Arm Reduction

Many women find that following a period of weight loss, they have significant deposits of fat under their arms. This can occur as part of the ageing process coupled with a loss of skin elasticity. These patients then feel reluctant to wear sleeveless tops. There are essentially two options for these patients – one is liposuction of the area and the other is to excise a strip of skin and fat from under the arms. (See ‘Liposuction’ for more details on how the procedure is done)

The best candidates for an arm reduction
An arm reduction can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, but it won't necessarily change your looks to match your ideal, or cause other people to treat you differently. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with your surgeon.
The best candidates for an arm reduction are healthy, emotionally-stable women who are realistic about what the surgery can accomplish. The best results are usually achieved in women with loose skin hanging from the upper arm when it is held out to the side.
Many women seek an arm reduction because severe weight loss has left them with stretched skin.

Surgery
All surgery carries some uncertainty and risk
An arm lift is not a simple operation, but it's normally safe when performed by a qualified plastic surgeon. Nevertheless, as with any surgery, there is always a possibility of complications or a reaction to the anesthesia. Bleeding and infection following a breast lift are uncommon, but they can cause scars to widen. You can reduce your risks by closely following your physician's advice both before and after surgery.
An arm lift does leave noticeable, permanent scars, although they are well concealed running from just inside your arm pit to the elbow. (Poor healing and wider scars are more common in smokers.)

Planning your surgery
In your initial consultation, it's important to discuss your expectations frankly with your surgeon, and to listen to his or her opinion. Every patient--and every physician, as well--has a different view of what is a desirable shape for the upper arms
The surgeon will examine your arms and measure them while you're sitting or standing. He or she will discuss the variables that may affect the procedure--such as your age, the extent of skin redundancy and the condition of your skin.
Your surgeon should describe the procedure in detail, explaining its risks and limitations and making sure you understand the scarring that will result. He or she should also explain the anesthesia to be used, the type of facility where the surgery will be performed, and the costs involved.
Don't hesitate to ask your doctor any questions you may have, especially those regarding your expectations and concerns about the results.

Preparing for your surgery
You'll also get specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications.
While you're making preparations, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery and to help you out for a few days if needed.

Where your surgery will be performed
Your arm reduction may be performed in a hospital, an outpatient surgery center, or a surgeon's office-based facility. It's usually done on an outpatient basis, for cost containment and convenience. If you're admitted to the hospital as an inpatient, you can expect to stay one or two days.

Types of anesthesia
Arm lifts are usually performed under deep sedation and local anaesthesia,. You'll be awake but relaxed, and will feel minimal discomfort.

The surgery
Arm reduction usually takes one and a half hours.
Surgery involves the removal of a long strip of skin and fat from the undersurface of the arm and suturing the wound closed.

After your surgery
After surgery, you'll wear an compression bandage over gauze dressings. Your arms will be bruised, swollen, and uncomfortable for a day or two, but the pain shouldn't be severe. Any discomfort you do feel can be relieved with medications prescribed by your surgeon.
Within a few days, the bandages will be replaced by a supportive compression garment. You'll need to wear this garment around the clock for three to four weeks, over a layer of gauze. The stitches will be removed after a week or two.

Getting back to normal
Healing is a gradual process. Although you may be up and about in a day or two, don't plan on returning to work for a week or more, depending on how you feel. If you have any unusual symptoms, don't hesitate to call your surgeon.
Your surgeon will give you detailed instructions for resuming your normal activities. You may be instructed to avoid strenuous sports for about a month. After that, you can resume these activities slowly.

Your new look
Your surgeon will make every effort to make your scars as inconspicuous as possible. Still, it's important to remember that the scars are extensive and permanent. They often remain lumpy and red for months, then gradually become less obvious, sometimes eventually fading to thin white lines.
You should also keep in mind that the skin won't be firm forever--the effects of gravity, pregnancy, aging, and weight fluctuations will eventually take their toll again.
Your satisfaction with an arm reduction is likely to be greater if you understand the procedure thoroughly and if your expectations are realistic.