Cindy Jackson, a well-known figure in the cosmetic surgery world, has detailed her experience undergoing an extended arm lift and hand rejuvenation procedure at the age of 70. The surgery, performed in London, aimed to address sagging skin on her upper arms, a concern she had held since her mid-40s. Jackson stated that the procedure has given her a level of confidence she hasn't experienced in over two decades.
Jackson's journey with cosmetic surgery began in the mid-1980s when she was 32. She underwent a blepharoplasty to correct hereditary hooded eyes, followed by numerous other procedures including a nose job, facelifts, laser resurfacing, liposuction, and jawbone reshaping. She recounted how having multiple procedures was considered highly unusual at the time.
Her extensive work on her appearance gained public attention in the early 1990s when a journalist friend recognized her transformation. This led to significant media coverage, which in turn sparked the development of her cosmetic surgery and anti-aging consultancy. Over the past 40 years, Jackson has assisted numerous clients, including public figures, in achieving their aesthetic goals.
Jackson noted that as people live longer and maintain more active lifestyles, there is an increasing desire for their physical appearance to align with their youthful outlook. She observed that while face lifts have become common, clients are increasingly seeking procedures to address other areas of the body. She identified arm lifts as a growing trend among her older clients, often to create a balance with a more youthful-looking face.
The Arm Lift Procedure
Jackson described her motivation for the arm lift, noting that exercise, including weight training, had not been sufficient to address the excess skin. She opted for an extended brachioplasty, which involved an incision from her inner elbow to halfway down her ribcage. This approach allowed for the removal of underarm fat, which she described as resembling an "extra boob trying to escape sideways."
The procedure also included a fat transfer to the backs of her hands to rejuvenate them by plumping the skin and reducing the prominence of tendons and veins. The combined surgery, including the fat transfer to her hands, cost £15,000. Jackson described the process as painless, though her hands were swollen for approximately two weeks post-surgery.
Recovery and Results
Following the surgery in late April, Jackson underwent a recovery period that required significant assistance, particularly in the first ten to 14 days when normal arm movement was not possible. She wore a compression garment for several weeks to manage swelling and support the incisions. Her partner, Hugo Vickers, provided care during this period.
Within six weeks, Jackson was able to resume weight training and confidently wear sleeveless clothing for the first time in over 25 years. She noted that the scarring, initially 12cm wide at its widest point, is now discreet, positioned on the underside of the arm and expected to fade to near invisibility within six months. Jackson expressed satisfaction with the results, stating, "Now I too, finally have the right to bare arms!"