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Thigh- and Arm
plasty
Arm
plasty (Brachioplasty)
The
skin redundancy is commonly located to the inner-sides of the upper arm.
Technique:
The skin is incised on the inner side of the arm from the elbow to the
axilla, from where it can go curvilinear across the axilla or angled to
either side of the axilla. The skin is mobilized and redraped and tightened.
The scar will run according to the incisions and not always be invisible!
Anaesthetic:
Conscious sedation and local tumescent infiltration.
Operating time:
2-3 hours.
Arm plasty
After weight reduction the elasticity of the skin might be insufficient
to redrape the skin over the new volume of the body. This is often seen
in the face, on the neck, arms, abdomen and thighs.
The same sagging of the skin can occur with ageing. Sagging skin on the
arms and on the thighs is often considered unaesthetic and embarrassing
and skin redundancy can only be corrected by excision.
What happens afterwards?
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Moderate
pains, BUT Very strong feeling of tension. |
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The stitches are removed around the 10th day. |
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Prophylactic
antibiotics are prescribed. |
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Using
skintape across the scars for 2-3 months should relieve tension on
the scars. |
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Car
driving is forbidden for 10 days. |
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The
arms should not be allowed to be lifted up-, out- or backward for
2 weeks. |
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Transient
numbness on the upper arm is common for 1 - 2 months. |
Complications:
See below
Thigh
plasty
After weight reduction the elasticity of the skin might be insufficient
to redrape the skin over the new volume of the body. This is often seen
in the face, on the neck, arms, abdomen and thighs. The same sagging of
the skin can occur with ageing.
Sagging skin on the arms and on the thighs is often considered unaesthetic
and embarrassing and skin redundancy can only be corrected by excision.
The skin redundancy is commonly located at the inner sides of the thighs,
in some cases all way around.
Principle:
The skin is mobilised off the muscles and redraped upward like a stocking
and shortened.
Anaesthetic:
General anaesthetic.
Technique:
If skin redundancy on the inner sides of the thighs is to be corrected,
the incisions are placed high up in the buttock-thigh-fold going close
to the major labium and somewhat upwards parallel to them. If the skin
is very flaccid, a vertical incision down to the knees might be necessary.
If the whole circumference of the thighs need stretching, the incisions
go circular as well. The skin is mobilized and shortened. A circular compressing
bandage is applied.
Operating time:
2 - 5 hours.
What happens afterwards?
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Antibiotics
are prescribed. |
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Annoying
postoperative care because of the site of operation. |
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Uncomfortable
feeling of tension, especially at change of position. |
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3
- 4 days of fatigue are common. |
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You
should not sit normally during the fist 10 days (semisitting, lying
and standing position is recommended) |
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You
should shower daily. |
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The
stitches are removed around 10th to 12th days. |
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Irritation
around the scars is common. |
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Physical
activities must be avoided for 5-6 weeks. |
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COMPLICATIONS
FOR TIGHT- AND ARMPLASTY
Referred unwanted biologic events can occur with a certain low frequency
and must be regarded as calculated risks. Other risks not mentioned
can also occur. For patients this must be considered before a decision
for plastic surgery is made.
Bleeding:
All operations can cause postoperative bleeding. These risks increase
by the intake of analgesics and Vitamin E. These should be avoided
2 weeks prior to the planned operation.
Infection:
All operations can cause infections, which in case it happens will
be treated with antibiotics. The placement of the wounds in surgical
"unclean" areas increases the risk of infection.
Scars: The forces
of gravity and the continuous movements of the area cause a constant
tension on the scars. The scars can be broadened.
Nerve injury:
Some of the sensory nerves to the skin on both arm and thigh will
be cut and transient or permanent numbness is unavoidable.
Smoking:
Smoking does compromise blood circulation and healing. Smoking should
be abandoned prior to a planned operation
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