Arm Lift
Brachioplasty
Unwanted fullness in the upper arms can be caused by excess subcutaneous fat, sagging and redundant skin, or the combined effects of both. These excesses can be due to either genetic influences, the aging process, or be created as the undesirable ‘side effects’ of dramatic weight losses. Brachioplasty surgery is designed to remove these excess tissues, either directly or indirectly. The ultimate goal is to achieve a smoother, tighter contour to the upper arm that will better match the proportions of the lower arm and the rest of the body.
Procedure
Ideally, excessive fullness in the upper arm can be reduced via the use of Liposuction alone. A modest number of very small (¼ inch) incisions are used to liposuction the entire circumference of the arm. Excess subcutaneous fat is removed and the upper arm is adjusted proportionally to the size of each patient.
If too much excess skin is present, it will be necessary to directly excise both skin and fat from the inner surface of the upper arm. In some instances, this will leave a short scar that can be well hidden inside the upper arm. In cases where the skin excess is significant, however, it may be necessary to extend the scar down to the level of the elbow.
Surgery & Recovery
All arm lift surgeries are performed under general anesthesia in the privacy of our own Surgery Center. The surgery itself is generally two hours long. No drains are used, and all sutures are absorbable for this procedure.
Patients can expect to return to light activity within several days, including driving. Those with “desk” jobs can return to work within 5 to 7 days. Those with physically demanding jobs (manufacturing, retail, nursing, etc.) should be able to return to work within 10 to 14 days.