Brachioplasty
(hand plasty)

The term brachioplasty is a variant of plastic surgery that involves plastic surgery of the arm in the shoulder area, during which excess sagging skin and fatty tissue are removed. Often the intervention is performed in conjunction with liposuction (removal of excess fat). Sagging arm lift is most often used in situations where it is impossible to solve the problem of ptosis (sagging) and remove excess skin in this area by less radical methods (exercise, correction of diet and weight, cosmetic procedures). In the course of the intervention, excess tissue is excised from the armpit area to the elbow joint, and contouring is performed to create beautiful shoulders with tightened skin.

DESCRIPTION

Brachioplasty for hand skin tightening is performed for aesthetic reasons. These include the following situations:

• Genetic predisposition to the fullness of the arms in the shoulder area;
• Age-related changes that lead to loss of elasticity and soft tissue tone;
• asymmetry of the shoulders, pronounced excess tissue;
• lack of physical activity, which decreases muscle and skin tone;
• sudden weight fluctuations (weight gain followed by weight loss);
• insufficient care, improper selection of hand skin products;
• Previously performed liposuction;
• unhealthy lifestyle, unhealthy habits.

In the presence of any of these indications, surgical intervention can help solve the problem and restore the beauty of the hands.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Before specifying the cost of brachioplasty and preparing for surgery, it is important to rule out contraindications, in the presence of which the operation is not performed. These include:

• Over 60 years of age or under 18 years of age;
• recent stroke or heart attack;
• implanted pacemaker or defibrillator;
• Previously undergone surgery to remove the breast (mastectomy);
• the presence of diabetes mellitus;
• abnormalities of the clotting system;
• pregnancy and lactation;
• recent injuries and surgeries;
• skin abnormalities, rashes, infections in the intervention area;
• acute infections, febrile syndrome;
• pathology of the lymphatic system, enlarged lymph nodes;
• pronounced hyperhidrosis (increased sweating);
• severe liver or kidney damage;
• tendency to form keloid scars;
• immunodeficiencies of congenital and acquired origin;
• any kind of cancer.

After consultation, the plastic surgeon may determine additional contraindications of temporary or permanent nature.

PREPARATION

Prior to hand lift surgery, a number of preparatory steps must be taken. First of all, an initial consultation with a plastic surgeon who clarifies the expectations and wishes of the operation, the severity of the problem, the possibility of intervention and a particular method of operation, discusses the method of anesthesia and the necessary tests and preliminary studies. During the consultation the doctor should be informed about all past diseases and surgeries, medications, allergies. This is important because during the intervention, general anesthesia is used, medications are used, bleeding is possible and it is important to prevent all possible complications beforehand. The doctor also determines the price of the operation for a hand lift, depending on the situation, the scope of the intervention and the subsequent rehabilitation procedures. Then a preliminary examination is performed, including laboratory tests and instrumental examinations. General blood and urine tests, biochemical tests (including blood glucose levels), tests for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis, an ECG and fluorography must be performed. In the presence of chronic pathologies, consultations with narrow specialists and additional examinations are carried out, followed by a consultation with an anesthesiologist. The operation is performed only if the patient is completely healthy.

PROCESS OF OPERATION

The price of hand brachioplasty depends on the chosen technique and the amount of intervention. Any operation is performed under general anesthesia and lasts on average from 1 to 3 to 4 hours. The doctor preliminarily makes a markup, determining the amount of tissue to be removed, and assesses the condition of the skin. In a classic technique of brachioplasty operation is carried out in stages.

After marking and preparing the patient and putting him under anesthesia, an incision is made from the area of the bend of the elbow to the armpit. Excess skin and subcutaneous tissues are excised, the remaining tissues are fixed in the correct, new position, the doctor performs tissue revision, stops bleeding from the affected vessels, and imposes cosmetic stitches. The resorbable suture materials are used for them, so that they don't have to be removed later. A tight dressing is applied to the area of surgical intervention, and if necessary, drains are put in place. The operation depends on the volume of tissues to be removed, it is often combined with liposuction to remove excess fat.

RECOVERY

After the surgery has been performed, the patient is transferred to a room where he or she is recovering from anesthesia and is monitored by doctors for about 2-3 days. If the condition is satisfactory, the subsequent recovery takes place on an outpatient basis with regular monitoring by a physician. During the first two weeks there is swelling and bruising in the area of the operation, possibly painful redness and loss of tissue sensitivity, all these phenomena gradually disappear as the operation heals. In order for the recovery process to go as smoothly as possible, the next two months are worth excluding:

• active physical activity (gym classes, swimming in the pool, weight training and fitness);
• Various thermal procedures (visiting the sauna, baths);
• sunbathing (this is important to make scars less noticeable).

It is important to wear a compression garment for at least 1.5 months or more. In addition, it is important to follow all the doctor's recommendations in order to rule out possible complications.