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Hanging
skin and excess fat of the upper arms is a problem
that distresses many women, especially those between
the ages of 35 and 55. This loose skin and fat of
the upper arms is a significant cosmetic issue that,
in many cases, prevents the wearing of sleeveless
tops.
Formerly, the operation routinely used to correct
this problem - the brachioplasty - left the patient
with a long visible scar from the armpit (axilla) to
the elbow. While the operation was successful in
removing the excess fat and sagging skin, the scar
was always troubling to the patients. Despite this,
the number of women undergoing this procedure rose
by over 300 percent in the five year span from 1997
to 2003. This increase highlights patients'
motivation to address the problem, despite the fact
the operation left them with an undesirable scar.
Dr. Lawrence Reed,
who is widely recognized for his work in body
sculpting surgery, now uses a revolutionary new approach. Dr.
Reed regularly gives presentations on his approach to Minimal
Incision Brachioplasty at professional plastic surgery meetings
and seminars attended by his colleagues in the field. Most
recently, he gave a well-received talk at the annual meeting
of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery in May
of 2009. In addition, his article on the technique was published
in the prestigious Aesthetic Surgery Journal in the summer
2007 volume.
The
hanging arm is corrected using an incision that is
hidden in the armpit. For most patients, the old
approach with the long scar from the armpit to the
elbow is no longer necessary. Many people, however,
will need liposuction to further sculpt the arm.
The
operation is generally performed using sedation (
twilight sleep) and takes under two hours.
Dissolving sutures are used and drains are not
usually necessary. Patients can bathe or shower the
next day and begin aerobic workouts in two weeks.
However, the arms should not be raised above the
shoulders the first four postoperative weeks.
Patient
satisfaction is very high with the hidden scar
technique.
Should
you have any questions about this exciting new
advance in body sculpture surgery, please feel free
to speak to Dr. Reed or his staff for more
information. We are all excited about achieving a
better solution for an old problem. |
