Arm reduction or lift, is the removal of excess skin and fatty tissue from the upper inner arm. The surgery improves the contour and firmness of the limb giving a more youthful appearance.
Who benefits?
A wide variety of men and women ranging from those who have lost a significant amount of weight to those where the tissue is sagging when the arms are lifted up (often known as bat wings).
How is the surgery performed?
The surgery is performed under general anaesthetic, sometimes as a day case, but this depends on the length of surgery or if other procedures are also being performed.
The scar commonly extends from the elbow, along the inner aspect of the arm up to the armpit and may extend onto the chest wall in those who have lost significant amounts of weight.
Occasionally a smaller scar near the armpit may be sufficient when less tissue needs to be removed. Dissolvable stitches are used underneath the skin to support the healing scar and make it less noticeable in the long term. Liposuction may also be used in conjunction with surgery but liposuction alone may not produce useful improvement.
Drains are often used and are usually removed within 48 hours of the surgery. Firm bandages are wrapped around the arms to support the new shape and the arms are kept elevated to decrease swelling.
Other Useful Information:
Preoperative advice
The aims and expectations of surgery should have been discussed at the initial
Consultation. Smokers have a higher risk of developing complications, in particular
wound related problems, and it is therefore advised they should refrain from smoking for at least 2 weeks prior to and for 2 weeks following surgery. Aspirin and related anti-inflammatory drugs should be avoided for a similar time period as they may promote bleeding.
What happens before the operation?
Patients are usually admitted on the day of the operation and are seen before surgery by the Anaesthetist who will talk about the general anaesthetic. Nursing staff , often with a special interest in Cosmetic Surgery, will undertake routine preoperative checks. You will also be measured for a pair of stockings. The stockings are worn whilst in bed to improve the circulation and to reduce the risk of thrombosis / DVT( clots in the veins especially legs ). Pre operative photographs (if not already done ) will be taken. The surgeon will review the original outpatient consultation and plan the operation by drawing on the arms indicating the site of the scarring and amount of tissue to be removed.
Additionally before surgery a blood test may be required .
Operative procedure
The surgery takes 2 to 2½ hours to perform and is undertaken under general anaesthesia with patients usually being in hospital for up to 2 nights postoperatively.
During surgery a special device is used to pump the calf muscles to further minimise the risk of clot formation.
What happens after surgery ?
On return to the ward patients will have an intravenous drip to provide fluids for the 24 hours following surgery. There may be a feeling of tightness of the arm, due to swelling following surgery , and some patients have tingling in the hand as a result. This may take some time to settle. The drains placed in each arm allow any oozing or bleeding to accumulate into either a small bottle or bag by the side of the bed. These are usually removed at 48 hours prior to discharge.
The degree of discomfort experienced by patients is extremely variable and painkillers may be required for 2 to 4 weeks following surgery.
Patients may require dressings for between 2 and 4 weeks postoperatively and some will find that they have significant restrictions in their shoulder and elbow movements for this period of time. Patients are discouraged from driving for at least 2 weeks following surgery .
The usual time off work is between 2 and 4 weeks. Other activities, however, do need to be limited for several weeks following surgery. Patients who engage in sporting activities where arm movements are important, may find their activities restricted for between 6 and 12 weeks following surgery. . In order to maintain the shape and decrease swelling special elasticated garments are often used up to 6 / 8 weeks following surgery. These are best worn night and day. For further information regarding the postoperative course, please see the Discharge Advice Sheet
What are the risks of arm reduction or arm lift surgery?
As with any surgical procedure there is a small chance of problems related to bleeding, infection leading to slow wound healing, swelling of the hands and collection of fluid underneath the skin ( which sometimes needs to be removed by aspiration / suction ) .
If combined with longer surgery there is a risk of DVT / clots which is minimised by special stockings and devices to compress the calves during surgery. The whole team works very closely to minimise these types of problems occurring.
The scar can take up to a year to settle and is likely to be noticeable when the arm is raised out from the side. Moisturising and massaging the scar helps it to become less noticeable. Exactly where the scar is placed is discussed with the surgeon prior to the operation.
The surgery is performed under general anaesthetic, sometimes as a day case, but this depends on the length of surgery or if other procedures are also being performed.
The scar commonly extends from the elbow, along the inner aspect of the arm up to the armpit and may extend onto the chest wall in those who have lost significant amounts of weight. 