What is it?

A set of operations designed to remove the excess of skin and fat of the arms and legs. Liposuction may be incorporated in this operation to obtain ideal results.

What does it accomplish?

An Extremity-lift is performed when the skin has lost its ability to contract after massive weight fluctuations. In some people it may be due to genetic predisposition for having loose skin. In this surgery the plastic surgeon removes the loose skin and fat from the arms or thighs so as to improve the shape and to make the skin tighter and more youthful. Thigh-lift is almost always limited to the upper thigh, although in some circumstances it may extend below the knee. The extent of an arm lift can also vary. Most are amenable to liposuction and minor lifts in the armpit, however at times it may be necessary to extend the excision of skin to the elbow.

What happens during the first consultation?

In the first consultation you will get a chance to discuss your concerns with our patient care coordinators and Dr.Marefat. We will tell you what you need to know about your procedure and will help you determine what is best for you.   You will receive information booklets and pricing on the procedures.

How is it done?

Excess skin and fat are removed directly from the extremity. The incisions are usually placed in areas that are less conspicuous. The extent of the incision will depend on the amount of loose skin in your thigh or arm. Sometimes it can be done through an incision in the groin or armpit area. At other times the skin is so excessive that the incision necessarily extends to the knee or the elbow. The final contouring and shaping of the area may be done with selective liposuction. The procedure usually does not address underlying muscle or fascia.  

Procedure: Extremity-lift continued

What can I expect after surgery?

After surgery you will have a moderate degree of discomfort. The amount of recovery will depend on the extent of skin excision. Larger cases may need up to 2 weeks, while smaller cases may need only a few days. Since the surgery is limited to the skin the down time associated with it is not as bad as procedures that address muscle and fascia (outer layer of tissue covering the muscle).

When are the sutures removed?

The sutures are removed between 10-14 days depending on the area of surgery.

How many visits do I have after surgery?

We like to see our patients frequently after surgery. You are seen by the Doctor or nurse within 2-3 days of surgery. Then the normal postoperative routine is: 1 week, 1month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. Of course, we will see you more if there is any need. After a year we encourage our patients to come for routine follow-up visits every 3-5 years.

When can I wear make-up?

You should be able to wear makeup if you have had an Extremity-lift. We do not recommend putting makeup on your incisions until they have healed completely, because this may result in tattooing by the pigments of the makeup.

Am I a good candidate?

You are a good candidate for this surgery if you have either excess fat in the arms or thighs, or if you have a combination of excess fat and skin. Generally the younger you are the better a candidate you are for surgery. But the physiologic age of person is more important than the chronological age. That is to say you may be 60 years old, but your skin and general health could be better than most who are 50 years old. The best candidates for Extremity-lifts are those that are in good health and have realistic expectations about surgery.

Procedure: Extremity-lift continued

What does the surgery cost? The cost of surgery varies but here are some guidelines that will help you determine roughly what you could expect. Remember that these are only rough estimates . These estimations include the cost of the operating room and the anesthesia. The fee may be subject to change without notice. The best way for you get an accurate cost analysis is to see a doctor.

Arm lift:     $5,000 - $5,500

Thigh lift:     $4,800 - $5,500

How do I pay for surgery?

You can pay for surgery by certified check, Credit card, or cash. Payments for cosmetic surgery are expected prior to the procedure. If you are scheduling several weeks in advance of surgery you can pay by personal check.

Are there scars?

Yes. In fact the scars after Thigh-lift or arm lift could be quite long. This depends on how much extra skin is being removed. Having greater skin excess results in longer incisions. We usually try to hide the incisions in areas that are less visible. Sometimes it is possible to keep the scar limited to the groin or armpit area. At other times the amount of excess skin is so much that the incision has to be extended down the thigh or arm. Scars do fade with time, however they never go away completely. If you are contemplating this operation you must be comfortable with the idea of having permanent scars. Remember that you are exchanging the inconvenience of extra rolls of skin for scars. This compromise is necessary in this operation.

Does it hurt?

Yes, however, the pain involved in Extremity-lifts is very tolerable. We have heard our patients describe it as 'aches' or 'soreness', but not as severe pain. Many patients do quite well with medications prescribed to them for pain relief. Dr.Marefat usually injects the incisions with a solution that helps minimize the postoperative pain. But having said that remember that pain is very subjective, and it is not easy to predict what degree of pain you will have.

Will I be awake during surgery?

Not Usually. Most Extremity-lifts are done under general anesthesia. In certain cases the amount of excess skin is so little that we can remove it by injecting it with local numbing medicine. This would be an exception however.   Your doctor will be able to tell you if your procedure can be done without general anesthesia.

Where is the surgery performed? (i.e. office suite or hospital)

The surgery can be done either in the hospital or the outpatient facility depending on the extent of skin excision necessary. Usually we perform this operation in the outpatient facility. Occasionally, the operation is so minor that it can be done under local in the office operating room. Your Plastic surgeon can tell you which facility would be required in your case.

Are medical photographs taken?  

Yes. In all cosmetic and reconstructive cases medical photos are taken. Photographs are mandatory because this is the only way for us to compare before and after results. Photographs in Plastic Surgery serve the same role as x-rays do in other medical specialties.

Date Revised: 1/21/07

To see Before and After pictures of Extremity Contouring and Lifts in Virginia and Washingon DC Click Here

To read more about this operation Click Here

To see patient Prices and Costs for Arm lifts, Thigh Lifts, and other Extremity Contouring procedures Click Here

To see patient Testimonials for Extremity Surgery Click Here

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