Arm lift and MLD: causes, post-op and benefits of MLD
Braquioplasty or Arm lift is a surgical procedure aimed to improve the appearance of the upper arms by removing excess fat and skin, creating a more functional, toned and defined arm contour. Arm lift and MLD are a powerful duo to help people not only with aesthetic issues but also patients with conditions like lymphoedema, lipoedema or arm trauma who after being treated want to improve the appearance of their arm/arms. Let´s have a closer look…
What is arm lift: Brachioplasty?
An arm lift, brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure that reshapes and contours arms by removing excess fat and sagging skin. It targets the area from above the elbow to the underarm (armpit).
Most common causes for arm lift surgery
Most common causes patients undergo a braquioplaty are:
- Significant weight loss causing saggy skin that no longer retracts.
- Severe cases of lipoedema and lymphoedema, they also need liposuction for best results (function and apereance).
- Skin loss of elasticity and firmness naturally over time.
- Genetic predispositions affecting skin tone and structure.
- Reduced muscle tone in the upper arms, leading to a flabby appearance.
- Sun damage, which degrades collagen and elastin fibers in the skin.
A liposuction plus this procedure can highly benefit patients with lymphoedema and lipoedema (severe stages) where other treatments couldn’t control progression and mobility was almost lost due to inflammation.
Note: While exercise can help improve muscle tone, it often cannot correct excess loose skin, so sometimes surgery is the best option for restoring the apearance of your arms.
How long does recovery time last?
Recovery from arm lift surgery usually takes several weeks, each case is different. Most patients can resume light activities within one to two weeks and generally return to daily routines, including lifting, after about six weeks. Swelling and bruising are common in the early days post-surgery but gradually improve. Compression garments and Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) are needed to assist in shaping, reducing swelling and fluid retention while speeding up recovery.
What to expect during the recovery time after braquioplasty
Here, what patients usually notice during the first weeks of recovery, but remember each case and needs are different, so recovery period may vary according to the person and post-op treatment.
- First 1-3 days: Moderate soreness, bruising, and swelling are common; pain can be managed with medication (prescribed by your surgeon). Movement of the arms will be limited, and heavy lifting is prohibited.
- One week to 10 days: Discomfort significantly decreases, and most bruising and swelling begin to resolve (improves faster with MLD). Many patients can return to light work and daily activities during this period.
- 3-6 weeks: Patients usually start daily activities, with full healing and scar maturation continuing over months (recovery should always be followed by your surgeon and post-op therapist).
How Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) Helps Arm Lift Post-Op
Lymphatic drainage massage is a gentle manual therapy that boosts the lymphatic system’s ability to clear excess fluid and debris from the surgical site. Your certified and experienced therapist uses rhythmic, light strokes to encourage lymph vessels to contract and move fluid toward lymph nodes (to be expelled through urine), reducing fluid buildup that causes swelling.
Some benefits are:
- Reduced post-op swelling.
- Improved blood and lymph circulation.
- Enhances oxygen and nutrient delivery to healing tissues.
- Boosts your immune function.
- Reduces pain.
- Improves mobility.
- Increases the removal of toxins and waste.
- Speeds elimination of injected fluids during the procedure.
- Eases pressure on nerves.
- Reduces stress and anxiety.
- Improves general wellbeing.
- Reduces bruises that can appear after a liposuction procedure or other surgical procedures.
- Prevents seroma.
- Reduces fibrosis.
- Helps with shape definition.
- Faster recovery: Studies show lymphatic drainage massage can cut recovery time by 50-70%, helping patients return to normal faster.
A final word
Arm lifting (braquioplasty) is a surgery aims to give arms back the lost appearance (reduce shaggy skin, improve appearance of muscle tone, reduce fat deposits). Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) after arm lifting helps to reduce swelling, boost your immune function, speed up recovery and more. For that reason, incorporating lymphatic drainage massage as part of post-operative care is highly recommended for optimal healing and results after an arm lift. Remember your post-op treatment should be performed by a certified therapist who treats you better and tailors your post-op treatment according to your needs.
We hope this information is useful. If you need advice or have any questions about our treatments, please contact us. You can find us in Mill Hill Broadway and Islington. We are always happy to help. If you like it, please share!
References:
https://www.theaestheticsociety.org/
https://pereaclinic.com/benefits-of-manual-lymphatic-drainage-mld
https://pereaclinic.com/surgery-benefits-of-manual-lymphatic-drainage/
