(General Information)
Technical name: Brachioplasty
Body Parts: Arms
Anesthesia: Depends on your case and doctor
Surgery time: Between 2 and 3 hours
Clinic stay: 24h
Scar: Inside of upper arm
Pre-operative: Lab exams and medical evaluation
Post-operative: an elastic bandage or a compression garment will be applied
Recuperation period: Usually between 2 and 4 weeks
Results duration: Long-lasting
Upper Arm Lift, also known as Brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure that reshapes the upper arm. It works from the armpit to the elbow, reducing the excess of sagging skin, the localized pockets of fat and also tightening and smoothing of upper arm tissue.
People whose upper arms have a sagging appearance. It might be due to weight fluctuations, age effects or even heredity. Exercising usually improves the muscle, however, doesn’t remove the sagging skin.
An Upper Arm Lift is usually recommended when upper arm skin laxity is easily noticeable. Also, you should have a stable and not excessive weight, do not have medical conditions that could interfere in the surgery or healing process, preferably be a non-smoker and have realistic expectations about the procedure. [ Top ]
For an Upper Arm Lift, it can be chosen between intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. In case of general Anesthesia, you will sleep through the entire operation. If the option is intravenous sedation, sedatives will be injected to help you relax. The best anesthesia method depends on your individual case and what your doctor is recommending. You will decide with him what is better for you. [ Top ]
Incision type and size depend on the amount and location of the excessive skin and also on the surgeon’s decision.
The most common incisions are Inner Arm Incision, made on the inside of the arm, and Back of Arm Incision, made on the back of the arm. Both of them extend from the armpit to the elbow. In some situations, there might be only a Minimal Incision of the armpit necessary.
In some cases, it is also necessary to remove fat during the Upper Arm Lift. It can be done with liposuction or removed through excision.
After incisions are made, the underlying supportive tissue is tightened and reshaped. Internal sutures are used and, after all, skin is smoothed over the arm. [ Top ]
Brachioplasty results are usually apparent almost immediately. Sometimes it is necessary to wait until swelling and bruising improve.
After the Arm Lift procedure, improvement in appearance and self-confidence is noticeable. Your lifted upper arms will look shaped and toned.[ Top ]
To close the incisions, the surgeon will use absorbable sutures or stitches. External stitches will be removed between 1 to 2 weeks after the Upper Arm Lift procedure.
Dressings or bandages may also be applied and, in order to reduce swelling, an elastic bandage or a compression garment may be used.
In some cases, it is also necessary to place a small tube under the skin in order to drain the excess of blood or fluid. [ Top ]
Just like any surgery procedure, there are some risks. It is important to ask your plastic surgeon everything you would like to know and share with him all your feelings and fears.
Remember that, for long lasting results, it is important to maintain your weight and keep a healthy lifestyle.
It is also extremely important to follow your physician’s instructions, ensuring best results. The incisions should not be subjected to excessive force, abrasion or motion during the healing process.
In some cases, another surgery might be necessary, in order to achieve better results. [ Top ]
