In January, Gill Bates self-paid for private arm lift surgery (brachioplasty) under the care of our Consultant Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon, Mr Simon P Mackey, after struggling with loose skin on her arms for years.
How was the loose skin on your arms impacting your everyday life?
“I’ve had loose skin on my arms since my late teens. It impacted me in many ways, even down to the way I dressed. I had to wear bigger, baggier clothes because my arms wouldn’t fit into smaller clothes. I had no confidence in showing my arms, so I never wore short sleeves or vest tops.”
How and why did you choose Benenden Hospital for your treatment?
Research
“I’d had two consultations at another hospital, with different Consultants. However, I decided not to choose either of the Consultants, as it’s such a personal choice, so chose to delay my treatment and look elsewhere.
“I’d previously had surgery at Benenden Hospital through my Benenden Health membership and I was happy with the care I received. I researched private cosmetic surgery further and discovered that Benenden Hospital offered arm lift surgery.”
Consultant
“I wanted to make sure that the place I chose for my surgery was a safe, clean environment and that I was happy with my Consultant. I chose Mr Simon Mackey to be my Consultant Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon at Benenden Hospital. He has over 15 years of experience, and supported me throughout my patient journey with both my physical and mental wellbeing.
“As well as the Consultant, I was also supported by Clinical Nurse Specialist in Plastics and Cosmetic Surgery, Kate Comrie. She was very kind and super easy to talk to about any concerns I had.”
Initial consultation
“I had two initial consultations prior to my arm lift surgery to verify what I was having done, going through the risks and the outcomes - they prepare you. They really go in-depth about the recovery process, so I knew how much time to take off work – an essential part for me to understand.”
Gill's arm lift surgery success
My name is Gillian Bates and I live in Sidcup. Six months ago, I had an arm lift, which I paid for privately.
How was the loose skin on your arms impacting your everyday life?
Well, I've had loose skin on my arms since I was a late teenager. So, it impacted in ways where I had to wear bigger clothes because my arms wouldn't fit in the smaller ones. And so, the rest of my clothes are baggy. I had no confidence so I couldn't wear short sleeve tops. I’ve never been able to do that. So, it's made a huge difference to me having it done.
At what point did you choose to book your initial consultation?
I've had two consultations previously, with different Consultants in different establishments, and I wasn't happy with the surgeon. So, I didn't go ahead then. But I’ve had surgery with Benenden Healthcare before, at the hospital, and I was really happy with the care that I got at the hospital itself. And so, I just decided to look up to see if they did cosmetic surgery, and they did. And so, I looked up some of the surgeons and I met with Simon Mackey, and I was really happy with him and that's why I went ahead with the surgery.
Why did you choose Benenden Hospital over a cosmetic clinic?
I wanted to make sure that it was going to be safe, and that the environment was clean, and I was happy with the consultant, really, mainly.
Who supported you through your arm lift surgery?
My surgeon was Simon Mackey, and my care nurse was Kate Comrie. And then I had other nurses after the surgery, and they were all excellent. They answered all the questions that I wanted to know the answers to, really friendly and made me feel very comfortable throughout the whole process.
What preparation and guidance did you receive?
I had two consultations prior to having the surgery, just to make sure that I understood what I was going to be doing and what could happen if anything went wrong.
So, they prepare you very well to make sure you totally understand what you're letting yourself in for, if you want to put it that way! But I was very happy with how they explained things and the process of the healing as well. That's very important for me, taking time off work, so, I wanted to know what the process was for that.
How did you find the environment at Benenden Hospital?
Well, I've had previous surgery in Benenden Hospital, and it is a stunning area. The hospital itself is clean, it's just a lovely hospital and very makes you feel very comfortable and very welcoming staff.
What was your experience like on the day of your arm lift surgery?
So, I was taken into a private room and then I met with the Anaesthetist. That was probably the only worry that I had, because I really don't like cannulas. They go in your hand, and I find that excruciatingly painful. So, he listened to what I had to say and then he gave me a little bit of gas and, actually because of the surgery, they needed to put it in my foot rather than my hand anyway.
