What is an arm lift (Brachioplasty)?
An arm lift is a way to restore drooping and flabby skin under the arm caused by aging or excessive weight loss. The surgery, also called brachioplasty, can correct this problem very effectively. An arm lift procedure is performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon removes the excess skin from the under arm, from the armpit down to the elbow. After removing the skin, both edges are pulled tight and sutured together. The full procedure will take about two to three hours. After recovery, patients will have the smooth and firm arms that they could only have dreamed of before.
Can I see arm lift before and after pictures?
During your consultation visit, your surgeon will show you before and after pictures of patients from Cape Girardeau, Jackson and Sikeston Missouri who underwent an arm lift procedure. You will be able to see firsthand the difference the arm lift procedure made for these people and visualize what it may do for you.
What is the average cost of an arm lift? Is there a charge for the consultation?
At Heartland Plastic and Hand Surgery in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, the average cost of an arm lift is $4100-$4300 (effective June 1, 2009). This includes operating room cost and anesthesia services. There is an $85 charge for the consultation. The consultation charge is taken off the price of the procedure if you decide to schedule your arm lift within 6 months. After 6 months a new consultation may be scheduled to review any changes in your medical history.
Do I have to stop smoking before an arm lift procedure?
We would like for the patient to stop smoking 1 month before surgery and 1 month after surgery. Nicotine in cigarettes decreases the blood supply to the skin and blood supply is a very important factor to the healing process. We hope patients at Heartland Plastic and Hand Surgery in Cape Girardeau, Mo can decrease their exposure not only to first hand but also to second hand smoke.
Is financing available? And will insurance cover any of my fees?
Heartland Plastic and Hand Surgery in Cape Girardeau, Missouri accepts several types of payments. They are cash, credit cards (Visa, Master Card, Discover and American Express), money order, cashier checks and financing with an outside agency. An arm lift is not covered by commercial insurance and will need to be paid in full before surgery. It is therefore important to make financing arrangements in advance with a financing company of your choice.
Is there a better time of year to have the surgery performed?
You should schedule your surgery at a time when you can allow yourself time to heal. After arm lift surgery, you will have a 10-15 pound lifting restriction for at least 3 weeks following surgery. (That will include lifting children.) You also have to make adjustments at work due to pain, swelling and being on pain medication. On average, patients at Heartland Plastic and Hand Surgery take 2-3 weeks off work but some patients have more physically demanding jobs that can require 4-6 weeks off work.
Is there anything I need to do to get myself ready for surgery?
To reduce bruising and the risk of hematoma, patients must stop blood thinners and vitamin E at least one week before and after surgery. If you are on prescription blood thinners, you may need to get medical clearance and should ask your family doctor for instructions on how to stop these medications. We also want all herbal medication and diet pills (prescription and over-the-counter) stopped at least two weeks before surgery and one week following surgery.
At Heartland Plastic and Hand Surgery in Cape Girardeau, we require the patient to be in overall good health before the surgery can be performed. If there are questions regarding your health, medical clearance from your family doctor may be required.
What should I do next?
At Heartland Plastic and Hand Surgery in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, David Deisher, MD and J. Stewart Humphrey, MD are board certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery. They offer plastic and hand surgery to patients across Missouri including Cape Girardeau, Jackson and Sikeston Missouri. Your next step is to contact the Heartland Plastic and Hand Surgery office today to schedule your Arm Lift Surgery (Brachioplasty) consultation! Bring all your questions and concerns to your consultation so your surgeon can address them. Call now. Do not put this off any longer!
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