Arm Lift

The Day of Surgery
On the day of the procedure, you will meet with the peri-operative nurse and your vital signs will be checked. The doctor will place skin markings on your arms with you sitting up. The anesthesiologist will review your medical history. Dr. Parson performs this procedure with general anesthesia.

Lifting of both arms takes 2 to 3 hours and may begin with liposuction. Following liposuction, skin is removed from the inner aspect of the arms. The incisions are closed with absorbable sutures. Dressings are placed on the incisions after which a compressive garment is applied. Patients are usually ready for discharge from the recovery area approximately 1 hour following the procedure but it is necessary to have an escort to drive you home. Patients cannot be discharged to the company of a minor or a taxi service. Out of town patients should stay locally for 7 to 10 days.

The Post-Operative Period
Your arms will be swollen for several days following the procedure. We ask that you wear the compressive garment provided for at least 2 weeks to help minimize swelling. Dr. Parson will see you at the office 1 to 3 days following surgery to remove dressings, assess your wounds and to reapply the compressive garment. We ask that you wear the garment at all times except when bathing and washing the garment.

The scars of the surgery often become more red 2 weeks after surgery and then begin to fade 2 to 3 months later. The scars never completely disappear and take from 12 to 18 months to reach their final appearance. It is imperative that you not allow sun exposure to these scars while they are still red. If sun exposure is to occur, however, a sun block with a rating of 15 or greater should be applied.

Risks of Arm Lifting
As with any surgery, complications of arm lifting include infection and bleeding although these are unusual. Other important complications include poor wound healing resulting in conspicuous scars that may necessitate a second operation. Smokers are advised to discontinue smoking 3 weeks prior to surgery, as smoking increases the risks of complications and delays wound healing by altering blood circulation in the skin.

You can reduce your risks of complications by closely following our instructions before and after the surgery especially with regard to how and when you resume physical activity.

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