How to Tone Your Upper Arms with a Brachioplasty
Do you feel self-conscious about your upper arms? Do you avoid wearing short sleeves or sleeveless clothing because of excess skin and fat? If so, you may be a good candidate for a brachioplasty. A brachioplasty, or arm lift surgery, is a procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms. The goal of surgery is to improve the contour and shape of the arms, giving you a more toned appearance.
If you’re considering brachioplasty, here are nine steps to help you prepare for the surgery.
Step One: Schedule a Consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
During your consultation, your board-certified plastic surgeon will evaluate your upper arms and discuss your goals for surgery. They’ll also perform a physical examination to make sure you’re healthy enough for surgery. You’ll also discuss surgical factors like incision patterns and any other procedures you want to add.
Step Two: Stop Smoking
Smoking can delay healing and increase the risk of complications after surgery. If you smoke, it’s important to quit smoking before your surgery. If this seems like too much to handle, your plastic surgeon can provide resources and recommendations.
Step Three: Avoid Alcohol
Alcohol can also delay healing and increase the risk of complications. It’s best to avoid alcohol in the weeks leading up to your surgery.
Step Four: Stop Taking Certain Medications
Certain medications can increase the risk of bleeding during surgery. If you’re taking any blood thinners or herbal supplements, stop taking them before your surgery. If you’re dependent on blood-thinning medications, make sure to discuss them with your plastic surgeon.
Step Five: Arrange for Transportation
It’s important to make arrangements for transportation after your surgery. You won’t be able to drive yourself home because of the anesthesia used during surgery. You should arrange to be driven home by a close friend or family member.
Step Six: Follow Your Surgeon’s Pre-Operative Instructions
Your surgeon will give you specific instructions to follow in the days leading up to your surgery. Make sure to follow these instructions carefully since this can make your procedure and recovery period go smoothly.
Step Seven: Stop Eating and Drinking After Midnight the Night Before Surgery
Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your surgery. This will help reduce the risk of nausea and vomiting during surgery. If you don’t follow these directions, your surgery may need to be postponed.
Step Eight: Arrive Early on Surgery Day
Arrive at the hospital early on the day of your surgery. This will allow time for you to check-in and get prepared for surgery. Our team will give you instructions on how early to arrive, where to go, and what to bring with you.
Step Nine: Follow Your Surgeon’s Post-Operative Instructions
Your surgeon will give you specific instructions on how to care for your incisions after you arrive home from surgery. Make sure to follow these instructions carefully, especially those about bathing and wound care for your incisions. This will help your recovery go smoothly and successfully with a lesser chance of scarring.
Schedule a Consultation
If you’re considering brachioplasty, the first step is to schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. At Plastic Surgery Associates, our experienced surgeons can help you achieve your cosmetic goals and boost your confidence. Schedule your consultation at our Grand Rapids office by calling or filling out our online contact form.
