Tag Archives: arm lift

There is a new buzz that has been created due to increased attention paid to the beauty of women’s arms. Toned and fit arms are perceived by most to be youthful and healthy. Some attribute the increase buzz about beautiful arms to Michelle Obama’s toned arms and frequent choice of sleeveless dresses and blouses. Of course, where there is interest in beauty there will always be plastic surgery options. An increase in patients considering brachioplasty or arm lifts has been reported by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Arm Lifts

To the media, tying the increase in brachioplasty procedures to celebrities with toned and fit arms seems like a logical choice. The reality is the procedure is an invasive one that is typically chosen by patients who have lost a significant amount of weight and therefore have a significant amount of loose and lax skin on the underside of the arm. Dr. Seify explains to patients that brachioplasty should only be performed by experienced plastic surgeons who understand the risk and complications versus the expected benefit for each patient. Although new techniques allow for a shorter incision and thus a shorter scar it is important for patients to understand that the removal excess skin with brachioplasty will require the trade-off of a scar. Dr. Seify explains that the scar is well hidden on the underside of the arm and the majority of patients heal incredibly well so that the scar is barely visible after six months to a year. Initially following the surgery there may be puckering of the skin along the incision which will typically loosen up as the skin relaxes. It is imperative that patients understand their specific situation and what the expectations are for their long-term results. Patients who have loose and lax skin as a result of aging and poor laxity in the skin may not be ideal candidates for the brachioplasty procedure. Also, patients who scar poorly may also be a poor choice for the brachioplasty procedure. While the overwhelming numbers of patients are extremely satisfied with their plastic surgery procedure, it is critical for patients to understand that limiting the plastic surgery procedure to patients who are ideal candidates is the best way to ensure that patients will be satisfied with their results. Brachioplasty patients are typically able to return to a desk type job in 5 to 7 days after surgery. Patients who are considering brachioplasty are encouraged to contact Dr. Seify and schedule a consultation.  

Smoking is one of the most difficult habits for a person to quit. Most patients who consider plastic surgery are surprised to learn that smoking is a problem and increases surgical complications. According to a recent online article recent findings focusing on over 1 million women smokers found that they more than tripled their risk of dying early when compared with women who did not smoke. Between 1996 and 2001 scientist from the University of Oxford and United Kingdom surveyed and questioned women regarding to their smoking habits, medical history, and social status. 20% were smokers, the 52% had never smoked, and 28% were ex-smokers. Women were surveyed and questioned every two years throughout the study. The study lasted more than 12 years. During this time 66,000 participants passed away. Those who smoked throughout the study were three times as likely to die in the nine years that followed when compared to non-smokers in the study. Medical professionals agree that the sooner patients quit smoking the greater the likelihood that they will live longer. Dr. Seify explains to patients who are smokers that the risks of surgical complications are increased for those patients. Surgeries including facelift, breast lift, breast reduction, and brachioplasty are some of the surgeries with increased risk for smokers. While delayed wound healing is a major concern, the likelihood that scarring will heal with unattractive markings increases with smokers. Cosmetic surgery procedures that are primarily for lifting and tightening skin could heal poorly for smokers due to the tension that is required to hold the incision together. It is best if patients can quit smoking at least three weeks prior to surgery and a minimum of four weeks after surgery. Of course, the ideal situation would be for patients to quit smoking altogether after surgery. Patients  who are considering cosmetic plastic surgery procedures are encouraged to contact Dr. Seify to see which plastic surgery procedures are right for them.

Obesity remains one of the main topics of discussion across the United States. Many Southern California residents are under the impression that this is not an issue for people within our region. However, a quick look around at marketing for weight loss procedures like the lap band, and large programs for surgical weight loss proved that there are plenty of people within Southern California specifically Orange County battling obesity. According to recent online article obese cancer patients are likely to have worse outcomes than their leaner counterparts. Previous research has clearly established a link between obesity and cancer risk and shown that obesity is associated with a poorer prognosis, according to Mikhail Kolonin, an associate professor at the Institute of Molecular Medicine at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. Cancer progression was studied specifically in specific research that was published in the Journal of Cancer Research. The researchers hypothesized that fat tissue which is called white adipose tissue (this is the fat tissue that becomes larger in patients who are obese) is directly associated with cancer. The first results confirmed their theory. In laboratory mice the tumors appeared to grow much faster. The research team found that cancer triggered andipose stromal cells to infiltrate the bloodstream. Once they were able to get to the tumors, some continue to develop in the fat cells; however, others were absorbed into the blood vessels and then provided oxygen and the necessary nutrients to tumors which boosted the cancer’s growth. It is significant to note that these cells are present within tumors and that they are functional and have an effect on the growth of tumors. Finding a way to block the cells may provide another avenue for cancer treatment. Dr. Seify consults with patients who have been successful in losing weight and are also at a stable weight. These patients often tell Dr. Seify that they do not expect the amount of loose and lax skin that was present following their weight loss. Most patients are concerned with loose skin from weight loss in the abdomen, arms, and thighs. For most patients the only way to reduce the amount of skin and create a more beautiful and toned appearance is plastic surgery. Most patients have abdominoplasty to remove the loose skin from the abdomen, brachioplasty to remove the loose skin from the underside of the upper arms, and thighplasty or thigh lift to remove the loose and lax skin on the thighs. For most patients it a be necessary to stage (perform at different times )the procedures for the best results and most comfortable patient experience. Patients were considering body contouring procedures are encouraged to contact Dr. Seify and schedule a consultation.
There are few people who would dispute that losing a large amount of weight takes a great deal of commitment and tenacity. Unfortunately, for many people losing weight can become a back-and-forth situation. A significant majority of people who are able to lose weight ultimately regain the weight they lost and usually additional weight as well. There are many reasons that people fail to keep weight off after a successful change in their diet and exercise routine. More often than not the person has slowly reverted back to old behaviors and choices. Dr. Seify advises patients who are considering body contouring procedures after massive weight loss to make the choice to invest in cosmetic plastic surgery procedures before the patient has an opportunity to regain the weight. It is important especially for massive weight loss surgery patients to be at a stable weight before investing in cosmetic surgery procedures. Dr. Seify consults with the patient to determine that the patient is healthy and ready for surgery. Typically for most patients, the best value for cosmetic surgery following massive weight loss is the body lift. The body lift allows Dr. Seify to surgically remove excess skin in the lower abdomen all the way around to the lower back. It also allows a lift for the upper buttock area as well as hips and upper thighs. It’s easy to see why this procedure is the best value simply because it addresses the most areas in one procedure. Other popular procedures for post massive weight loss surgery include brachioplasty, or an arm lift, thighplasty, or a thigh lift and also breast lift. It is important for patients to understand that although it may sound easier to have as many procedures performed as possible in one setting, the reality is that most patients have a difficult time if too many procedures are performed simultaneously. Dr. Seify meets with each patient individually and develops a customized treatment plan that will work best for the patient in light of their expectations and also their health. Dr. Seify encourages patients who are considering body contouring procedures following massive weight loss to contact his office and schedule a consultation.
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