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Arm | Thigh | Lower Body Lift

Brachioplasty in Sarasota

As the body experiences weight fluctuations, the skin relaxes and fatty tissue is deposited in various areas. These problem areas can be difficult to manage even through proper diet and exercise. It is common for the upper arm to develop loose skin and fat which can cause embarrassment and restrict clothing choices. Brachioplasty, often called an arm lift, at Sarasota Plastic Surgery Center is a body contouring process that removes excess skin and fatty tissue from the upper arms, dramatically improving the appearance and silhouette of the arms. Brachioplasty is a popular cosmetic surgery. However, many patients worry about the visible scar it can leave behind. Our Sarasota surgeons use the embrace® Advanced Scar Therapy starting 2 weeks after surgery to help heal and lighten scarring so that they are not so noticeable. The embrace system has been clinically proven to produce finer, lighter scars that heal faster.  After the scar heals, all anyone will notice is sleek, contoured arms.

Brachioplasty in Sarasota

Before and after arm lift
Before and after arm lift
Before and after arm lift
Before and after arm lift
Before and after arm lift
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How is an armlift performed?

The goal of an arm lift is to result in a toned upper arm appearance. The length of the incision varies depending on how much skin and fat are to be removed. Patients who have a fairly good skin tone may only require a minor incision. However, patients who have excessively loose, hanging skin will require an incision that may run from the armpit to the elbow. At this time, the excess skin is trimmed and the underlying muscles are tightened. In some patients, the armpit will also need to be addressed and surgically tightened.

What can I expect during and after Armlift surgery?

Patients undergoing brachioplasty are put under general anesthesia. It is an outpatient procedure that takes an average of 2 hours to complete. If the procedure is a part of an after weight loss surgery, which usually involves more than one body part, an overnight stay may be required. After surgery, the arm is protected with a compression garment and drain tubes may be present to avoid the risk of infection. Swelling and bruising are normal. Patients should keep the arm elevated to promote blood circulation and help with swelling. With proper care, the arm will return to normal function after several weeks.

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Thigh Lift in Sarasota, FL

Thigh lift surgery is procedure that can be quite transforming for many individuals, especially those who have lost a significant amount of weight and have wrinkled, hanging skin on the inner or out thighs. Our Sarasota cosmetic surgeons are body contouring specialists that offer thigh lift surgery to remove the excess skin around the thighs, and tighten the underlying tissue to create a toned, smooth appearance. More and more men and women in the Sarasota and surrounding Florida communities consider this surgery as a part of their weight loss transformation. Some patients will incorporate a tummy tuck with this surgery. The specific needs of the patient will be discussed during the initial consultation.

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How is a thighlift performed?

Thighplasty is performed to enhance the looks of the inner thigh and/or outer thigh. During this procedure, an incision will be made near the top of the thigh (along the crease where the torso meets the leg) and ends at the inner aspect of the thigh. A large amount of tissue is removed from the top inner thigh area while the remaining skin is pulled up, tightened and secured with sutures. This process reshapes the thighs, providing them a tighter, more contoured appearance.

Thigh lift surgery is performed under general anesthesia in an surgical facility. The surgery takes an average of 2 to 3 hours to complete, but could take longer if combined with another procedure. The recovery period typically takes about 6-8 weeks. Scars will also be a part of the procedure. Proper scar care is needed for the scar to heal safely. Patients find their self-confidence improve after surgery with the enhanced contour of their thighs.

Before and after thigh lift
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Combining thighlift with a lower body lift

A combination of lower body contouring procedures, in addition to a thigh lift, can be combined to create a tighter lower body. A thigh lift is the most common combination. This allows the surgeon to address the upper thighs, buttock and hips in one surgery. This is commonly known as a lower body lift.

Lower Body Lift in sarasota, Fl

Dramatic weight loss, while a wonderful achievement, often results in loose, sagging skin that drapes over your waist. Removing excess fat and skin from around the waist is accomplished through a combination of surgical procedures that is called a circumferential body lift, a popular option after weight loss surgery. At our Sarasota, FL practice, our plastic surgeons perform a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), and thigh lift to sculpt your waistline and tighten weakened abdominal muscles. This blend of techniques lifts and reshapes the lower body back to a normal, healthy contour.  This is a 360-degree incision treatment to improve the appearance of those who are already close to their weight goal. For many patients, this procedure helps to complete their weight loss transformation and allows them to reach their aesthetic goals.

