Arm Lift

Photo Gallery -- Arm Lift

As a person ages, upper arm skin can become loose and flabby.  Menopausal women often complain that their arms have gotten too big. An arm lift, also known as brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure to remove loose skin and excess fat deposits in the upper arm, leaving the upper arms with a more pleasing and youthful contour.  At times, excess fat without loose skin, can be contoured with liposuction only. Liposuction can also be used in conjunction with an arm lift to remove excess fat in the upper arms. Brachioplasty is for patients who desire a more youthful appearance and thinner contour to their arms.

During the initial evaluation, we will take a thorough medical history and perform a physical examination. During evaluation, we will assess the skin tone of the arms and the amount of localized fat present. If it is felt that your skin tone is good and that excessive fat is contributing to the undesirable appearance of the arms, liposuction alone may be recommended. In the event that the skin tone is poor and there is excess skin, then incisions are needed to lift the skin, tighten the arms and remove excess fat.

Brachioplasty Surgery Incisions

Small incisions are made if liposuction alone is all that is needed. Otherwise the incision usually continues down the inside of the arm from the armpit to the elbow for a variable length depending on how much skin is removed and where the excess skin is located. The scar is reasonably inconspicuous because most of the time our arms are at our sides. (See illustration to the left)

A limited brachioplasty can be performed for patients who have a smaller amount of loose skin (often noted when the arms are dangling in a forward position).  When appropriate, this avoids the long incision from the elbow to the armpit. (See illustration to the right . Source: Aesthetic Surg J 2007; 24-:433-441)

Recovery

You will spend a few hours in our surgi-center and then you can go home. Drains that are soft and comfortable are used for 1 to 2 days and then removed without pain. Dressings and a light compression garment are used for several days. Pain is minimal and is mostly gone within 2 or 3 days and is easily controlled by medications. Showering is permitted after the drains are removed. You may experience mild to moderate swelling the first 2 or 3 days which disappears over the next few weeks. There is minimal to no bruising for this procedure. Sutures are removed at about 7 days. Recovery involves about 1 to 2 weeks out of work for light jobs and 4 weeks for jobs that require lifting. Many activities can be resumed within the first week and most activities by 3 weeks.

Results

During the first week, you can expect irregularity of the arms with potential asymmetry that will improve over the next 3 to 6 months. You can expect to feel more confident and comfortable in clothing, especially sleeveless clothing. This procedure helps to give you a balanced and proportionate contour to your arms.

• Before & After Photo Gallery

Source of the following before & after photographs: Aesthetic Surg J 2007; 24-:433-441)

A. Pre-operative view of a 54-year-old woman. B. Post-operative view 16 months following minimal incision brachioplasty

A. Pre-operative view of a 56-year-old woman. B. Post-operative view 15 months following minimal incision brachioplasty

The Best Candidate for Brachioplasty

Many patients who would never show their arms before the brachioplasty are quite comfortable wearing sleeveless clothes after this operation.

Contact Us for More Information

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