Arm Lift Brachioplasty Surgery Valencia & Alicante (Alcoy)

What is arm lift brachioplasty?

Dr. Antolin tells us about the procedure followed for the brachioplasty or arm lift operation in his clinics in Valencia and Alicante (Alcoy).

It is the operation of flaccid arms that achieves the stretching -lifting- of the internal face of the arms, by means of the elimination of the excess of skin that remains after the aging or thinning processes.

This way we can improve the contour of the arms and eliminate the discomfort and functional problems caused by these excesses.

Brachioplasty is often performed as a post-bariatric operation in patients who have suffered massive weight loss.

Candidates for arm lift brachioplasty

Candidate patients are those in whom excess skin and flaccidity in the arms predominates over fat accumulation.

This occurs in patients who have lost a large amount of weight through dieting, obesity surgery, or simply the aging process.

An arm lift may be a good option for you if:

• You are physically healthy.
• You do not smoke.
• You have a positive outlook and specific but realistic goals to improve your appearance.

The 1st consultation for brachioplasty surgery

In this 1st consultation, which is FREEDr. Antolin will try to obtain a in-depth knowledge of the patient.

We will open a ‘Clinical History’ detailing the reason for your consultation, we will analyze objectives and expectations that the patient wishes to achieve, with the aesthetic surgery of flaccid arms, as well as your medical condition and history.

We will perform a physical examination in which Dr. Antolin will evaluate the elasticity and laxity of the skin, examine the general contour of the arms…, in this way we will know what may be the best treatment to achieve the objectives that the patient wishes to obtain with brachioplasty or arm reduction surgery.

With all this information we elaborate a diagnosis and propose the most appropriate treatment.

The patient will leave this 1st appointment with an idea of the most appropriate treatment for his arm lift intervention for his particular case, of the possible limitations of the same, of the real expectations that he should have, in addition to knowing the advantages and disadvantages of the proposed treatment, compared to possible alternatives.

We also explain the possible complications of flaccid arm surgery, through the explanation and delivery of the ‘Informed Consent’.

We will request the corresponding preoperative study.

However, we know that doubts always arise and therefore we advise the patient to visit us at least two more times before the procedure.

During these visits we will review what has been discussed, answer any questions that may have arisen, and go over the informed consent again.

We will also verify that the results of the preoperative study tests are optimal, and the patient is in perfect health conditions to undergo a surgical procedure.

Characteristics of brachioplasty surgery

The procedure to remove the excess skin from the arms is performed under general anesthesia and has a Approximate duration of 2 hours.

It consists of the removal of fat from the inner side of the arm, by means of liposuction that completely empties the area of fat content.

Once the fat has been extracted, following a carefully designed pattern, we remove the ellipse of excess skin, but preserving the venous, arterial and lymphatic structures of the area.

This surgery leaves a scar along the inner side of the arm and therefore not very visible (which fades with time). In exchange, a more stylized and beautiful arm with much greater mobility is achieved .

The patient will remain hospitalized for 1 day for post-anesthetic recovery, analgesic treatment, so that he/she can return home the following day in the best conditions.

We will follow your evolution in our office, during the first month after the brachioplasty procedure we will see you 1 to 2 times a week .

In these appointments we will make the necessary cures, remove the stitches and give you the guidelines to follow during the process of recovery and incorporation to your normal life.

Subsequently we will see you at 2 months, 6 months and 1 year …. although the consultation is always open to our patients, in order to solve any questions or problems you may have.

Postoperative and recovery from arm lift brachioplasty

The recovery process can vary greatly from patient to patient, depending on a number of circumstances such as skin characteristics, medical history and the surgical technique performed.

You will spend one night in the hospital and before leaving the hospital, you will be scheduled for a post-operative follow-up appointment with Dr. Antolin.

In addition, after surgery, Dr. Antolin will give you specific instructions for aftercare of the arm lift :

• When you can return to work.
  • For office and similar jobs with very little strenuous activity, you may need to take 1 to 2 weeksoff to have time to recover.
  • For more active jobs, such as waitressing or manual labor, you will need 3 to 4 weeks off.
  • Regardless of your job, you should refrain from heavy lifting for the first few weeks after surgery.
  • The daily routine can be resumed after one week, as long as this does not involve anything strenuous.
• When to resume the practice of sports and exercise.
• When to drive again.
• Specific care for the best evolution of the scars.

