Arm And Leg Lift - Estepalace

What is an Arm and Leg lift?

Arm and leg lift (Brachioplasty and Thigh) is a surgical procedure to assist issues such as excessive weight gain and loss, loss of elasticity due to genetic predisposition, sagging skin, cracked skin and aging.

Conditions such as loosening of the subcutaneous tissue, excessive and disproportionate accumulation of fat tissue may lead to the need for surgery. This procedure provides a healthier, fit, firm and youthful appearance.

Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)

A Brachioplasty corrects the sagging appearance of the arms due to rapid weight gain and aging or after a gastric sleeve operation. Upper arm sagging, also known as bat wings or biceps skin, is a sagging condition that occurs with aging, loss of elasticity of the skin and decrease in subcutaneous fat tissue.

Thigh Lift

Leg (thigh) lift involves the removal of sagging skin and fatty tissue. It is a plastic surgery procedure to treat sagging skin that occurs after excessive weight loss, bariatric surgery (stomach reduction) or liposuction.

How Is An Arm And Leg Lift Surgery Performed?

When the skin on the arms and legs have lost elasticity, the skin starts to sag and recovery isn’t as easy as alternative methods like sports and exercise, making surgery inevitable.

A specialist physician will undertake a necessary examination before deciding on the operation method.

The sagging rate of the skin and the thickness of the fat tissue are the key factors in determining the method. Depending on the density of the fat tissue, liposuction may be applied first if seen necessary by the physician. The procedure is then followed by an arm lift (brachioplasty) and leg lift.

Sometimes the sagging skin is only present in the armpit, whereby the stretched skin can be stitched under the armpit leaving a small scar that is easily hidden.

But most of the time, as sagging occurs from the armpit to the elbow (bat wing), the stretching is performed on this part of the arm. The aesthetic stitches used in this area are not obvious when viewed from the front and back. The operation is performed under general anesthetic and the operation lasts between 2-4 hours depending on the technique.

Before And After The Operation

Smoking and alcohol should be avoided for a week before the procedure and blood thinners should be stopped. The doctor will advise to quit smoking before surgery and during recovery as it reduces blood flow and slows down the healing process.

Things to be considered after surgery can be listed as follows;

The corset given by the physician should be used for about 4 weeks.
Strenuous movements should be avoided. No damage should be made to the stitches.
Arms should not be raised above the shoulder level for 3-4 weeks.
Smoking should be stopped for a while to complete the healing process healthier and faster.

Recovery Process After A Brachioplasty And Thigh Lift Surgery

Medical tapes are used for the first week after the operation.
Patients can shower 2 days after the operation.
Patients can return to their daily routine after 1 week.
Physical activities that may put pressure on the incisions should be avoided for four to eight weeks after surgery.
The corset given is worn for about 4 weeks.
Stitches do not need to be removed.
The skin color in the area of the existing scar becomes less noticeable over time.
The surgery is not painful and if pain is felt afterwards, painkillers given by the doctor should be sufficient.

Arm and Leg Lift FAQs

Why does the arm and leg skin sag?

Due to aging, the effects of gravity cause the skin to lose elasticity and subcutaneous fat tissue to decrease. Rapid weight gain and loss and genetic factors are also among the causes of sagging.

Can't the problem be solved by liposuction alone?

If the adipose tissue and skin quality are in good condition, liposuction is usually sufficient. However, if the tissue quality is lost surgery is inevitable. In cases where tissue loosening is minimal, the physician may also recommend laser lipolysis treatment. This method involves entering under the skin, without making an incision, with a device used to melt the fat tissue and then tightening the skin.

Can arm and leg sagging be corrected with exercise?

Sagging that is noticed in the early period can be corrected with the right exercise and diet program. However for patients with problems with hormone metabolism, advanced age and high fat content, exercise will not be enough.

How many hours does an arm and leg lift surgery take?

These types of operations are performed under local or general anesthetic depending on the patient's condition. Although the duration of the procedure varies, it takes between 2-4 hours, does not require hospital stay and is considered quite a comfortable procedure.

Will there be a scar after surgery?

Yes, scars can be expected after surgery. However, the surgical technique and the aesthetic stitches applied aim to leave a minimum scar. The scar is located in a position where it is not too visible when viewed from the outside. In cases with minor sagging, only minimal scarring will occur in the armpit.

How long is the corset used for?

The corset prescribed by the physician should be used for about four weeks. Strenuous movements should be avoided for a few weeks to avoid problems in the area with stitches.

Is it necessary to repeat arm and leg lift surgery?

Generally, this type of surgery is repeated if the postoperative care is not followed or the skin is deformed.

At what age can arm and leg lift surgery be performed?

If there are no existing health problems that will prevent the surgery, arm and leg lift surgery can be performed on patients of any age group.  Furthermore, arm and leg lift surgery can be combined with many aesthetic surgeries such as tummy tuck, rhinoplasty (rhinoplasty), and breast aesthetics.

Can arm and leg sagging be prevented with creams and medication?

Medications and creams are temporary solutions, they cannot prevent sagging or repair the sagging area. The only permanent solution is surgery.

What should be considered after an arm and leg lift surgery?

Shower with warm water to prevent damage to the stitches. Activities such as the Turkish bath, sauna, solarium should be avoided for a while.
Since the area with stitches is sensitive after surgery, sudden movements and heavy lifting should be avoided.
Attention should be paid to weight gain and regular water consumption to prevent loss of tissue quality.
Heavy exercise should be avoided for 8 weeks after surgery.
During the healing process, patients should lie on their back to prevent damage to the area with stitches and to avoid pain.