Procedures

Brachioplasty

Arm lift, Medical Term: Brachioplasty

Who is a Candidate?

• Individuals with loose or wrinkled skin of the upper arms, usually seen after massive weight loss
• People with hanging upper arm skin or visible stretch marks, or fatty deposits of upper arm interfering with ability to wear certain clothing styles
• Patients should be healthy, close to normal weight, and be willing to accept a permanent scar as a result of the procedure on the upper inner arm

Goal of Surgery:

• To tighten the loose skin of the upper arm and improve the contour and narrow the width of the upper arm
• To remove any stretch marks along the inner aspect of the arm
• To achieve a more youthful look to the arm
• To remove fatty deposits and disproportionate fullness on the outer aspect of the arm

Procedure Description:

• The procedure is done under general anesthesia as an outpatient
• Skin is removed along the inner aspect of the arm, with a tuck in the axilla or armpit
• Sutures are used to tighten the skin
• Some liposuction may be performed along upper outer aspect of the arm

Postoperative Course:

• The arms are lightly bandaged in ace wraps for about 1 week
• Mild to moderate pain is well controlled with oral pain medication
• Drainage tubes are generally not used
• Most patients take 1-2 weeks off work. No heavy lifting or excessive arm activity for 3-4 weeks
• It takes up to 1 year for the scar to mature and fade

Link to The American Society of Plastic Surgeons
For more information, please contact me.