Arm Lift

ARM LIFTING

Aging is characterized by the loss of skin thickness and flexibility over time. The sagging of the altered skin increases with the atrophy of the underlying fat, muscle and bone tissues. Normally, the elastic fibers form 2-4% of the inner layer of the skin called dermis, which decreases with aging and results in loss of skin elasticity. In general, aging is a result of a combination of atrophy and environmental factors that are under control of genetic factors. As the skin and subcutaneous tissues undergo atrophy, gravity pulls the skin down.

Nowadays, the procedures for correction of body contours are very popular. The most important reason behind this is to obtain successful results. Body contour correction should be evaluated as a whole and the proportions between regions should be considered. Otherwise, the result will be insufficient.

Old age, intermittent weight loss and gravity occur in the back and inner part of the arm due to gravity. The amount of adipose tissue that has accumulated with the sagging varies between individuals. Therefore, each patient should be evaluated separately. Arm stretching surgery (Brachioplasty) can be performed alone or in combination with other body contour correction surgeries (tummy tuck, breast reduction or enlargement and leg stretching). Although significant developments in arm stretching surgeries occurred in the 1970s, the results were not satisfactory because of the wrong patient selection.

In preoperative evaluation, the amount of fat tissue and the degree of sagging are considered. In addition, detailed information is given to the patient about the scar after surgery. As with all surgeries, wound scarring varies between individuals in terms of width and swelling after arm stretching surgery. In order to minimize postoperative scarring, it is recommended to massage the operation area with corticosteroid creams, and if necessary, silicone leaf is applied.

In cases where the skin quality is good and there is no sagging, ie only in the case of fat accumulation, successful results are obtained with liposuction. However, if there is skin sagging with excess fat tissue, liposuction alone will be insufficient. In such cases arm tension surgery should be performed. Arm stretching can be performed under general anesthesia or under local anesthesia. An elliptical incision is made at the inner and the back of the arm (in the drooping area) to remove the sagging skin and excess fat tissue. In the same session, liposuction is applied to other parts of the arm. The incision site is sutured in two layers, the arm is wrapped in a soft dressing at the end of the operation and the patient can go home about 1-2 hours after the procedure. The next day the dressings are opened and the operation area is checked and the patient wears a special arm corset for three weeks. The patient is advised to keep his arms high and there is no special consideration for this. As long as the right patient selection is made, the results of arm stretching will make both the patient and the treating physician happy.