Minimally invasive and limited-incision techniques are newer options.
The Evolution of Brachioplasty and Tissue Preservation
When it comes to body contouring plastic surgery and sculpting of the arms, the old method of arm lift (brachioplasty) focused on aggressive deep removal of tissues. Back in the day, to remove the excess sagging skin and fat (“bat wing”), surgeons used a scalpel, cutting down through the skin and fat layer to reach and open up the deep muscular layer. As much as removing the hanging skin through such a method was effective, it usually resulted in trauma to the underlying lymph nodes and sensory nerves from the deep incisions made, which would lead to post-op swelling for a longer period and an increased tendency for seroma formation.
It is a major clinical fact that perhaps the most remarkable novelty on the part of arm lift surgery is the transition to a skin-preserving method of liposuction-assisted arm lift surgery, usually in conjunction with the use of skin-tightening devices based on energy application. Modern plastic surgeons concentrate on keeping intact the lymphatic and vascular systems that are found in the arm at the deeper level. With this radical transformation of how skin and adipose tissues are detached, the novel techniques are causing surgical wound trauma to go down significantly, post-operative complications are minimised, and patient recovery is getting faster and more comfortable.
The Liposuction-Assisted Approach (Avelar Technique)
The major technique of arm lift today consists of the liposuction-assisted method, generally referred to in medical literature as the Avelar technique. Rather than immediately going ahead with the traditional scalpel excision of the redundant skin and fat, the surgeon resorts to aggressive targeted liposuction that literally removes the fat layer from the arms down to the depth of subcutaneous fat while leaving the blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatic channels of great importance inside the connective tissue matrix totally safe and uninjured.
In fact, after the liposuction, the remaining skin is so thin and elastic that it can easily stretch to cover the biceps and get rid of excess skin at the lower level. As this method does not involve deep incision or exposure of the fascial layer of the arm at a later stage, this significantly decreases the risk of developing seromas as well as permanently numb skin, if at all, a minor issue. Besides, through the adoption of this technique, it is possible for the surgeon to shape the arm all the way around the bicep and triceps and therefore obtain, from the combination of a good arm lift and fat removal result, a much sculpted, athletic, and balanced shape.
Radiofrequency and Energy-Based Skin Tightening
Another key factor characterizing the present generation of arm lifts has been the addition of subdermal energy technologies such as Radiofrequency-Assisted Lipolysis (RFAL) or a state-of-the-art helium plasma device (like Renuvion). In a nutshell, these medical tools work by means of a small probe that is used to introduce heated energy into the tissue below the skin, to the dermal collagen and the fibro-septal network, which is what makes the skin stick to the muscle.
When the skin is just slightly loose and stretched (with only mild to moderate laxity), patients can be subjected to these non-invasive devices, as they can shrink and contract the skin up to 30%, which, in lucky cases, can eliminate the need for a surgical cut, thus being referred to as a “scarless arm lift”. With the use of these devices in the patient having a lot of saggy skin (severe laxity) and requiring a complete skin removal arm lift, if the Avelar technique is combined with the use of energy devices, the outcome from these techniques is a tightly wrapped skin envelope that has been lifted over the musculature as per the sculptured anatomy. These kinds of results are simply unheard of with traditional scalpel-only arm lift methods.
Preserving Structural Integrity and Post-Operative Boundaries
To those who desire a perfect body from head to toe and have the determination and commitment to achieve it, following the protective and behavioral rules during the post-operative period should be the absolute top priority. Whether your surgeon uses a liposuction-assisted approach or includes thermal energy treatments, the newly raised skin edges and the fine running stitches will definitely depend on complete mechanical safety to create strong collagen bonds in the six to eight weeks after surgery, during which time the tissues are still healing.
To have a flawless recovery, you are expected to carry on the regular wearing medical-grade arm compression sleeves for the duration of four to six weeks. This kind of pressure will not only keep the underlying lymphatic swelling to a minimum but also keep your incisions in line and remove any dangerous tensions that may cause harm to the healing wound edges. Also, it cannot be said enough that the complete removal of your nicotine and tobacco intake before and after the surgery is a very crucial factor, because nicotine shrinks micro-vessels and consequently the healing skin flaps do not receive enough blood and oxygen to ensure rapid, clean recoveries and minimal scarring.
Arm Lift in Turkey
Opting for LIN Europe Clinic would mean that your facial and other cosmetic procedures, together with medical treatments, will be carried out at a world-class facility by a group of professionals known for their high standards as well as deep empathy. We take great pride in the fact that our patients are given accurate and comprehensive information regarding all the aspects of a successful arm lift, which includes the incisions’ directions, the liposuction-assisted mechanics, as well as soft tissue adjustments. That means you will be treated not only as patients but also as partners in our effort for excellence.
LIN Europe Clinic in Turkey offers not only advanced body sculpting as a surgical specialty and post-operative care in plastic surgery, but also a peaceful, calm atmosphere for your convalescence. We are fully committed to your health and wellness, and our operations and practices are guided by the patient safety standards of our respective countries, plus the World Health Organization’s recommendations. Once you have decided on the best surgeon for your aesthetic surgery, that is us, the LIN Europe Clinic team in Istanbul, will monitor you at every stage of your recovery. We do this by making extensive pre-surgery preparations such as precise diagnostics, thorough consultation, as well as comprehensive post-surgery care that may be customized according to the individual needs.
FAQ:
The most modern techniques are the Liposuction-Assisted Brachioplasty (also known as the Avelar technique) performed through removal of fat with liposuction before excision of the skin only to preserve the deep lymphatics, and the Radiofrequency-Assisted Lipolysis (RFAL), during which skin is made tighter with heat generated from within.
You can choose liposuction with the internal RF or helium plasma device, these combinations have been shown to dramatically reduce the skin so the risk of a long incision scar may be avoided when you are not too loose with saggy skin, just slightly loose.
The Avelar technique is a less invasive procedure because it is only superficial and never cuts into the deeper layers of the arm. Leaving the underlying blood vessels and especially the lymphatic channels fully intact, the postoperative edema, numbness, and fluid collection (seroma) is all reduced significantly.
Actually, yes, as the tissues below the skin, the sensory nerves and the networks of lymphatics that the deeper incisions would interrupt are kept whole. Therefore, the amount of pain and bruising after surgery tends to be far reduced for patients compared to the older techniques.
Around 4 to 6 weeks with a compression garment still being recommended but the initial wound healing stage is mostly shorter after which it is mainly healing from the inside. Most individuals working at a desk go back to work within a day or two with swelling being way less, than with a classical brachioplasty.
Avelar, J. M. (2002). Fat suction versus abdominoplasty and brachioplasty: Avelar technique of superficial excision. Clinics in Plastic Surgery, 29(3), 423-431.
Toriumi, D. M. (2006). Structural body contouring: Radiofrequency-assisted lipolysis and energy-based skin tightening in upper extremity sculpting. Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America, 14(4), 289-301.
Rohrich, R. J., et al. (2014). Advanced postoperative care, liposuction-assisted brachioplasty, and lymphatic preservation protocols. Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 34(5), 587-595.