What can I expect during and after bodylift surgery?

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A lower body lift is also called a belt lipectomy as the incision is made around the belt area surrounding the lower torso. The incision is extended to the buttocks and thighs. Loose, saggy skin will be trimmed away and the remaining skin will be lifted and secured by sutures. Liposuction may be used if there’s excess fat. These procedures may be combined in one session, or they may be staged depending on the patient’s circumstance.

The lower body lift procedure is performed with general anesthesia and requires an overnight stay in a hospital or surgical facility. Due to its nature, a spinal anesthesia may also be administered. The surgery lasts from 5 to 8 hours depending on the number of procedures performed. Patients who have a lower body lift will experience a slow recovery process. Aside from extensive incisions, the body and skin need adequate time to adjust to their new positions created by the surgery. Most patients will need 2-3 weeks before returning to a light routine. It can take up to a full year for the final results of this surgery to appear.

Armlift FAQs

This depends on the amount of loose skin that is present. Patients who lose a significant amount of weight generally need the skin removed in order to attain a positive result. In fact, many times, arm lift patients do not even need liposuction because there’s no excess fat to be removed. On the other hand, patients who have relatively good skin elasticity may only need liposuction or minor tightening.

Any patient who undergoes an operation where skin is excised and incisions are made should understand that scarring is a part of the procedure, including brachioplasty. We make every effort to ensure that the scar will be as minimal as possible. For post-surgery care, topical ointments to assist in scar healing will be prescribed. It is also recommended that patients avoid sun exposure during the first year to protect the incisions from any additional discoloration. Most patients believe the benefits of a more toned arm outweigh the appearance of scars. 

It is common for arm lift patients to combine this surgery with another procedure. This is sometimes referred to as an upper body lift and may include liposuction, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) and breast surgery (breast lift). During the consultation, each surgery will be discussed and recommendations will be made as to whether these procedures can be done at the same time. 

An arm lift is performed to remove hanging skin and fat. The only way to build actual muscle is through strength training. Following surgery, once the arms are fully healed, patients can begin weight training if they wish to do so. This is a great way to add shape to the arms by toning and strengthening them. Patients should maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes diet and exercise in order to avoid a recurring weight gain, which could compromise the surgical results.

Thighlift FAQs

Thigh lift is the best choice to achieve nicely contoured and slimmer legs. Because the procedure calls for skin tightening and liposuction in cases of excessive fat deposits, it also improves the appearance of cellulites or other skin irregularities on the upper legs. 

Because this surgery is invasive, it is recommended that patients limit strenuous activities until fully recovered. Patients may go back to a normal (light) routine 3 to 4 weeks after surgery. Exercise should wait until about 6-8 weeks post-op. When all wounds are completely healed, patients may begin lower body moves such as lunges or squats.

Patients who adhere to a healthy lifestyle that includes a proper diet and exercise routine will enjoy their surgical results for years. Pregnancy or any additional weight gain after this surgery could compromise the overall surgical effect. It is also advised that patients be at or near their goal weight before surgery. 

Lower Body Lift FAQs

A lower body lift creates great results for patients, leaving the body tighter and smoother. Unfortunately, scarring is unavoidable with this surgery. For most patients, the scar will run around the torso and extend to the hips, buttocks and thighs. A skilled and trained plastic surgeon will make every effort to create clean, thin incision lines. These lines will produce scarring that will be patterned similar to a g-string. Once they heal, they will be concealed by undergarments.

This surgery is performed with general anesthesia. It common during is the post-operation period that the patient will feel pain and discomfort. The healing of wounds is also slow. The patient must limit movement during the first week to avoid the risk of stretching the incision line. This is the most common complication after surgery. Pain medications will be given to help the patient cope. A compression garment is also worn to help the patient in reducing discomfort.

If it is proven that this surgery is medically necessary to attain a better quality of life, some insurance providers may cover a portion of the cost.  There is no guarantee that coverage will be applicable. Our billing and insurance coordinators will work with the insurance company to determine coverage benefits.

It is recommended that anyone who is considering a lower body lift should be at or near his or her goal weight. If the loose skin is caused by pregnancy, it is best to postpone this type of surgery until all additional pregnancies have been completed. Any additional episode of significant weight gain may compromise the results of the surgery.

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