Arm Lift in St. Louis, MO

While many potential candidates for an arm lift may appear to have similarly shaped upper arms, treatment for this condition is always patient-specific. Getting rid of at least some excess skin is the main goal. This is done via in incision that runs down the back side of the arm. Additionally, surplus fat might also be removed using liposuction.

Patients who have noticed uncomfortable or bothersome sagging skin in the upper arm are candidates. This skin can often "wiggle" back and forth. If the arms contain a fair amount of fat, liposuction may be a better option. If excess skin and excess fat are both an issue, a combination of liposuction and excision can be performed. Certain patients may require a staged procedure wherein liposuction is performed first, and excess skin is excised at a later time. This is done for patient safety as significant swelling can occur when combining the procedures, leading to a tourniquet-like effect on the arm. 

 Arm lift procedures are performed at our private, accredited surgical facility: Seven Oaks Surgery Center, LLC. As discussed in more detail during your consultation, you will be placed under general anesthesia for your comfort. Next,  Dr. Hulsey will make an incision along the inside of each arm, with the exact length varying depending on your particular symptoms. Then, unwanted skin can be excised. If liposuction is necessary, the fat deposit is broken up and suctioned out with a cannula. Once your procedure is complete, the incisions are closed, and patients placed in a gently compression garment or wrap. 

Most patients report minor swelling and bruising for the first few weeks after their brachioplasty surgery. To minimize this and help your arms adhere to their new shape, you will likely be asked to wear a compression bandage immediately after the procedure, followed by garments for the first few weeks of recovery. These compression garments minimize swelling, and help define arm contour. Patients must abide by they activity restrictions, the most important being avoiding lifting with the arm. It is also important to keep your arms as elevated as possible for the first 2 weeks to help with swelling. The recovery isn't overly painful, and Dr. Hulsey provides prescription medications to help with discomfort. 

You should notice some difference in your arm contours soon after your treatment, with results gradually improving as the body heals. These effects are designed to last for many years, but the aging process could necessitate a follow-up procedure in the future.

Strict restrictions, which include avoiding any strenuous activity and lifting with the arms, are in place for 4 weeks after surgery. After 4 weeks, Dr. Hulsey lets you ease back into cardiovascular activities such as brisk walking or biking. Patients must avoid lifting, and extremes in arm motions for another 2 weeks after that, for a total of 6 weeks of restrictions. The key is avoiding undue stress in the treated area, which includes avoiding use of your upper arm muscles. 

The compromise for getting rid of that excess, sagging arm skin is a scar. The scar will remodel and fade with time, but will present. It is vertical in nature, and extends from the armpit down to the elbow on the inner arm. 

As with most surgeries, patients need to make sure they aren't on any blood thinners (aspirin or otherwise), NSAIDs, and certain supplements. If you take supplements, ensure you review them with Dr. Hulsey so she may instruct you accordingly. If you smoke, Dr. Hulsey requires that you quit all nicotine products for 6 weeks before and 6 weeks after surgery. 

Be prepared for the limited arm motion and use after surgery. You shouldn't be lifting more than a gallon of milk after your procedure, so ask for help as needed. Some patients place items high in the cabinets they may need on their counters for ease of access.