Definition and objectives

An arm lift rather than liposuction alone is needed to firm up loose skin on the inner side of the arms or legs. The operation removes excess skin and subcutaneous fat and firms up the muscles.

Prior to surgery

A preoperative examination is carried out in the course of which the patient tells the surgeon of his or her medical and surgical history and informs the surgeon of any treatment taken.

The anaesthetist will be seen 48 hours prior to surgery at the latest. Medication containing aspirin should not be taken for 10 days prior to surgery.

An inner arm or thigh lift can be carried out under general anaesthesia or deep local anaesthesia using tranquilisers administered by intravenous route. The surgeon and anaesthetist decide with the patient which type of anaesthesia will be used.

The patient stays in hospital for 1 to 3 days on average, depending on the case.

The operation

- Arm lift: an incision is made on the inner side of the arm, sometimes extending down along the length of the arm.

- Inner thigh lift: the incision is made to the front, close to the groin fold, and continues backwards to the buttock fold.

Liposuction can be carried out if there is fat infiltration. The surgeon draws back the skin and carries out in-depth fixing of the skin to correct the drooping created by fat suction. The scar is hidden in the natural folds of the skin and is very discreet.

The wound is protected by adhesive elastic strips or in liposuction pants.

The operation takes 1h30 on average.

After the operation

The patient leaves the 1 to 2 days after the operation.

Ecchymoses and oedema can occur but this disappears 10 to 20 days after the operation.

Tightness may be felt in the operated area. During the healing period, it is advisable to avoid overstretching.

Professional activities can be resumed 1 to 3 weeks after surgery depending on the patient’s job.

Sports activities can be resumed from the 6th week postoperatively. The scar should not be exposed to the sun for 3 months.

Result

The result is visible 6 to 12 months later. After liposuction, surface irregularities may persist. The surgeon can touch these up from the 6th month.

Possible complications

Arm and thigh lifts are one of the most delicate operations in cosmetic surgery. Using a qualified plastic surgeon is a guarantee against such complications or at least gives you the assurance that complications will be treated if need be.

The following are among the possible complications of an inner thigh lift:

- thrombo-embolic incidents (phlebitis, pulmonary embolism): wearing anti-thrombosis tights, minimum mobility and anticoagulant treatment help minimise this.

- haematoma: it may be necessary to eliminate accumulated blood matter.

- effusion due to lymph flow from the 8th day: this can sometimes be aspirated but generally dries out without any other intervention.

- very rarely, cutaneous necrosis.

- loss of sensitivity: a return to a normal state takes place after 3 to 6 months.