During this appointment we will see how your arms are doing and treat any possible discomfort, pain or complications.

Recovery time

1 to 3daysafter surgery:

• Patients will experience some mild to moderate discomfort and/or pain after the facelift. Pain that is usually well controlled with analgesics and/or anti-inflammatory medications.
• After arm lift surgery, the arms will be bandaged, resulting in a decreased range of motion.
• Swelling of the hands is normal. The patient is advised not to wear rings or any other jewelry until the swelling is gone.
• Due to limited mobility in the early stage of recovery, the patient should wear a shirt with loose-fitting buttons, so that the arms do not have to be raised.

1 weekafter surgery: Most patients do not need pain medication. Swelling and bruising will decrease, but will still be apparent and may continue for 2 to 3 weeks after the procedure.

10daysafter surgery: arm mobility increases, however, patients are advised to avoid stretching or heavy lifting.

Most patients are able to return to work and normal daily activities, including showering. Dr. Antolin will advise you to wear a compression garment to speed up the recovery process.

2 weeksafter surgery: Patients usually begin a scar treatment plan consisting of a silicone-based adhesive tape product or a scar cream.

4 to 6 weeksafter surgery: Bruising and swelling have subsided, revealing the results of brachioplasty.

• • • Most patients will no longer need to wear compression garments.
    • Patients can gradually resume the practice of sports.
    • Most patients continue with their scar treatment plan for the next 4-6 months.

6 monthsafter surgery: The scars at the incision sites become more blurred with the surrounding skin, making them less noticeable. Scars will continue to improve up to 2 years later.

Results of brachioplasty surgery

The smoother, tighter contours that result from arm lift surgery are evident almost immediately after the procedure.

• • • The results will not be seen in their entirety initially, as a consequence of the existing inflammation and hematomas.
    • The results of cosmetic surgery of the arms will be long lasting, as long as you maintain a stable weight. As the body ages, it is natural to lose some firmness, but the results will be relatively permanent.
    • Following Dr. Antolin’s instructions on post-operative and recovery behavioral guidelines is essential to the success of your surgery.
    • It is important that surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, swelling, abrasion or movement during the healing period.

Arm lift brachioplasty before and after: actual cases

Brachioplasty surgery patient testimonials and opinions

Frequently Asked Questions about arm lift brachioplasty

Does brachioplasty surgery leave a scar?

Yes. Brachioplasty leaves a scar along the inner aspect of the arm, an area that is not very visible under normal conditions. With time the scar usually fades, and its evolution improves with postoperative care and specific scar treatment.

Can arm lift brachioplasty be combined with other procedures?

Yes. In some patients brachioplasty can be associated with complementary liposuction or other body surgery procedures, especially in the context of post-bariatric surgery. The indication should always be assessed on a case-by-case basis to ensure safety.

Is the first consultation for brachioplasty surgery in Valencia free of charge?

Yes, the first consultation is free of charge. It allows to study the case individually, resolve doubts, assess whether brachioplasty is the best option and guide the most appropriate treatment.

When can I request a quote for arm lift brachioplasty?

The estimate should be provided after a personalized medical assessment, as it depends on the degree of flaccidity, the amount of tissue to be treated, the type of anesthesia and whether the surgery is combined with other procedures.

Where can I request a first arm lift appointment with Dr. Antolin?

You can request a free first appointment through the clinic’s contact page to receive a personalized assessment in Valencia or Alcoy.

Is brachioplasty surgery painful?

There are discomforts associated with all surgical operations and the case of the arm lift is no exception.

Most patients report that the pain is very tolerable. The vast majority of patients stop taking prescription pain medications within a few days of surgery.

What type of anesthesia is used for arm lift brachioplasty?

Arm lifts are generally performed in the operating room under the following conditions general anesthesia.

In addition, an additional local anesthetic is injected into the surgical area while you are asleep to provide additional postoperative pain control.

Is there any scarring with brachioplasty surgery?

The incision, and therefore the resulting scar, will depend on the amount of tissue to be removed and whether the tissue is near the armpit or on the lower arm.

• The traditional vertical incision runs from the armpit to the elbow. In a standard arm lift, the scar is a straight line from the armpit to the elbow. It is placed along the inside of the arm. However, it may still be visible in short-sleeved shirts and tank tops.
• If the excess tissue is limited to the upper arm, you may be a candidate for a short scar arm lift with a crescent-shaped incision in the armpit area.