Brachioplasty
Brachioplasty, or "arm lift", is a surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat on the upper arms while contouring surrounding tissue. Brachioplasty is commonly completed with other body procedures such as abdominoplasty or thighplasty.
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Treatment Time
2-3 hours; brachioplasty is completed under general anesthetic and timing depends on whether liposuction or other body procedures are completed concurrently.
Incisions
Incisions follow the crease in your upper arm between your biceps and triceps muscle. Occasionally the incisions may extend into your armpit or down your upper chest depending on how much skin needs to be removed.
Benefits
Aging and weight loss can cause the upper arms to accumulate excess skin and fat that does not match the rest of your appearance. Brachioplasty defines the upper arms while boosting self confidence.
Technique
Liposuction is completed first if needed then incisions are made as described above. The skin and fat are elevated off the underlying tissue and discarded after ensuring the scars will not be tight. A compression garment and possibly drains may be used.
Recovery
Incisions are well healed after two weeks. Swelling and bruising may persist for up to a month. Final results are generally expected after 4-6 weeks. Only light activity is permitted for the first 4 weeks.
Risks
The main risks are blood collections under the skin (hematoma), seroma, numbness around the scar, over or under resection of skin, and wound healing issues.
Who are the best candidates?
Patients who are otherwise healthy, non-smokers, have excess skin and fat in the arms, stable weight, and who can follow post-operative instructions. Weight stability is key prior to undertaking major body operations.
Adjunct Procedures
Liposuction is helpful for contouring the arms during brachioplasty. Brachioplasty is versatile as it can easily be combined with other breast, body, or face procedures.