Brachioplasty

Tighten your upper arms

As a person ages, often times the skin underneath the upper portion of the arm begins to droop or sag. This can also be caused by weight fluctuation or in some cases, heredity. Exercising regularly can strengthen and tone the muscle of the upper arm, but it cannot improve excess skin that has lost elasticity, or weakened tissues and localized fat deposits. A brachioplasty is often used to tighten the upper arm, giving a fuller, more youthful look.

What can a brachioplasty do for me?

A brachioplasty is a surgical procedure that improves the look of the under portion of the upper arm by removing excess skin and fat deposits that have started to sag or droop. The result is a smoother, more attractive upper arm that generally lasts the rest of your life. Patients often experience improved confidence and self-esteem, especially when wearing clothing such as tank tops and swimwear.

Am I a good candidate for brachioplasty?

Like most surgical procedures, the ideal candidate will be in good physical and psychological health, and will have realistic expectations about the results of the procedure. Generally, an arm lift is ideal for patients:

  • With loose or sagging upper arm skin resulting from aging or extreme weight loss
  • Who have upper arms that are full and/or shapeless
  • Who have been unable to tighten their excess arm skin and loose muscle through exercise

Consult with City Surgical Care to determine if a brachioplasty will achieve your goals.

How is the procedure performed?

The procedure is usually performed under anesthesia in an outpatient setting. Dr. will make an incision on the inside aspect of the upper arm to remove the excess skin. Liposuction is often used in conjunction with this procedure to minimize the overall thickness of the upper arm. In certain cases, only liposuction is necessary to adequately shape the arm.

 

 

Brachioplsty
 

 

What is the recovery from brachioplasty like?

Recovery from an upper arm lift is relatively speedy, and most patients can return to work in three to four days. Immediately after your surgery, dressing or bandages may be applied to the incisions, while arms are wrapped in elastic bandages or compression garments to reduce swelling. For the first one to two days, assistance may be needed around the home, though you will be encouraged to walk and move around regularly. Within two weeks, light activity will be comfortable and more strenuous activities like sports will be comfortable around the three week mark. You appearance will be natural and presentable within the first two weeks of surgery and will continue to improve over the next three to six months.

What are the possible risks of brachioplasty?

Though arm lifts are an outpatient procedure and are considered safe, every surgical procedure carries certain risks and potential complications. For a brachioplasty, these include:

  • Unfavorable scarring
  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Numbness or other changes in skin sensation
  • Fluid accumulation
  • Anesthesia risks

City Surgical Care will go over the various risks and complications of your brachioplasty during your consultation, to ensure you understand all possible outcomes.