Brachioplasty is a cosmetic surgical procedure classified under body contouring. The procedure is performed on the arms and is also colloquially known as an arm lift. Brachioplasty aims to remove excess tissue from the underside of the upper arm to produce a more toned appearance. Often, this appearance is impossible even with a consistent diet and exercise because of skin laxity.
Ideal Candidates for Brachioplasty
Some people are predisposed to loose skin or extra tissue in the upper arm area. The condition can also result from the aging process. As people age, their skin becomes less elastic. As gravity takes over, the upper arm skin starts to sag. Brachioplasty can help.
Prime candidates for brachioplasty are people who have lost a lot of weight. Indeed, the procedure is common after weight loss surgery. The excess fat has left the skin with decreased elasticity, so it can't bounce back after the weight loss.
Ideal candidates are at their ideal weight. They have the upper arm skin laxity with minimal fat deposits. Nonsmokers are preferred as smoking decreases blood flow to the skin, which inhibits the healing process.
Arm Lift Procedure
Generally speaking, brachioplasty is an outpatient procedure. At the clinic, patients are given a sedative and local anesthesia. When the patient is ready, the doctor performs the procedure.
The exact steps of the procedure depends on the patient's arms. In some cases, the doctor may only have to make a small incision near the armpit. If the arms feature an excess of skin and fatty tissue, the doctor may have to make a longer incision from the underarm to the elbow. Placement may be in the inner arm or back of the arm.
During the procedure, the doctor removes excess skin and even fat. If needed, the doctor will also use internal sutures to reshape the underlying supporting tissue. Once the skin has been smoothed over the arm, the doctor closes the incision.
Post-Procedure Care
Immediately after the surgery, your arms will be draped loosely in bandages. You may even have a tube for drainage. You can typically go home quickly after the procedure.
In the next few days after the procedure, your doctor will likely recommend you wear compressive garments to minimize swelling and to support the healing process. You may have to return to the clinic for a follow-up examination and to have the tube or sutures removed. Your doctor will inform you of any special post-care procedures to observe.
For at least a few days, you may need to take over-the-counter pain medication, though your doctor may prescribe prescription-strength pain relievers. You shouldn't lift your arms above your shoulders for at least three weeks. You should also limit any physical activities that might stretch the incisions for several weeks after the procedure.
Brachioplasty Risks
Any procedure carries risks. The risks associated with brachioplasty are rare. They include the following:
- Raised, red scarring
- Asymmetrical arm shapes
- Changed skin sensation
Your doctor will go over all the risks with you at the time of consultation.
Expectations for the Arm Lift
Brachioplasty does leave a scar at the incision site. However, as the skin heals, the scar becomes flatter and much lighter. At the end, most patients are left with a small line.
Patients don't usually mind the tradeoff. Most patients arrive to the clinic with wings of skin hanging from their upper arms. The arm lift procedure tightens the underlying structure and removes excess tissue. As a result, the arms look much more toned.
Results from the arm lift procedure are usually immediately visible, even with post-surgery swelling. What's more, the results should last for years as long as you maintain a consistent weight. The caveat is that extremes in weight gain and loss can lead to the original skin laxity again.
If you have hanging folds of skin under your arms, consider undergoing the brachioplasty procedure. Talk about your options and candidacy with Ronald C. Barry, MD.
