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The arm lift or brachioplasty procedure used to eliminate the condition
known as batwing deformity, in which there is excess skin and fat under the
arms. While the surgery can effectively tighten the skin of the upper arms, if
you have had a mastectomy you may not be good candidate for an arm lift:
if your lymph glands were damaged during mastectomy surgery,
brachioplasty can leave you with permanently swollen arms.
Liposuction is sometimes used to remove fat from under the arm
before the excess skin is excised. Care must be taken to avoid disturbing deeper
layers of fat in order to protect the nerves, glands and veins of the arm.
The arm lift incision runs all the way from the armpit to the elbow on the
inside of the arm. Those who are considering brachioplasty must
understand that they will be left with long scars on the insides of their arms.
Three layers of sutures are used: a deep layer of dissolving
stitches; a
middle layer of sutures to close the incision and a top layer of light sutures
to create a thin scar.
Following surgery, a dressing is applied and your arms are wrapped in
elastic bandages.
Risks include swelling, bruising, bleeding, infection, scarring and numbness
which may be permanent. The biggest drawback is the resulting heavy scar
that runs down the inside of your arm. Most patients find it necessary to
wear long sleeved clothing after surgery to hide the scar.
If the lymphatic vessels are damaged during the operation,
permanent
swelling will occur. Bruising and swelling will be marked for at least two
weeks and you will need painkillers for the first few days. The compression
garment you are given must be worn for a week. While most people return
to work after a week, you should avoid lifting anything heavy until the
incisions are fully healed.
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