What You Need to Know About Arm Lifts

There are many reasons an individual might consider an arm lift. Maybe time has caused your arms to start sagging, perhaps you have lost a lot of weight and find yourself with loose skin, or you just aren't happy with your arms appearance. No matter the reason, there are probably details you want to know and maybe details you have not even thought about. Hopefully when you are done reading you will be able to make an informed decision on whether or not to consult a surgeon on this procedure. The inquiry most people pose first, "how much will it cost me?" The average arm lift runs roughly $3,000. That may appear hefty to some, but considering the positive affect an arm lift can have on your self-esteem solely it deserves serious consideration. Most surgeons offer payment plans or special financing to help make it more affordable (some do require minimum credit scores or credit requirements, so confirm before hand that you are a qualified candidate).

The second question, "How much pain will I have to endure?" The good news is most people only have moderate pain. Most surgeons prescribe pain medication for their patients after surgery, but always make sure your surgeon understands your expectations of pain relief so you can have a suitable plan before hand.

Next are the potential risks. You should always discuss your medical history with your surgeon to make sure you are a good candidate for this surgery. No surgery is without its risks (no matter how minor they may seem) so always be well aware of the risks and how common they are. Common risk associated with this surgery are: a reaction to the anesthesia that your surgeon uses, infection in the incision site or the area worked on, scars, and irregularities (one arm appearing smaller or larger than the other); there are more risks not included here that should be discussed with your doctor.

Okay, so how long does it typically take to perform an arm lift? The standard arm lift takes about two hours, and it is generally an out patient procedure. Assuming of course everything goes according to plan and you meet the requirements to go home (most people do).

Next up, is the recovery period. Please keep in mind that everyone is different and you may recover sooner or later than anticipated. Always follow the recommendation of your surgeon no matter how well you may feel. Of course always follow up with any complications that are out of the ordinary or you feel should be resolved already according to your surgeons advice. Swelling is ordinarily the worst 2 or 3 days after the surgery is performed but may persist for a while. Again, always notify your doctor if you have concerns. Most people are healed within two weeks, and able to participate in all forms of activity in about a month. In some cases you may be able to return to work within a week and perform moderate activity within two weeks. The effects of the anesthesia may take up to 7 days to completely wear off.

Most people have significant, long lasting results after an arm lift. You should always make sure that all of your questions are answered in a consultation before you do any surgery. Make sure your surgeon knows your expectations and be open to other suggestions that may work better for your situation. You should always know what to expect from surgery. Make sure to look at before and after photos of your surgeons work, ask for references of patients who have had this procedure done and call them, inquire whether they have ever had a suit brought against them from a patient, look at their qualifications, seek guidance from others who have had this surgery and see who they recommend, inquire how will they handle the situation if you are not happy with the results, and be sure to write down all of your questions before hand so you wont unwittingly forget to ask anything once you are there. Never have a procedure performed that you are not sure about; they are permanent and you should feel comfortable with your surgeon, their qualifications, and their history of satisfied patients. Don't be shy about asking questions or inquiring with nurses or staff about a surgeon. Once a surgery is performed you can not go back; make sure you will be happy with the results and feel comfortable openly discussing any issues with the surgeon in case you would require more follow up care.

Please note: I am not a doctor. This is not for use as professional advice on whether or not to have cosmetic surgery done. This is for information purposes only. Only your surgeon/doctor can inform you on your decision to have surgery and decide if you are an eligible candidate.