioned so that the scars are visible as little as possible.
What is the recovery like after surgery?
Local anesthesia contains adrenaline, so it will last 6–10 hours. When this effect wears off, you may feel moderate pain, which is easily controlled with painkillers. The pain will improve over a period of 48 to 72 hours.
You will need to wear a specific compression garment to achieve a good result between 2 and 3 weeks.
Frequently asked questions
When can I go back to normal?
You should be able to return to work in about fifteen days, depending on the level of activity your job requires. Follow our advice on when to start exercising and returning to normal activity. Your legs will probably be more sensitive to direct stimulation in two or three weeks, so you should avoid physical contact. Over time, they will gradually return to normal.
Should I take any special care after the surgery?
You may shower 2 days after surgery and you will need to wear a postoperative compression garment. Even though at first you should not stretch fully, you should start walking as soon as possible. The stitches are removed at 2–3 weeks.