It can be a challenge to get lean, toned arms after losing weight, even with a reasonable workout regimen. Aging also makes it challenging to maintain lean arms, and that is why many people today are opting for brachioplasty, popularly known as an “arm lift”. Many of the top rated plastic surgeons in Chicago are well equipped to perform this popular body contouring procedure.

Brachioplasty is a procedure carried out on the upper arm to remove excess fat and skin to give the patient’s arm a toned, lean look. Around 18,300 arm lift surgeries were reported in 2017 by The American Society of Plastic Surgeons; this means that arm lifts are fast becoming a popular trend in aesthetic medicine. There are plenty of plastic surgery practices offering brachioplasty in Chicago, but it is up to you to do your research and find the best plastic surgeon for you.

If you are considering an arm lift, below are some of the things you should know before the procedure:

Are you a good candidate for the procedure?

There are a few questions you should ask yourself to see if you are a good candidate for a brachioplasty surgery.  Have you lost considerable weight that has resulted in excess and loose skin on your upper arms? Are you having a hard time getting rid of fat from your arms through healthy lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise? If you have answered yes to one or both of these questions, then you may be a good candidate for an arm lift. If you have medical conditions that can interfere with healing such as diabetes, smoking, or dietary habits, then you must address this with your doctor beforehand.

Is Brachioplasty safe?

As long as you are healthy and do not have issues that can impede the healing process, you should have no concerns.  When the surgery is performed by plastic surgeons board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and in accredited surgical facilities, the procedure is safe and patients can have extraordinary results.

Is scarring part of the surgery?

If you ask this question of any top plastic surgeon in Chicago, they will surely tell you that an arm lift is a surgical procedure and scarring is part of any surgery.  However, an experienced surgeon knows how to minimize scarring and effectively improve a patient’s postoperative recovery. He/she will provide you with postoperative care instructions to facilitate proper healing and may prescribe specific scar creams to diminish the appearance of scars.

What is the recovery process?

Bearing in mind that brachioplasty is a surgical procedure, it is essential to plan for the recovery process, for example, taking adequate time off work. It takes about two to three weeks to recover, but you still won’t be able to lift anything heavy for up to four to six weeks after surgery. Proper healing should take six weeks, and that is when you can commence more strenuous activities like working out.  

Are you considering an arm lift procedure but still have concerns or questions? Your board certified plastic surgeon will be able to address your questions and guide you accordingly during an in-office consultation.

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