What Are Tricep Implants And What Do They Do?
The tricep implant procedure originated as a transition from having bicep implant surgery, almost 15 years ago. In the beginning, bicep implant procedures were done mainly to aid those who had an injury from an accident, cancer, or congenital defect. But, due to body implant demand a new procedure emerged . . . tricep augmentation. It came primarily from those in the body building sector who sought to add more volume to the back of their arm, and tricep augmentation was a naturally-appearing method of achieving that goal. Initially, the procedure was performed using a bicep implant as the foundation prothesis and it was carved and adjusted before insertion through the armpit, in the back of the arm within the sub-fascial plane. It is not inserted under the existing muscle as is generally done with bicep implants. But now, with more surgeons offering tricep implants and bicep implants there are specific prostheses for each application.
Tricep implants will create muscular definition generally with greater detail because of the placement of the implant—being closer to the skin surface—and one can expect to gain as much as one-inch (1”) in circumference in increased mass/fullness in the upper arm area. Tricep augmentation is specifically useful for those who, even after extensive muscular conditioning or injury, can’t achieve the tricep toning they desire.
Who Would Be A Candidate For Tricep Implants?
Tricep implants can create muscular definition and increased mass/fullness in the upper arm area but it does have its limitations. In all cases, candidate selection includes, among other tests, a detailed review of the patient’s vascular sufficiency, nerve disorders or entrapments, skin and tissue evaluation, and lastly, candidate expectations.
This procedure is performed for functional and aesthetic purposes. Functional reasons can include asymmetry, congenital defects, and restorative issues from injuries. Aesthetically, it is specifically beneficial to those who want larger, more defined tricep muscles—even after extensive muscular conditioning some people can’t achieve the upper arm toning they desire.
About The Surgical Procedure and Recovery Time:
A 3-4 cm (approximately 1 ½ inch) incision is made in the axilla (the arm pit), and a small pocket is formed sub-fascially within the long head of the tricep muscle and this enables the tricep implant to be placed on the surface of the humerus (upper arm bone), thus preventing implant shift or rotation. A soft, solid silicone implant is molded by the surgeon to custom fit each patient; then it is inserted into the pocket. The fascial incision is repaired, and the skin incision closed. The patient can typically see the visual change to the area immediately after surgery.
Discharged from the surgeon’s office after surgery, the patient will have their arm(s) wrapped in elastic compression bandages. These will help reduce the amount of body fluids that may seep into the surgical area and prevent seroma formation (fluid pockets under the skin). The patient is instructed to limit usage of their arm(s) and avoid any form of heavy lifting the first few days.
Dressings are removed followed by a gentle exercise program and/or physical therapy within 1-2 weeks to enable a full and comfortable range of motion of the arm(s). Generally within a week or two, physical use of the arm muscle may be resumed and in 4-6 weeks full muscular activity may be recommenced.
What Are Potential Risks & Complications?
As with any surgery, there are some risks, albeit minimum. Some include infection, Seroma development, bleeding, implant extrusion, asymmetry, scarring, muscle damage, nerve damage (lateral femoral cutaneous nerve) and compartment syndrome.
Important Questions to Ask Before Choosing Your Surgeon:
There are few surgeons who perform tricep implant surgery of this kind. It’s a unique procedure and few surgeons perform it on a regular basis. The key is to find someone fully qualified, that performs the procedure at least one time per month.
Tricep augmentation is a unique operation that requires aesthetic skill… more so, than most people realize. Here’s why—
1) Due to the stress placed on the muscles in the upper arm during common, everyday activities such as lifting, grabbing objects, forward arm contraction, implants placed in this area will be subjected to intensive movement. Thus, the likelihood of an implant shifting or migrating after surgery is a concern.
Hence, it’s critical to have the expertise gained from performing dozens of tricep implant procedures to successfully pick the proper area of the muscle within the fascia . . . then form the implant pocket to accommodate the implant, avoiding nerve damage . . . so the implant is assured of not shifting out of place. When sculpted and placed correctly, over time the implant eventually becomes an integral part of the muscle and becomes indiscernible from surrounding tissue. This knowledge is only gained by performing this procedure regularly.
2) Another extremely important consideration—one that every patient needs to be aware of is how they’ll look after the operation is completed.
Again, you should realize that tricep implants can be semi-solid, silicone and/or gel prosthetic devices. So, they must usually be modified, and shaped before insertion, to some degree. So, having the right visual eye, or expertise to properly shape the implant with a scalpel before insertion for each individual body type is also critical.
Questions to Ask Your Prospective Surgeon Before You Decide to Have Tricep Implants:
How many tricep implants did the surgeon you’re considering do last month? How many in the last three months? Tricep implant procedures require that the surgeon isn’t merely a ‘visitor’ to this type of surgery…but, someone who is a ‘regular’.
Ask the surgeon if you can speak with his most recent few tricep implant patients. Surgeons who perform this procedure regularly won’t have a problem letting you speak with their former patients.
Ask him if he’s ever had any complications from implant shifting, or infection. A poor decision, based on cost, or lack of experience can come back to haunt you.
Before & After Photo Gallery