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Should You Add an Arm Lift to Your Tummy Tuck Procedure?
Abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck, can significantly improve your appearance and self-confidence by targeting stubborn belly fat and excess skin that otherwise resists diet and exercise.
However, loose, sagging skin on the arms can detract from the improvements you might have hoped for with the tummy tuck alone.
So, should you add an arm lift to your tummy tuck for an all-over transformation?
This blog will discuss two procedures — the tummy tuck and the arm lift — and how they can be paired together, their benefits, and what results you can expect.
What Is Abdominoplasty?
The pockets of fat and excess skin around the belly and midsection are challenging to eliminate, even with strict diet and exercise. Pregnancy, weight fluctuations, and aging all affect the look and feel of your midsection. Trying to eliminate unwanted fat in this area can be frustrating, and sometimes it’s nearly impossible if your abdominal muscles have been separated and weakened.
A tummy tuck is a cosmetic procedure in which your board-certified cosmetic surgeon removes unwanted fat through liposuction and trims excess skin before tightening the abdominal muscles.
At Westchester Surgical Arts, patients have a few options to choose from when it comes to abdominoplasty. Alternatively, you may opt for a mini-abdominoplasty, which is less invasive and ideal for patients with less fat and loose skin in the lower abdomen.
How Long Is Tummy Tuck Recovery?
As with most cosmetic procedures, recovery time varies between patients. The surgery incorporates your abdomen and midsection, so moving around immediately after a tummy tuck can be difficult.
Most people return to work after about 10 days, but some prefer to take up to a month off, depending on the level of physical activity involved.
It takes around three months to see the full results of your tummy tuck when the swelling has fully subsided.
What Is Arm Lift Surgery?
Loose, sagging skin around the arms and underarms (sometimes called bat wings”) can be a detriment to your self-confidence and comfort — especially in the summer months. Many people who dislike the appearance of their arms due to stubborn fat and skin resort to wearing long-sleeved and bulky clothing even when the weather is hot.
Brachioplasty (arm lift surgery) targets the lax, sagging skin and fat pockets in the upper arms. Similar to the tummy tuck procedure, an arm lift is performed by a board-certified cosmetic surgeon who will make an incision on the underside of the arm, trim the excess skin, and remove unwanted fat using liposuction.
How Long Is Arm Lift Surgery Recovery?
After your procedure, dressings or bandages may be applied to the incision area. You may also be fitted with a compression garment, which minimizes swelling and supports the surgical site and surrounding area. Each patient is different, but you can expect to take four to six weeks to heal from arm lift surgery.
Tummy Tuck and Brachioplasty Results
Both procedures aim to tone and contour specific areas of the body that are otherwise resistant to exercise. While brachioplasty does not manipulate the muscles in the arm, it does expose them, giving off the appearance of a more toned upper arm (since there will be less fat and loose skin hiding their contour). Similarly, the tummy tuck eliminates protruding bellies or “pouches” that are stubborn, revealing a toned, contoured abdomen.
Tummy tuck and arm lift procedures are not weight-loss solutions. They require that patients be healthy and near their ideal weight. Once you undergo a tummy tuck or arm lift, excess skin and pockets of fat will be removed, and you will have the opportunity to tone and build muscle.
At Westchester Surgical Arts, you can design your dream body. Your board-certified cosmetic surgeon will walk you through the process of each procedure in your consultation, where you can plan your arm lift surgery and tummy tuck. Take a look at our before and after gallery to see some of the results our experienced surgeons have created.
Interested in Learning More About Arm Lifts and Tummy Tucks in the Westchester, New York Area?
Our highly skilled board-certified cosmetic surgeons are committed to making patient safety and satisfaction the highest priority. Give us a call today at (914) 295-2666 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation.