Upper Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)

Technical name: Brachioplasty
Body Parts: Upper Arm
Recommended Age: After full development of the body
Anesthesia: Depends on the doctor and the case
Surgery time: On average 1 hour
Clinic stay: 24 hours
Scar: Discrete, partially hidden
Pre-operative: Lab exams and medical evaluation
Post-operative: Bandage protecting the scar
Recuperation period: 2 - 4 weeks.
Results Duration: Long lasting

What is Brachioplasty (Upper Arm Lift)?

Upper Arm Lift, also known as Brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure that reshapes the upper arm. He works from the armpit to the elbow, reducing the excess sagging skin, fat and also making the fabric arm firmer and smoother.

Who is the best candidate for Brachioplasty (Upper Arm Lift)?

Good candidates for the Upper Arm Lift or Brachioplasty are those who have unsightly sagging skin on the upper arms due to aging, genetics or weight loss. Hanging arm skin folds are not only unsightly, but also interfere with one’s ability to fit in sleeved tops, as well as causing underarm skin rash and irritation.

Anesthesia

For a Brachioplasty or Upper Arm Lift, you can choose between anesthesia with intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. In the case of local anesthesia, the patient will sleep through the entire operation. But if the option is the intravenous sedative will be injected to the patient can relax. The best method of anesthesia depends on each particular case and what each doctor recommends. You decide with him what is best for you.

Intended results

The intended results for the Upper Arm Lift or Brachioplasty are the reduction or elimination of excess skin from the upper arms.

Brachioplasty (Upper Arm Lift) Procedure description

The Upper Arm Lift or Brachioplasty procedure is usually done under general anesthesia. In order to remove the unwanted skin, an incision is required that runs from near the elbow into the armpit. The incision is placed in the most inconspicuous location (inner arm toward the back), but some scarring will always be visible after the Upper Arm Lift or Brachioplasty.

The type of Upper Arm Lift or Brachioplasty performed by your plastic surgeon depends upon the amount and location of your excess skin. If your excess hanging skin is located within two inches from the armpit, the surgeon can potentially pull up and tuck this excess skin into the armpit with an axillary brachioplasty or mini arm tuck. For those whose excess skin extends from the armpit to the elbow, the only option is the complete removal of the arm flab in a standard Upper Arm Lift or Brachioplasty.

An important consideration for Upper Arm Lift or Brachioplasty patients is the resulting scars. With a mini arm tuck, the scar is limited to a semi-circular line hidden in the armpit. A standard Upper Arm Lift or Brachioplasty however, results in a permanent scar extending the length of the upper arm, from the armpit to the elbow.

This scar is either placed on the inner side of the arm, which is hidden in a normal pose; or at the bottom of the arm just, like the seam of a shirt. The severity of the scar's appearance varies from patient to patient and cannot be predicted. Therefore, it is extremely important to decide whether having a permanent scar is a good "trade off" for having smaller and firmer upper arms.

Recuperation and healing:

After the Upper Arm Lift or Brachioplasty surgery, the upper arms are either wrapped or placed in an elastic sleeve to reduce swelling. Initial healing usually occurs in 10 to 14 days after the Upper Arm Lift or Brachioplasty. Sutures are usually removed within the first 2 to 3 weeks after the Upper Arm Lift or Brachioplasty. Swelling and bruising gradually disappear 3 to 4 weeks after the Upper Arm Lift or Brachioplasty. All swelling is gone 3 to 6 months after the Upper Arm Lift or Brachioplasty. The scars fade 6 to 24 months after the Upper Arm Lift or Brachioplasty, depending on your skin.

Complimentary Procedures

An additional procedure that may enhance the result is Liposuction of the upper arms or armpits.

Notes on Brachioplasty (Upper Arm Lift)

The specific risks and the suitability of this procedure for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally. Major complications are unusual.

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