Arm lift (Brachioplasty)

Arm lift or Brachioplasty is a type of cosmetic surgery that can improve the appearance of the upper arms. It involves tightening sagging skin and supportive tissue. It is done most of time along with liposuction. Arm lift is a procedure that helps improve tone and definition in the upper arms by:

• Reducing pockets of fat.
• Removing excess skin.
• Tightening supportive tissue.
• Smoothing over remaining skin.

How should the patient prepare for arm lift surgery?

The patient should:

• Get lab testing or medical evaluation
• Take certain medications or adjust his/her current medications.
• Stop smoking
• Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding.

During the procedure, what should the patient expect?

• The patient receive medication to stay comfortable. This include general anesthesia, which puts him/her to sleep and blocks sensation.
•  The surgeon makes an incision on the inside or back of the arm. The size of the incision depends on how extensive the procedure is.
• The surgeon removes excess skin by cutting it away and sometimes excess fat by using liposuction.
• The surgeon uses stitches to tighten supportive tissue.
• Before completing the procedure, surgeon close the incision with sutures. He also bandages the patient’s arm with sterile gauze to reduce the risk of infection.

What is Brachioplasty recovery like?

After the procedure, bandages protect the incision while it heals. The patient should wear compression garment for several weeks to minimize swelling. The surgeon may place small tubes under the skin to drain excess fluid.

Arm lift recovery also includes:

• Changing bandages and elevation on pillows as necessary.
• Getting plenty of rest and eating a healthy diet, which promotes healing.
• Avoiding strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for a period of recovery.
• Wearing a compression garment for several weeks.

How soon the patient will notice results?

The patient will notice changes in the shape and tone of the upper arms immediately after surgery. Longer- term changes include:

• Swelling and bruising, which may subside in a few weeks.
• Scars may fade somewhat but never fully disappear.
• Some recurrent looseness.
• Sagging can occur naturally with further aging or with weight fluctuations.

The risks and Benefits of the arm lift

Benefits

Patient can expect a trimmer appearance in his/her upper arm. Patient feel more comfortable in sleeveless shirts, form-fitting tops and swimsuits. Consequently patient experience a boost in confidence.

Risks

Arm lift risks including:

• Abnormal or excessive scarring.
• Excessive bleeding.
• Fluid accumulation.
• Nerve, blood vessel or muscle damage.
• Surgical site infection.
• Wound separation.