San Antonio Arm Lift - Brachioplasty Austin

Arm Lifts

It is difficult to maintain ones physical youth as they age. Often times with age comes an increase in weight and a reduction in the smooth exterior of an individuals skin. As time passes, people gain excess skin, losing the toned skin that they once had years ago. For many, arms are a place where age can easily show. Saggy and flabby upper arms usually are a result of old age, as fat deposits in the pockets of the arm, giving the arm a loose and saggy look.

While one can use exercise and dieting to impede this process, the wear of youth is often times inescapable. Luckily cosmetic surgeons have mastered the various techniques used to restore one’s youthful appearance. San Antonio, Texas based surgeon Dr. Shcaffer is one of the many surgeons who have developed techniques to perform arm lifts for individuals looking to improve the physique of their limbs.

Is An Arm Lift Right For You?

Specifically, there are many things that an arm lift can do to improve one’s appearance and overall self esteem. For example, an arm lift will reduce the deposits of fat between the elbow and armpit, leaving the area looking smooth and youthful. In addition, the procedure can tighten the skin on the upper arm, creating a more taught look to the arm.

There are a few ways to figure out if an arm lift is the right procedure for you. First, it’s essential that you are a fully grown adult who has actually incurred a loss of elasticity in the skin. Being relatively healthy and free of any major diseases is important too, while also refraining from smoking is another important aspect of the process.

The Consultation

During your consultation with Dr. Schaffer, you will go over the various procedures that will be involved in the surgery. In addition, you and Dr. Schaffer will go over your previous medical history, discuss any medications or supplements that you’re on and also relate the goals and desires of the surgery.

By evaluating your current health, Dr. Schaffer will provide you with all of the relevant complications that may arise during and after the surgery. In addition, Dr. Schaffer will discuss the basic procedures that you should do on the day, and day after the surgery.

Preparing for Surgery

To make sure all is on the up and up going into surgery, Dr. Schaffer may request a few things from his patients. From further laboratory testing, to the adjustment of current prescriptions, Dr. Schaffer may even ask you to avoid smoking and the consumption of alcohol.

The Process of Arm Lift Surgery

First, patients will go through Anesthesia. From there the incision will be made to begin the surgery. Depending on size and weight, the length and pattern of the incision will vary, however the arm lift incision usually follows a straight line starting from the underside of the arm.

Safety & Risks of Brachioplasty

As we’ve mentioned before, the decision to undergo the arm lift procedure is yours alone. One should consider the various risks and benefits of the surgery before choosing to go under the knife, making an informed decision to do so. However, it is also important to note some of the possible complications that may arise from the surgery as well. Here is a list of some of the risks that may arise from the surgery:

Adverse scarring
Excessive bleeding (hematoma)
Infection
Complications associated with scar healing, including pain associated with surgery
Fluids aggregation
Necrosis, or fatty tissues deep within the affected area may die
Leg swelling that won’t go away
Nerve damage or loss or change in sensation
Skin loosening persists, especially with fluctuations in weight
Potential risks of anesthesia use
Blood clots
Safety
After the surgery has been performed, it is important for patients to closely monitor how they feel. Any abnormal feelings may be a hint of some sort of complication that may be active or benign. To avoid these possible complications it is of the utmost importance for you to strictly follow all of your doctors desires during the post surgical process.

Recovery Period

The recovery period that immediately follows your surgery is important for obtaining the desired results from the surgical process. Following your doctor’s instructions exactly will ensure that there is little to no reason for complications to arise. Changing bandages, and restricting strenuous physical activity are some of the best ways to keep the incision from separating and maximizing the potential results for the arm lift surgery. For most people, they’ll be able to return to work within a week or two.

In order to receive the most successful surgery, with the most stress free process, it is important to ask these questions regarding the recovery stages of your surgery:

·  Where will I recover directly after surgery?
·  Will I be prescribed any post-surgery medications?
·  How often do my bandages need to be changed and when will they be removed permanently?
·  When will the stitches be removed?
·  How soon will I need to return for a follow-up visit?