Armlift Brachioplasty

Brachioplasty

A Brachioplasty is a procedure that is performed to contour the upper arms. Typically people who are interested in brachioplasty feel that their upper arms are too big and bulky compared to their body, or they have too much loose hanging skin which gives their arms an unflattering silhouette.

Options

There are many effective techniques to reduce the size of the upper arms and to get rid of excess skin. With proper patient evaluation and thoughtful surgical techniques, patient satisfaction with contouring of the arms has been very high.

The best candidates for brachioplasty surgery are men or women who have any of the following complaints about the appearance of the upper arms; Full, heavy or fatty upper arms, flabby upper arms, loose or hanging skin of the upper arms, arms which are large compared to the rest of the figure.

When and How Performed:

In your initial consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your health, assess the condition of your loose skin and fat deposits of the upper arms. Surgery on the arms can be performed at any age, provided the patient is in reasonably good health. Anyone who is planning on losing a significant amount of weight may want to postpone surgery until after they reach their weight goal, since weight loss can affect your result. Smoking must be discontinued at least 4 weeks prior to surgery. Your surgeon will explain the brachioplasty methods that may be most appropriate for you. In deciding which is the right treatment approach for you, your doctor will consider effectiveness, safety, cost and appropriateness for your needs. This is called surgical judgment, a skill that is developed through surgical training and experience. Your doctor also uses this judgement to prevent complications; to handle unexpected occurrences during surgery; and to treat complications if they occur. Brachioplasty is typically performed with a combination of liposuction and skin / fat excision. In some cases, where the skin has good elasticity, liposuction alone may be possible. When an armlift is performed, an incision will be made along the natural crease where the arm joins the body and the excess skin and fat are removed. Stitches will be placed in all incisions.

Where your surgery will be performed?
A brachioplasty may be performed in our office-based facility or in an outpatient surgery center.

Getting back to normal
Healing is a gradual process. Your surgeon will probably tell you to start walking around as soon s possible to help prevent blood clots from forming in your legs. You will begin to feel better after about a week or two and you should be back at work within 7 to 10 days following your surgery. The stitches are removed or dissolve on their own within the first week to 10 days. Activity that is more strenuous should be avoided for about 6 weeks as your body continues to heal. Although most of the bruising and swelling usually disappears within three weeks, some swelling may remain for six months or more.

Your new look
You will see a noticeable difference in the shape of your arms quite soon after surgery. However, improvement will become even more apparent after about four to six weeks, when most of the swelling has subsided. After about three months, any persistent mild swelling usually disappears and the final contour will be visible.

Positive Features

Improved symmetry between the arms and body

Scars are permanent and are the trade off for a newly contoured upper arm area

Improved shape and contour of the arms

Location: Office or Outpatient Surgical Procedure

Anesthesia: General anesthesia

Length of surgery: 2 to 3 hours

Location of incision: Inside area of upper arm

Recovery:  You should be able to return to work within a 7-10 days, depending on the level of activity required for your job.

Pain level Mild to Moderate, different for every person but in general most people will experience a discomfort that will be eased by the use of the prescribed medications.

Brachioplasty FAQ

What is Brachioplasty?

Brachioplasty, otherwise known as an Armlift, is a surgical procedure designed for those with loose skin on their upper arms due to weight loss or aging. Armlifts usually are performed under general anesthesia. Incisions are made on the inside of the arm to reduce scar visibility, and the excess skin and fat is removed. An Armlift may be paired with liposuction to refine the result.

How many treatments are required?

An Armlift is a single procedure, although you must return after a week to have stitches removed if they have not been absorbed.

Is Brachioplasty safe?

Brachioplasty is a safe procedure with minimal risk when performed properly. However, all surgery carries some risks. These include bleeding, blood clots, severe scarring, accumulation of fluids, nerve damage, infection and complications from anesthesia.

Are there any possible side effects?

Swelling, pain and bruising are common side effects and not cause for alarm. Medications are administered for pain, which usually subsides after two to five days. Swelling is at its worst several days after the procedure and fades over the following weeks. Each incision will leave a scar that is usually hidden by the body and will fade with time.

Will there be any downtime?

Patients can return home the same day but should stay home a minimum of three days and rest for a week. Vigorous activity should be avoided for two weeks.

What are the benefits of Brachioplasty?

The procedure provides long-term, dramatic results. Armlifts create a smooth, slim body and create a younger, more athletic appearance.

What can be expected post-surgery?

Your arms will be sore and swollen. Compressive dressings and drains are used for several days. Pain is mild to moderate during this time, and medication will be prescribed. After one week, stitches are removed, and any soreness should be diminished.

How long does the procedure last?

Typically, surgery lasts an hour per arm, and you can return home once you have recovered from the anesthesia. Expect a longer treatment time if you have combined Brachioplasty with other procedures.

Who are candidates for Brachioplasty?

Healthy patients with excess skin due to weight loss or aging may consider Brachioplasty.

Who should avoid Brachioplasty?

Patients who have had a mastectomy, have had their lymph nodes removed, have repeated underarm infections or sweat excessively should avoid Brachioplasty.

How does the treatment feel?

An anesthetic is administered during the treatment, and mild to moderate pain will follow.

How long do the results last?

Results are long-lasting when not diminished by post-procedural damage due to weight gain and loss.

What are the alternative treatments?

Those with heavy arms due to excess fat should consider liposuction or couple liposuction with Brachioplasty.

Is additional treatment necessary?

More than one surgery should not be necessary, but sometimes revisions are necessary to improve the shape or quality of the scar.

Instructions for before surgery:

The patient’s individual surgeon will provide specific instructions prior to surgery. There will be guidelines on eating, drinking, smoking and medications to take and avoid. Patients should make arrangements for someone to drive them home after the surgery.

Instructions for after surgery:

Take your prescribed pain medication and get plenty of rest. Avoid aspirin and other anti-coagulant medications, and avoid alcohol while taking pain medication. Stitches that have not been absorbed will need to be removed by your doctor after a week. Light exercise, such as walking, should be performed during the first week to prevent blood clots in the legs, but vigorous exercise should be avoided for at least two weeks after surgery.