Body contouring in Alicante
This procedure removes loose, sagging skin from the inner arms or inner thighs, a common problem after major weight loss or with the passing years. The trade-off is a long scar, and Dr Navarro will explain beforehand where it will go and whether it is worth it in your case.
Anaesthesia
Usually general
Duration
2 to 3 hours
Hospital stay
Day case or one night
Compression garment
About 4 to 6 weeks
Back to work
Around 2 weeks
Scar maturation
Between 1 and 2 years
Approximate figures. They are confirmed at your consultation for each case.
The technique
With age or after significant weight loss, the skin on the arms and thighs loses its elasticity and hangs loose, especially on the inner side. Neither exercise nor diet can restore it. A lift removes this excess skin and tightens what remains to improve the contour.
On the arms it is called an arm lift (brachioplasty): the incision runs along the inner arm, from the armpit towards the elbow, or is limited to the armpit if the excess is small. On the thighs it is called a thigh lift (thighplasty): the incision sits in the groin crease and, when there is a lot of excess skin, continues down the inner thigh towards the knee.
It is often combined with liposuction to reduce the fat in the area as well. The arms and thighs can be treated in the same operation or separately, depending on each case.
The scar is the price of this surgery. It is placed in areas that are not very exposed, but it is long and can be seen when you raise your arms or wear swimwear. It takes between one and two years to mature, and its final appearance depends partly on your skin. If the scar worries you more than the excess skin, this may not be the right surgery for you.
Suitability
If the problem is mainly fat and your skin still has good elasticity, liposuction may be enough, with much smaller scars. If you are still losing weight, it is best to wait until it stabilises.
Before surgery, your general health and the circulation in your legs are checked. If you smoke, you will need to stop well in advance, because smoking makes healing more difficult.
Before you decide
At your first consultation, Dr Navarro sees you personally. The most important thing is to see how much excess skin there is and where, and to talk through the scar calmly.
01
Which area bothers you (arms, thighs or both), how your weight has changed and whether you have chafing, irritation or problems with clothing.
02
The amount and quality of the excess skin, how much fat there is and how far the laxity extends, because this determines the length of the scar.
03
Which technique Dr Navarro recommends, exactly where the scar will run, whether liposuction should be added and whether it is better to treat the arms and thighs separately.
04
You take the information home in writing, together with the quote and the risks. You can raise any questions before you decide.
On the day of surgery
Beforehand
Pre-operative tests and an assessment by the anaesthetist. On the day of surgery, Dr Navarro marks on your skin the area to be removed and the line the scar will follow.
To begin
Usually under general anaesthesia. For arms with little excess skin, local anaesthetic with sedation may be enough.
During surgery
If needed, the fat is first reduced with liposuction. The excess skin is then removed and the remaining skin is tightened, taking care of the lymphatic vessels and nerves in the area.
To finish
The wound is closed in layers with internal stitches and a compression garment is fitted. Drains are sometimes left in place for a few days.
Afterwards
Days 1 to 3
Discomfort, swelling and tightness, which are controlled with standard painkillers. After a thigh lift it helps to start walking early without straining the groin; after an arm lift, avoid raising your arms above shoulder height.
First week
A follow-up appointment and wound care. You keep wearing the compression garment.
Weeks 2 and 3
Many people return to work that is not physically demanding at around two weeks. You should avoid carrying heavy loads and aerobic exercise. Lymphatic drainage massage can help to reduce the swelling.
Weeks 4 to 6
You stop wearing the compression garment and ease back into sport, as Dr Navarro advises.
Up to 1 or 2 years
The swelling settles over a few months. The scar goes through a red, slightly thickened phase before it fades, and usually takes between one and two years to mature.
Important information
Like any surgery, a thigh and arm lift carries risks. Some are related to the length of the scar, and it is important to understand them before you decide:
Dr Navarro will go through them with you at your consultation, and they will be set out in the informed consent form.
Common questions
On the arms it runs along the inner side, from the armpit towards the elbow; on the thighs, it sits in the groin crease and, if there is a lot of excess skin, along the inner thigh. It is long and permanent, although it usually fades over time.
Only if the excess is fat and the skin is elastic. If there is hanging skin, liposuction does not remove it and can make it more noticeable.
Sometimes, yes, but it is often better to do it in two stages so that recovery is easier to manage. This is decided at your consultation.
The usual advice is to wait until your weight has been stable for several months, normally between 12 and 18 months after surgery, and to have normal blood test results.
Rather than pain, most people notice discomfort and tightness in the first few days, which is controlled with standard painkillers.
It depends on your job and the area treated, but if your work is not physically demanding, it is usually around two weeks.
The skin removed does not come back, but ageing and changes in weight still have an effect. Keeping your weight stable helps to maintain the result.
It depends on the areas treated and whether it is combined with liposuction. You will receive a personalised quote after your first consultation.
Your surgeon
Plastic surgeon in Alicante, focused on facial, breast and body surgery. He sees you personally at the first consultation, during surgery and at every follow-up.
“Every procedure is unique. My commitment is to combine advanced technique with sound medical judgement, with one clear aim: natural results in harmony with your face and body.”
Clinic at Carrer de Velázquez, 2, 03560 El Campello (Alicante)
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