Plastic Surgery is found to be one of the most fervid surgical movements across the globe – a rage enhanced by the contemporary reign of our technology-advanced 21st century era!
In our continuing series highlighting Plastic Surgery procedures in Singapore, Expat Choice caught up with internationally acclaimed Plastic Surgeon Dr Marco Faria Correa for a discussion on Arm Lift Surgery.
Brachioplasty, otherwise known as an Arm Lift, is a cosmetic surgical procedure intended to tighten and improve the appearance of the upper arms – due to a build-up of excess skin or fat, or both being the result caused by significant weight loss or aging over time.
When a person gains a great deal of weight beyond a healthy BMI range, his or her skin slowly stretches over time. Reversely, when a person loses a lot of weight, many a time the skin does not present enough elasticity to spring back into place. This can lead to extra skinfolds of tissue – which is where Brachioplasty offers a more desirable alternative to resolve this.
Without discounting the advantages of exercise, which can strengthen and improve muscle tone in the upper arm – it falls short in the ability to address excess skin that has lost elasticity.  Where there is excess fat, Liposuction could also be an option.
Arm Lift surgery may be suitable for a person who has recently lost a vast amount of weight and remains unhappy about the appearance of their underarm areas with extra folds of skin showing.
Extra Skinfolds may trigger problems such as:
- General discomfort
- Hygiene issues
- Rash and inflammation
- Low self-esteem
If the skin has good elasticity, Liposuction alone can be used to treat excess fat. Liposuction is a method intended towards minimising bat-wing arms, by removing the excess fat cells that are literally sucked out of a patient’s upper arms. This method is best used for younger patients who hold great skin elasticity.
During the Arm Lift, excess skin and fat are removed from between the armpit and elbow. The Plastic Surgeon takes out extra tissue from areas under the upper arm by making an incision on the inside or the back of the patient’s arm to remove extra folds of skin and fat, tightening the remaining skin to create a more toned appearance and a smoother contour. The length and pattern of the incisions depends on how much skin is necessary to be removed.
Brachioplasty is a type of body contouring surgery often performed after weight-loss surgery and can be done under pure local anaesthesia, or local anaesthesia plus sedation or general anaesthesia – this varies depending on each case, considering, the overall size of the operation, the individual patient needs and the surgeon’s preferences.
Arm Lift is normally performed as a day surgery where the patient can go home a few hours post the procedure.
Upon completion of the Brachioplasty procedure, the incisions will be covered with a waterproof dressing, which will allow the patient to take showers regularly. Elastic sleeves are also supplied to the patient to wear throughout the day and evening, purposed to minimise the swelling.
As advised by the surgeon for a specified time frame after a Brachioplasty, the patient must:
- avoid lifting the arms above the shoulder for three to four weeks
- avoid physical and athletic activities with the arms that might stretch incisions for two to five weeks after the surgery
Overall, the Arm Lift surgery is generally well tolerated and appreciated by patients. Good and stable results can be achieved in young patients with adiposities and good skin tone, as well as in adults of older age, sometimes with the help of several months of post-operative elastic compression.
By removing loose skin, an Arm Lift can give the upper arms a more toned appearance. The results are typically long lasting. However, it’s vital to be mindful that the skin will naturally lose some firmness as the person ages, which is when some sagging may occur. Maintaining a stable, healthy weight will certainly aid towards retaining a positive outcome over the years to follow. Â
According to Dr Marco, the Brachioplasty is a reshaping surgery that may significantly improve the patient’s body comfort and quality of life. An Arm Lift provides the patient with a natural look, improving self-body image, self-esteem and self-confidence.
Ensuring a discussion with a surgeon takes place, before deciding on whether Arm Lift surgery is the right cosmetic surgery for the individual, is always important. Dr Marco furthermore explains how essential it is to assess case by case – to understand the unique needs and requirements of each patient, and to choose a fitting procedure that will help achieve a natural and appropriate result. Â
Dr Marco Faria Correa performs not only Plastic Surgery, and Non-Surgical Aesthetics treatments, but also Reconstructive and Microsurgery. He is a pragmatic surgeon who has mastered the minimally invasive and the traditional open methods by applying the latest techniques for properly concealing the surgical scars in the anatomical folds and creases, leaving inconspicuous scars.
He is well-versed in the various benefits and limitations of the different procedures and methods available; hence, he will always take care to consistently advise his patients on what is the best option to achieve the desired outcome by the patient. ​​​​​​​
For more information about procedures mentioned in this article, visit www.drmarco.com or call Dr Marco Faria Correa, Internationally Trained Plastic & Cosmetic Surgeon with over 30 years of experience on +65 6464 8075, WhatsApp +65 9176 1813, or email admin@drmarco