Arm Lift Brachioplasty

Brachioplasty, also known as arm lift surgery, is a procedure used to tighten loose skin under the upper arm between the shoulder and elbow. Development of excessive skin under that area can occur for a number of reasons, including heredity, weight fluctuations, and age. In addition, this part is more likely to display fat accumulation and droop as a result. Over time, the loose skin underneath may move easily and give the appearance of low muscle tone.

In the case of excess fat without excess skin, liposuction may be sufficient. However, due to the propensity for thin loose skin in this area, more than often, brachioplasty is necessary and may be used in combination with liposuction. If minimal deformity isolated to the upper arm is present a “short scar” of “minimal-incision” brachioplasty may be used with the incision hidden in the axilla (armpit). For deformity with sagging skin that spans the length of the upper arm from shoulder to elbow, a full Brachioplasty is more appropriate.

How is Brachioplasty Performed?

Before the procedure begins, Dr. Cara Downey will mark the targeted areas. The next step is to remove excess skin in the region, which is normally in the form of a triangle or ellipse. Liposuction is occasionally used to improve results from brachioplasty, but some fat is left in place to offer protection to arteries and nerves in the area. With traditional arm lift surgery, the scar is placed on the inside aspect along the length of the upper arm from axilla to elbow and may continue onto the side of the chest wall. For a “short scar” brachioplasty, in appropriate candidates, the scar from the lift can be hidden within the armpit.

Arm lift surgery may be performed as outpatient or inpatient surgery and may involve either general or local anesthesia. In most cases, patients are not required to stay overnight at the hospital after surgery. However, hospitalization may be necessary when patients have other body contouring procedures performed concurrently with the lift.

Candidates for Brachioplasty

Patients may wish to consider arm lift surgery to improve their appearance and functionality related to excess skin on the upper arms. In most cases, exercise is unable to eliminate this problem because while it can improve muscle tone, it cannot reduce skin sagging or fat deposits.

To qualify for the procedure, patients must be in good health with no diseases or medical conditions currently active. In some cases, patients who smoke or have quit smoking recently may not be eligible to receive the lift. This is because the reduced blood flow associated with smoking can prolong healing time and increase the risk of scarring as a result. Learn more about the risks of smoking while undergoing cosmetic surgery.

Goals of Brachioplasty

Brachioplasty is intended to reshape the upper arm to create more pleasing contours and smoother skin. Better tone and proportions result along with a reduced amount of excess skin in the area. Although liposuction may be performed along with an arm lift, patients should speak with Dr. Downey about the need to combine these procedures to meet their goals.

Aftercare and Side Effects

Arm lift recovery usually requires two or more weeks before the patient can return to work. Sutures and drain tubes are used during initial recovery. To encourage proper healing, patients should carefully follow all directions received from Dr. Downey.

Initial side effects of surgery may include swelling, bruising and numbing. Although scarring varies between patients, the most common complaint after brachioplasty is widened scar. This is due to the thin nature of the skin in the area. Additional post operative scar care can be initiated to promote improved scar quality.