The effects of aging on the skin are familiar to all of us. Over time, the skin changes in four ways: it loses thickness, loses elasticity, loses adherence to the underlying tissue, and is affected by gravity. At the same time, the deep layers of fat, muscle and bone thin as well. The amount of elastic tissue and collagen present in the dermis (the deep layer of the skin) also decreases.
One area where these changes are especially apparent is the upper arm. Brachioplasty, or arm lift, helps Maryland and Northern Viginia residents lift and tighten up loose skin in the upper arms, resulting in a firmer, more youthful contour.
Dr. Chiaramonte encourages you to Request a Free Consultation if you are considering an arm lift so that you can learn more about this procedure and receive a professional opinion about your cosmetic needs.
Dr. Chiaramonte may offer you the choice between using a local or general anesthetic; however, most patients are most comfortable with a general anesthetic for this procedure.
The doctor begins by marking the area of excess skin, with the patient either standing or sitting. Anesthesia is administered and incisions are made on the inner and under surface of the arm, most often in a zigzagged line. The pattern of skin removal usually follows an elliptical or triangular shape. Often some fat is suctioned at the same time. The surgical opening may run from the armpit to as low as the elbow.
While the excess skin and fat is removed, the remaining skin is stretched and sutured into place. Occasionally a drain is used to lead excess fluids from the site of incision, allowing the skin better to adhere to the tissue beneath. The incisions are then bandaged. An arm lift usually takes about two hours. After a monitored time in the recovery room, patients can usually go home the same day.
Some of the benefits you'll see after your surgery include:
Please note that the natural aging process will eventually affect the whole body, including the area treated in this procedure. Still, the contouring effects of arm lifts are typically long-lasting, and most people are very pleased with their results.
To visit our cosmetic plastic surgery office in National Harbor, Maryland, serving Alexandria and other towns in Northern Virginia, Request a Free Consultation online or call the office at 866-BELLA 06.
The effects of aging on the skin are familiar to all of us. One area where changes are especially apparent is the upper arm. An arm lift can lift and tighten up loose skin in the upper arms, resulting in a firmer, more youthful contour. Read entire article 
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Dr. Michael Chiaramonte is a board-certified Maryland plastic surgeon specializing in body contouring and breast enhancement plastic surgery
for the Maryland, Washington, DC, and Northern Virginia areas, including Alexandria. At Bella Cosmetic Surgery you'll find a full range of
surgical and medical spa solutions, from liposuction and breast augmentation to BOTOX® Cosmetic injections and laser hair removal.
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