Bingo wings are the bane of most women as gravity, loss of muscle tone and any excess weight, combine to produce saggy, baggy upper arms. An arm lift (technically known as a brachioplasty) is a surgical procedure that removes skin and fat from this area to produce a tighter and smoother effect.
Arm Lift: Am I suitable?
Your consultation with your surgeon will determine whether an arm lift op will give you the results you are expecting. Also a full medical history will be taken to check whether you’re physically able to undergo the procedure. Liposuction is an alternative to an arm lift and it maybe that it will achieve the results that you desire. This should be discussed with your surgeon also.
Arm Lift: What do I have to do to prepare?
Your surgeon will give you instructions to help you prepare for arm lift surgery and these may include guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications. While making preparations, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery and to help you out for a few days, if needed.
Arm Lift: What’s the treatment like?
Usually performed under a general anaesthetic, an arm lift generally take around two hours. If there is excess skin/fat at the top of the arms this can sometime be removed and the scars hidden in the armpit.
However, if excess skin/fat is present all along the upper arm the surgeon will make long incisions that can extend all the way to the elbow. Skin and fat is removed and the remaining skin and tissue are lifted and tightened to achieve a smoother effect.
Arm Lift: What about after?
You should just be in hospital for a day or so post arm lift procedure and then it should take one to two weeks to recover. Returning to work will be determined by your occupation and you can usually resume vigorous exercise after approximately six weeks.
Arm Lift: Are there any risks or side effects?
A large, visible scar is the biggest drawback of an arm lift, but a skilled surgeon can minimise that as much as possible with careful positioning, fine sutures and good scar care. For most patients, the scar is preferable to living with the bingo wings.
Arm Lift: What will it cost me?
An arm lift costs in the range of £3,000 to £4,000.
