As you grow and gain weight, whether healthy or unhealthy, your wonderfully flexible skin stretches to accommodate you. When you lose weight, your skin will generally shrink back to “normal” as long as the weight loss didn’t happen too quickly.
In some cases, the skin at the arms is just unable to snap back into place. When that happens, you do have options. A brachioplasty, or an arm lift, from one of the Las Vegas plastic surgeons can give you the toned and tight upper arms that you have been working so hard for.
Just like with all forms of plastic surgery Las Vegas procedures, there are different types of arm lifts. The type of arm lift is determined by how much excess skin and fat that needs to be removed. The more significant the amount of removal, the more significant the resulting scar will be.
Mini Brachioplasty
In this version of the procedure, there is a relatively small amount of excess skin that needs to be removed. Usually, that extra skin is localized near the armpit. As a result, the scar from this procedure is localized in the same area. You will only be able to see it when you lift your arm above your head while you are wearing sleeveless tops. Even in cap sleeves, this scar will be covered.
Traditional Brachioplasty
This type of arm lift targets excess skin from your armpit to your elbow. The incision will begin at your armpit and will run down a length of your arm that has been deemed necessary for the best possible results of your procedure. The resulting scar can be hidden with tops that have a three-quarter sleeve or longer. In a short sleeved or sleeveless top, you can see this scar during various activities.
Extended Brachioplasty
This procedure extends the traditional brachioplasty to include the skin that is under your armpit and down the side of your chest. The resulting scar will be in the shape of an L and the incisions join at your armpit. While a majority of the scarring can be hidden with clothing, you run into the same exposure as a traditional arm lift when you wear short-sleeved or sleeveless tops.
Complications
Keep in mind that complications are possible and can include delayed healing, infection and hematoma. Reduce the likelihood of this happening by scheduling a consultation with one of the skilled Las Vegas plastic surgeons available in the valley. With the professionals at Reynolds Plastic Surgery, your care is a top priority. For more information about arm lifts, call 702.410.9800.