So, I was really happy with that, and it made a significant difference for me that I was comfortable to go into the actual theatre, ready. And I had no other worries because all of the other questions had been answered. So, I was prepared for it.
How was the aftercare?
I was given medication and bandages and recommended things to buy that would help, like compression garments. And then I had several appointments with Mr Mackey and Kate, the nurse, afterwards to make sure everything was going really well.
So, yeah, very happy with the care and the aftercare as well as before the operation.
How is your life after arm lift surgery?
Significant. I wouldn't be sitting here now with my arms out if I hadn't had it done. And then hopefully people will see the before and after photographs as well. So, you can just see what a huge difference it’s made.
What would be your advice to anyone considering arm lift surgery?
Well, what I would say is that if you're considering having an arm lift, I would do it sooner rather than later. I'm 62 now and I wish I'd done it years ago. So, if you're worried about the recovery, the recovery really wasn't too bad. It's a couple of weeks of really not being able to do very much at all and then you might have painkillers to start off with, but you don't need them a couple of weeks after that. And so, you just have to be really careful about what you do.
So, mine's now six months in and I've got complete movement in my arms. I've never ever worn a short sleeve top before. So, it's just huge for me that I can sit here in front of a camera and be interviewed looking like this. So, yeah, it's quite a significant difference for me.
What was your experience of the environment?
“Benenden Hospital is situated in stunning, beautiful countryside. The hospital itself is clean, spacious and it makes you feel very comfortable and welcomed. We love the area surrounding the hospital so much that we’re thinking of moving down there from our home in Sidcup!”
What were your worries prior to surgery and how were they eased?
“My main worry was having a cannula put into my hand. Before my surgery, I was taken into a private room where I met with the anaesthetist – he was such a wonderful reassurance for me. He listened to my worries, gave me a little bit of gas, and then put the cannula into my foot instead as this is what is required for an arm lift procedure. He helped me immensely! I felt prepared for the surgery.
“I was also concerned how independent I’d be post-surgery. I wanted to know if I could go to the toilet on my own or make a cup of tea. Although my husband was at home with me the day after my procedure, he had to return to work after this. I did manage to go to the toilet on my own in the evening of the day of my surgery and the next day I made a drink, but you just have to be careful of lifting kettles! The independence I had after surgery was a lot better than I thought it would be.”
What happened post-surgery?
“I had excellent nurses who looked after me while I was recovering in my ensuite ward room. They were friendly and made me feel very comfortable during my stay, ensuring that my blood pressure was stable, that I wasn’t in pain and answering any questions I had. They were so friendly and made me feel very comfortable throughout the whole process.
“I only needed to stay one night and was discharged the following morning. I believe if you have the surgery in the morning, you can be discharged the same day, but this depends on how comfortable you’ll be.
“I was given medication and bandages post-surgery. I ordered compression garments, recommended by Kate and Simon online prior to my surgery. I started wearing these straight away. They keep the shape of your arm nice and tight to reduce the risk of knocks and jolts as you go about your day while recovering. I had several follow-up appointments to check-in with the healing process.”
What improvements has your arm lift made to your life?
“If you’re considering having arm lift surgery, I would say do it sooner rather than later. I’m 62 now and I wish I’d done it years ago. The recovery was not as bad as I thought it would be. I had a couple of weeks of minimal activity with painkillers, but after that, the pain was reduced. Over six months post-surgery, I’ve regained complete movement in my arms and now wear short-sleeved tops! It has made a significant difference to my life, as I’d never had the level of confidence that this arm lift has given me.
“I would highly recommend Benenden Hospital for your cosmetic surgery. I felt really safe, the aftercare was excellent, and my results are exceptional.”
Arm lift surgery at Benenden Hospital
To find out more about private arm lift surgery and our other cosmetics procedures, please complete our online enquiry form, contact us via Livechat or call our Private Patient team on 01580 363158.
Published on 19 July 2024