• Get lab testing or a medical evaluation
• Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
• Stop smoking well in advance of surgery
• Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding

Special instructions you receive will cover:

• What to do on the day of surgery
• The use of anesthesia during your Arm Lift
• Post-operative care and follow-up

Questions patients often ask about the procedure are:

• Where will I be taken after my surgery is complete?
• What medication will I be given or prescribed after surgery?
• Will I have dressings/bandages after surgery?
• When will they be removed?
• Are stitches removed? When?
• When can I resume normal activity and exercise?
• When do I return for follow-up care?

Dr. Gray will address these questions with you and also discuss where your procedure will be performed. Arm Lift surgery may be performed in an accredited office-based surgical center, outpatient or ambulatory surgical center, or a hospital.

Incision length and pattern depend on the amount and location of excess skin to be removed, as well as the best judgment of Dr. Gray.  Incisions are generally placed on the inside of the arm or on the back of the arm, depending on the Cynthia's preference, and may extend from the underarm (axilla) to just above the elbow. If fat is to be reduced during your Arm Lift, it will be excised or treated with liposuction.

Depending on your specific conditions, incisions may be more limited. Then, underlying supportive tissue is tightened and reshaped with internal sutures. Finally, the skin is smoothed over the new contour of your arm.

Your incisions will be closed with absorbable sutures, or stitches that will be removed within 1-2 weeks following your Arm Lift.

The smoother, tighter contours that result from brachioplasty are apparent almost immediately following your procedure, although initial results will be somewhat obscured by swelling and bruising. Your new, shapely and toned upper arm is dramatically improved both in appearance and feel.

Your Recovery
Following your surgery, dressings or bandages may be applied to your incisions, and your arms may be wrapped in an elastic bandage or a compression garment to minimize swelling. A small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect.

You will be given specific instructions that may include: How to care for the surgical site and drains, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection, specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health, and when to follow up with Dr. Gray.

The Results
The results of Arm Lift surgery will be long-lasting, provided that you maintain a stable weight and general fitness. As your body ages, it is natural to lose some firmness, but most of your improvement should be relatively permanent.

The Cost
Cost is always a consideration in elective surgery. Surgeon's cost for an arm lift may vary based on her or his experience, the type of procedure used, as well as geographic office location. Patient financing is available through CareCredit.

Cost is always a consideration in elective surgery. Surgeon's cost for an Arm Lift may vary based on her or his experience, the type of procedure used, as well as geographic office location.

Costs will include:

Your satisfaction involves more than a fee. When choosing a plastic surgeon for an Arm Lift, remember that the surgeon's experience and your comfort with her or him is just as important as the final cost of the surgery. 

Many health care providers are now performing plastic surgery procedures, but that doesn't mean they're all qualified. American Society of Plastic Member Surgeons are trained in cosmetic and reconstructive procedures of all types.

Members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons is approved by the American Board of Medical Specialties to certify physicians in plastic surgery of the face and all areas of the body. 

Board certified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons are required to:

• possess at least 6 years of training and experience in surgery, with 3 years specifically in plastic surgery
• be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
• operate only in accredited medical facilities
• adhere to a strict code of ethics
• fulfill continuing education requirements, including patient safety techniques
• be your partner, working to achieve your goals
  

Plastic Surgery Lexicon of an Arm Lift:

Important facts about the safety and risks associated with an Arm Lift procedure

The decision to have Arm Lift surgery is personal one and only you can decide if the benefits will achieve your goals. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure you will undergo and any risks and potential complications.

The risks include:

• Unfavorable scarring
• Bleeding (hematoma)
• Infection
• Fluid accumulation
• Anesthesia risks
• Poor wound healing
• Skin loss
• Blood clots
• Numbness or other changes in skin sensation
• Skin discoloration and/or prolonged swelling
• Asymmetry
• Major wound separation
• Fatty tissue found deep in the skin might die (fat necrosis)
• Damage to deeper structures such as nerves, blood vessels, muscles, and lungs
• Pain, which may persist
• Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
• Sutures may spontaneously surface through the skin, become visible or produce irritation that require removal
• Possibility of revisional surgery