The holiday are approaching, and if a day trying on sleeveless cocktail party dresses and glittery New Year’s Eve tops has left you feeling dissatisfied about your upper arms, it may be time for you to pay us a visit at Advanced Liposuction Center to talk about an arm lift. Brachioplasty, as it’s officially called, is a surgical procedure that offers excellent cosmetic outcomes for women and men who wish to have firmer and more toned looking upper arms. Below are some frequently asked questions about brachioplasty:
Q: Can you describe the procedure?
A: One of our experienced cosmetic surgeons will make an incision in the armpit area. Unwanted fat is removed and then the skin is pulled downward to tighten the arm. The incision is then stitched and bandaged.
Q: What kind of anesthesia is used?
A: Brachioplasty requires only local anesthesia and mild sedation. It can be performed in our Cranberry Township surgical suite. Patients will need someone to drive them home after the procedure.
Q: When will I see results?
A: After the surgery there will be swelling and bruising which will gradually disappear over the course of 3-4 weeks. You will then begin to see the results of the procedure. The appearance of the upper arms will continue to improve for up to 6 months. The new tight and youthful contours of your arms should be long lasting if you adhere to a healthy lifestyle of exercise and maintaining an appropriate weight.
Q: Is there anything that would prevent me from getting brachioplasty?
A: Patients who have had a mastectomy or have had their lymph nodes removed are not able to have this procedure. In addition, those who are prone to underarm infections or who sweat excessively would not be candidates for brachioplasty. With these exceptions, women and men who are in good overall health should have no problem with this cosmetic surgery.
Q: How do medical conditions, such as diabetes or circulation issues, affect the choice of treatment for bat wings?
A: Medical conditions such as diabetes or circulation issues can impact the choice of treatment for bat wings in several ways:
- Risk of complications: Patients with diabetes or circulation issues may be at a higher risk of developing complications during and after surgery. This can influence the decision to pursue surgical treatment for bat wings.
- Healing and recovery: Conditions that affect circulation, such as peripheral artery disease, can impact the body’s ability to heal properly after surgery. This may necessitate a longer recovery period or alternative treatment options.
- Wound healing: Diabetes can impair wound healing, which is a crucial aspect of recovery from surgical procedures. This may influence the type of surgical technique used or the need for additional post-operative care.
- Risk of infection: Diabetes and circulation issues can increase the risk of infection following surgery.
Q: What role does scar management play in the outcome of surgical treatment for bat wings?
A: Scar management plays a crucial role in the outcome of surgical treatment for bat wings. Here’s how:
- Minimizing scar appearance: Proper scar management techniques can help minimize the visibility of scars, making them less noticeable. This can significantly improve the cosmetic outcome of the surgery.
- Promoting optimal healing: Scar management techniques, such as keeping the incision site clean and protected, can promote optimal healing and reduce the risk of complications such as infection.
- Preventing abnormal scarring: Some individuals may be prone to developing hypertrophic scars or keloids, which are raised and thickened scars. Scar management techniques can help prevent or reduce the formation of these types of scars.
- Improving scar texture and color: Scar management techniques, such as massage and silicone gel sheets, can help improve the texture and color of scars, making them blend in better with surrounding skin.
Q: How do I find out more?
A: Contact one of our Pittsburgh area offices by calling: 724-683-7581. During a free consultation you can meet with one of our expert cosmetic surgeons to discuss your arm appearance goals and how to best achieve them.