Is it possible to lift the arm without surgery?

Nowadays, various non-invasive local lifting methods are available. With the help of certain devices, sagging of the skin of your arm may be alleviated to some extent, but these methods should not be expected to yield an outcome as successful as the surgical procedure. These methods are recommended for people hesitating to undergo surgery due to their health problems and people who do not want to have surgical scars in the arm region.

Why do arms sag?

The most common causes of sagging of the arms are weight loss and loss of skin elasticity.

Before the Brachioplasty

Brachioplasty is performed under general anesthesia. As should be the case in every surgical procedure, it is required to quit using anticoagulants, avoid consuming herbal products, and quit smoking.

Complications of Brachioplasty

Just like after every surgical procedure, other than complications related to anesthesia, there are risks of bleeding (hematoma), infection, or fluid accumulation (seroma) following brachioplasty. Development of excess edema or performing challenging arm movements may lead to the opening of your sutures, and therefore your wound site, and as a result, you may have poor scar quality. Even though there are no problems during the recovery period, your scars may heal in a color darker than your skin, or hypertrophically. Asymmetry, contour irregularities, chronic edema, and temporary or occasionally permanent loss of sensation in the arm region are among the other complications of the surgery.

Edema after the brachioplasty

It is very natural for your arms to develop edema after the brachioplasty procedure. To keep the edema under control, wearing a corset in the form of a bolero for 2-3 weeks after the surgery is recommended. Supporting the arms by placing a pillow underneath each arm when lying down will prevent the edema from increasing. Swelling of your hands may be observed. Your arms will reach their final shape within 6-8 weeks at the earliest.

Scarring after the brachioplasty

After this procedure, you will have a surgery scar extending from your elbow area to your armpits. Depending on the amount of the excess tissue, this scar may also extend below the armpit.

Sports after surgery

You can begin to take mildly brisk walks when you feel ready after the surgery. At the end of the 1st month, you can do almost all of your physical activities except heavy lifting. You can begin to perform all exercises as of the 6th week. Listen to your body at each stage and avoid the activities that challenge you and cause discomfort regardless of time after surgery.

Sex life after the surgery

The time to go back to your sex life must be regarded similarly to the time to go back to physical activities.

Smoking after the surgery

One of the most important factors that disrupt the quality of the surgery during the recovery period is smoking. Disrupted circulation due to smoking leads to wound healing problems, infections, and worsening in scar quality. Ideally, smoking must be avoided for 3 weeks before and after the surgery.

Traveling after the surgery

If you do not have any condition that requires follow-up after the surgery, traveling is allowed.