General Anesthesia
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What is Arm Stretching?
The sagging and loose appearance in the arms caused by ageing is improved through the arm lift procedure. Frequent weight gain and loss, gravity, and the gradual weakening of the skin’s elasticity over the years all contribute to arm sagging. Exercises targeting sagging in larger areas are often ineffective. Many people try to cover up this appearance with clothing, but it can be difficult to do so, especially in the summer. If you no longer want to worry about how your arms look when choosing your clothes, the arm lift procedure can be a saviour. This surgery restores a firmer and more aesthetic appearance to the arms.
Frequent weight changes and reduced skin elasticity due to ageing can cause the skin on the arms to sag. Exercises, particularly for widespread sagging, may not help. Many people attempt to hide the problem with clothing, but this is often not successful—especially during the summer months, when hiding sagging becomes quite difficult.
This sagging appearance is corrected through the arm lift procedure. Excess skin may be present only in the armpit or along the line from the armpit to the elbow. The fat layer under the sagging may be thin or thick. These conditions influence how the procedure is planned.
With the arm lift operation, the sagging and baggy appearance on the upper and back parts of the arms is corrected. In this procedure, some of the sagging skin is either removed or tightened and hidden in an invisible area. After the operation, the arms regain a firm and aesthetic look. If you no longer want to feel uncomfortable about how your arms look when dressing, the arm lift may be the solution.
Who Can Receive Arm Lift?
The arm lift is a procedure that many people require. It creates a noticeable change in the appearance of the arms and resolves sagging problems. It can address a wide range of concerns.
The demand for arm lift operations increases with age and is commonly needed. Especially when weight gain and loss happen in a short period, the skin loosens and sags to a degree that cannot be corrected by exercise. Cracks and wrinkles may also appear on the arms for different reasons. If there are such areas, the damaged skin can be removed during the surgery, which also helps to reduce the appearance of the cracks. In appropriate cases, liposuction may be performed together with the arm lift.
Arm lift surgery is generally preferred in older individuals and is not recommended before the age of 18. The operation is done under general anaesthesia.
How is Arm Stretching Performed?
If the sagging is limited to the armpit area, the loosened skin can be gathered and hidden in one place. If the sagging starts in the armpits and continues down to the elbow, it is not possible to gather and hide all the loose skin in one area. In such cases, the sagging skin must be cut and removed. The resulting light scar is hidden along the inner part of the arm and is not visible from the front or back. In suitable patients, liposuction is also performed alongside the skin tightening.
After the operation, a slight scar may remain. If the idea of a scar is bothersome, an alternative option is the spider web aesthetic procedure. This is a stretching method that does not leave a scar, but it is not as permanent or long-lasting as a surgical arm lift.
Local or general anaesthesia can be used for the operation. The surgery takes an average of two hours. Patients who undergo the procedure under local anaesthesia can usually return home the same day. If general anaesthesia is used, the patient may need to stay in the hospital for one night.
Arm Lift Recovery and Effect Time
Arm lift operations generally produce long-lasting results. However, if the surgery is done at a young age or if rapid weight gain and loss occur afterwards, the arms may sag again.
There are usually no stitches that need to be removed. If the recovery process is followed as advised by the doctor, returning to daily and work life takes less time. The area should not be exposed to water for the first two days. Showering is allowed after this period.
Two days after the operation, normal daily tasks may be resumed. However, arm movements should be limited during this time. Two months after surgery, sports involving active use of the arms can be done safely. Scars will fade over time. Your doctor may recommend using an elastic bandage in the early stages. During the initial recovery period, it is important to keep the arms elevated above heart level. Avoiding habits like smoking, which negatively impact healing, is strongly advised.
Things to Consider
The points to be considered before and after an arm lift operation are as follows:
It is recommended to stop smoking one month before the operation.
There may be medications that need to be stopped before the procedure. Your doctor should be fully informed about any medications being taken.
You should not shower or get the wound area wet for the first two days after the operation.
In the initial days following surgery, it is recommended to keep the arms slightly elevated above heart level.
It is important to follow all advice and instructions provided by your doctor.
