Arm tuck

Arm tuck is useful after significant weight loss, when the upper arm skin is not elastic enough to return to its normal position. This is when we get excess skin that has to be removed surgically. This procedure can be done only after the body weight stabilizes and weight loss process has come to its end. It is very frequent, that the skin cannot move back to its original position, and the excess skin does not look nice.

How is arm tuck done?

Before the procedure, the surgeon marks the planned incision, while the patient is standing upright. Arm tuck is done with a half-moon incision in the shoulder indentation or with a spindle-shaped incision from shoulder indentation down to the elbow.

What happens before an arm tuck?

At the day of the surgery you must not use any greasy shower creams, but soap or showering gel. The skin should not be hydratized. If you are a smoker, you should stop smoking at least 2 weeks before the surgery. You will get all important information from your doctor during the consultation. You will be instructed not to eat or drink in the six hours preceding the surgery. You should avoid coagulants at least one week before the surgery and one week after the surgery (consult your general general practitioner).

What happens after an arm tuck?

The surgery is done under local anesthesia and lasts around 2 - 3 hours for both arms. After the surgery your arm is wrapped in compression bandage, and after 10 - 14 days the sutures are removed. Swelling and tension are normal after this procedure, but will disappear completely after a few days. Arm tuck is done simultaneously on both arms. Such interventions bear the risk of thrombosis during the first 5 - 10 days, and it is essential to follow the advice of your doctor on taking medication against thrombosis. Swelling and loss of sensation on the skin can be present several weeks after the surgery, but they generally return to normal. Excessive stretching or lowering of the arm can slow down the healing process. You should avoid sport activities for at least 4 weeks.

What are the results of an arm tuck?

Tightening of the muscles gives a sporty image. Scars mostly disappear after some time. You can expect very good results after an arm tuck. The final results will be visible only after 3 months after the surgery.