Arm, thigh and buttock lifts can improve the look of these areas of the body that have developed a sagging, “jiggly,” unattractive appearance due to aging, weight loss or genetic predisposition. These procedures are not a substitute for weight loss.

Arm, thigh and buttock lifts can:

• Remove sagging, flaccid excess skin caused by weight loss
• Restore a youthful look
• Improve the contour and shape of these body areas

Certain physical attributes indicate that you are ready—and have reasonable expectations—of arm, thigh or buttock lifts:

You are a good candidate if you:

• Are an adult of any age close to your ideal weight for your body type and size
• Are moderately fit and have good muscle tone
• Are healthy and do not have a life-threatening illness or medical condition that would impair healing
• Don’t smoke
• Have a positive outlook and specific goals in mind

First you will:

• Discuss you specific goals with Dr. Swier
• Have your physical and emotional health evaluated
• Learn the likely outcomes and potential risks of the procedure
• Get a course of treatment recommended by Dr. Swier
• Ask questions and get answers to help you understand the process

Be sure to:

• Openly share your expectations
• Disclose your complete health history, current medications, and use of vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drugs
• Commit to precisely follow all of Dr. Swier’s instructions

Arm lifts
An incision is made underneath the arm area extending from the elbow to the armpit. The size of the incision depends on the amount of skin to be excised. Three procedures can be performed. Liposuction alone can be used to eliminate excess fat. Excess skin can be excised. Or a combination of the two create a third option in which both techniques are necessary to achieve the desired result. Most patients do both arms at once.

Thigh lifts
Medial thighplasty is performed through an incision made in the inner thigh that can include any portion of the area from above the knee up to the curve of the pelvic area. Excess skin and fat is removed—using liposuction—and the incision is closed with internal sutures that will dissolve after about four months. If extensive excess tissue is removed, the incision may be longer.

Buttock lifts
Incisions are placed above the buttocks and excess skin and fat are removed using liposuction.

You will:

• Be given diagnostic testing
• Be given medications (if necessary)
• Be given day-of-surgery instructions and medications
• Be given specific information related to the use of anesthesia
• Be given postoperative care and follow-up instructions
• Be given consent papers and a request to sign them prior to surgery
• Learn the risks of surgery and discuss them with Dr. Swier

Your procedure may be performed in a hospital or outpatient surgery center.

• If you are admitted to a hospital, your stay will be short, typically one night
• You may undergo local or general anesthesia, depending on Dr. Swier’s recommendation
• You will emerge from surgery wearing a compression garment or elastic bandages
• A small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under your skin to drain any excess blood that may collect
• You’ll be taken to recovery where you will be closely monitored

Before you are released you and an accompanying caregiver will learn:

• How to care for the surgical site and drains
• Medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce discomfort and the potential for infection
• Specific things to look for during healing
• When to follow up with Dr. Swier

Common conditions during initial healing include:

• Swelling
• Soreness
• Bruising
• Discomfort controlled by medication

You must:

• Drastically limit activity
• Be careful to avoid stressing any internal sutures as they heal
• Practice diligent sun protection until the healing process is complete

You will:

• Return to light, normal activity when you feel ready
• Experience a dissipation of swelling over a period of several weeks
• Be required to wear postoperative supportive wraps for several weeks
• Be encouraged to keep your weight in control