Arm Lift

An arm lift is a surgical procedure aimed at eliminating the looseness and excess skin that form above the elbow, particularly in women. The aim of the operation is not only to make the arm slimmer but also to make it firmer.

Arm lift operations are generally performed on women over the age of 40. The looseness that forms above the elbow increases especially after gaining and losing weight. Some skin types are prone to laxity. In such patients, the problem may appear at an earlier age.

An “L”-shaped incision is made, starting from the armpit and running down towards the elbow. Generally only skin is removed and the firmness of the arm is increased. In patients with very thick arms, liposuction can also be added to the procedure.

As with all operations, in arm lift operations aspirin and smoking must be stopped three weeks before surgery. In the last week, it is necessary to stay away from drugs and similar substances that may thin the blood.

Things that should not be used:

• Painkillers such as Apranaks, Voltaren and Vermidon (when a painkiller is needed, Minoset or Novalgin can be used),
• Multivitamin pills containing substances such as ginseng, ginkgo biloba and coenzyme Q,
• Herbal products such as green tea, flaxseed, cherry stalk and tomato seed
• All slimming products

Arm lift operations are performed in an operating theatre, under general anaesthesia or heavy sedatives (sedation).

The arm lift procedure takes about 1-1.5 hours.

Arm lift operations are not painful.

After arm lift surgery, patients are generally sent home on the same day. For the first two days there is a bandage over the stitches. After two days patients can shower. Since all the stitches are under the skin, there is no need for stitch removal. For the first three weeks patients should avoid excessive arm movements. After the third week, sport is allowed except for arm movements. After the sixth week, all kinds of activity are allowed.

The biggest problem after arm lift operations is the scars left in a visible place. Since the scars are on the inner side of the arms, they are not visible when viewed from the front, but they become visible when the patient raises their arms. When healing is uneventful, the scars fade to a large extent after six months, but they never disappear completely. Patients must be warned about the scars. Some patients later have tattoos done in order to hide the scars.

After the lift, the ageing process continues and some looseness occurs in the arms. Gaining and losing weight can speed up this process. However, the arms never return to their original state. To maintain the result achieved with surgery, it is important for patients to watch their weight and to keep up regular exercise and skin care.