Skins sags as a natural consequence of the ageing process. Arms and thighs, in particular, tend to lose their muscle tone and firmness and the layers of muscle and fat become thinner. An arm or thigh lift can help to restore and tighten these areas, giving you a firmer, more youthful look and enabling you to wear tighter clothing or swimwear with confidence.

In the arm lift, incisions are made along the inner arm, extending from the armpit to the elbow. The length of the scar will depend on the amount of excess skin to be removed to achieve your particular requirements. The skin is then separated from the underlying fat and muscle and excess skin is carefully removed.

In thigh lift surgery, an incision is made along the of inner thigh, which may extend from the front towards the back. Excess skin is then carefully removed.

Cosmetic surgery, like any other surgery, involves a "trauma" to the human body and there are risks associated with any procedure. Each person's body is different, and your general health, level of fitness, age and genetic profile will all have an effect on the speed of healing and also on the risk of side-effects.

If you smoke, drink alcohol, are overweight and/or take drugs for medical or other reasons, the risk of complication during and after surgery can be greatly increased. Smoking, in particular, is discouraged because it increases the risk both of infection, wound healing problems and thrombosis (blood clots).

After any surgery it is normal for all patients to experience swelling, bruising, tiredness and numbness. This decreases gradually in the days and weeks afterwards. A smaller number may also encounter infection and/or some bleeding around the scar area. Infection can be treated with antibiotics, though this can delay the healing process somewhat.

Scarring is a normal and unavoidable consequence of this procedure, and will vary in appearance and severity, depending on the extent of surgery and on your body type. Your scars will certainly reduce and fade over a period of months and, whilst permanent, should not be visible under normal clothing.

Our surgeon will see you when you have come round from the anaesthetic to check that all is well, and will discharge you providing you are fit to return home. You will be given medication and full post-operative instructions along with appropriate telephone numbers in case you need to contact us at any time. A firm garment is applied for 2-4 weeks. There is limited mobility for the first 1-2 weeks.

You will see the nurse after 7-10 days so that she can check your progress. Sutures may need to be removed.

You will see your surgeon once more at between 8 and 10 weeks after your operation for a full post-operative consultation.

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For your free consultation at any of the above clinics
please telephone 0845 230 1700