Thigh and Arm Lift

Thigh Lift

 Am I a good candidate for this surgery?

A thigh lift is usually done in patients following weight loss but sometimes just the aging process makes this surgery a necessity.
 

What happens during thigh lift surgery?

Anesthesia medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedures.  Usually, this is general anesthesia. This outpatient operation takes about 3 to 4 hours. Incision patterns vary based on the area or areas to be treated, degree of correction and patient and surgeon preference.  A common technique used for a thigh lift places incisions in the groin, extending downward wrapping around the back of the thigh.  The underlying tissue will be reshaped and tightened, and skin will be reduced and redraped resulting in more proportionate and smoother body contours.  There are also minimal incision medial thigh lifts which involves an incision only in the groin area for mild amounts of flaccidity.  The surgeon can easily determine what is appropriate in each case. The most extensive skin laxity, for those who have lost massive amounts of weight, requires a vertical incision down the inside of the thigh. Deep support sutures within underlying tissues help to form the newly shaped contours.

What does it not do?

The surgery is for loose redundant skin and soft tissues.  It is not intended to address bulky adiposity. Weight loss, if necessary, is best done prior to surgery.

 

What can I expect afterwards?

The smoother tighter contouring that result from a thigh lift are apparent almost immediately, although initially obscured by some swelling and bruising.  You may be required to wear a compression garment for several weeks following your procedure.
One would need at least one week off from school and/or work but we suggest a longer time if possible.   One would resume full normal activity and exercise at about six weeks post operative.

Arm Lift

What does it do:

An arm lift, or brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure that reshapes the under portion of the upper arm, from the underarm region to the elbow.  The procedure is performed to reduce excess sagging skin that droops downward, tighten and smooth the underlying supportive tissue that defines the shape of the upper arm, and reduce localized pockets of fat in the upper arm region.

You are a good candidate for this surgery if:

In general, candidates for an arm lift include adults with significant upper arm skin laxity, adults of any age whose weight is relatively stable and who are not significantly overweight, healthy individuals who do not have medical conditions that can impair healing or increase risk of surgery, non-smokers, and individuals with realistic expectations.

What is the surgery:

Incision length and pattern vary on the amount and location of excess skin to be removed.  Incisions are generally placed on the inside of the arm or on the back of the arm and may extend from the underarm to just above the elbow. If fat is to be reduced during your arm lift, it will be excised or treated with liposuction.   Incisions will be closed with internal, absorbable sutures. General anesthesia is required. Surgery is usually outpatient surgery and it takes several hours.

Expect to have:

The smoother, tighter contours that result from brachioplasty are apparent almost immediately following your procedure, although initial results will be somewhat obscured by swelling and bruising.    The results of arm lift surgery will be long-lasting, provided that you maintain a stable weight and general fitness.  As your body ages, it is natural to lose some firmness, but most of your improvement should be relatively permanent. Realistic expectations are essential.  General anesthesia is given so one would need a caregiver for at least 24 hours after surgery.  Take at least a week off from work and/or school.   Full exercise is not resumed for 6 weeks following surgery.

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