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UPPER ARM LIFT (BRACHIOPLASTY)

Brachioplasty, also known as an arm lift or arm tuck is a procedure designed to remove flabby and sagging skin folds on the upper arm.

If you have unsightly sagging skin on the upper arms due to ageing, genetics, or weight loss, you may be a candidate for upper arm lift. The procedure is intended to reduce or eliminate excess skin from the upper arms.

Exercise may strengthen and improve the underlying muscle tone of the upper arm, but it cannot address excess skin that has lost elasticity or underlying weakened tissues and localized fat deposits.

An arm lift:

 

  • Reduces excess skin and fat between the underarm and the elbow
  • Reshapes your arm to result in smoother skin and contours
  • Results in a more toned and proportionate appearance

What is brachioplasty and why have it?

An arm lift, also known as brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure to remove loose skin and excess fat deposits in the upper arm. An arm lift results in a more toned and proportionate appearance and often enhances self-esteem.

If the underside of your upper arms are sagging or appear loose and full due to excess skin and fat, an arm lift may be right for you.

  • Reduce excess sagging skin that droops downward
  • Tighten and smooth the underlying supportive tissue that defines the shape of the upper arm
  • reduce localized pockets of fat in the upper arm region

It’s important to note that there will be a scar on the inside of your arm following this procedure.

Who are the best candidates for the procedure?

In general the best candidates for an arm lift are adults with significant upper arm skin laxity. It’s also important that weight is relatively stable and the candidate is not significantly overweight.

How is it done?

The type of brachioplasty and the length of the arm scars depend on the quantity of excess skin, amount of arm fat, as well as where most of the skin redundancy is located. For example, if most of the excess hanging skin is located very close to the armpit (axilla) and does not extend more than two inches away from the armpit, it is possible to remove this excess skin with resulting semi-circular scar only in the armpit.
For those who have much greater excess skin, which extends like a “bat wing” to the elbow, the only viable option is complete removal of the entire length of the arm flab from the axilla to the level of the elbow. This procedure would be considered a more traditional or standard brachioplasty or arm lift.

There are those who after having undergone massive weight loss have redundant skin folds extending on the either sides of the chest, in addition to having hanging arm folds. These patients are candidates for an extended brachioplasty. An extended brachioplasty or arm tuck extends the scar from the elbow to the armpit and along the outer sides of the chest to the level of the horizontal bra strap. This enables the reduction of most of the upper torso in a way that patients can fit better into tops or shirts.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What should I expect after the procedure?

Following brachioplasty, your arms will be placed in a special compression garment to help the newly sculpted skin adhere to the underlying tissue. Also, you will probably have thin drains inserted under each arm to collect fluid, which will be removed in two to three days. During this time, you will be advised to avoid lifting and strenuous movements. Dr. Bezic will also tell you to keep your arms elevated with pillows to minimize discomfort while you heal. Sutures are usually removed within two to three weeks, and swelling and bruising generally take three to six months to disappear. Scars will remain visible, but fade for up to two years. Most patients can return to work after one week, unless it involves strenuous physical activity

When will I notice the results?

You will notice dramatic results with respect to loss of excess skin as soon as your dressings are changed after cosmetic surgery. At this time the scars are rather fresh and prominent. It usually takes about 6 to12 months for these scars to settle and gradually fade.

How prominent are the scars?

A long scar will extend the length from your armpit to your elbow. In some patients these scars heal very well and become faint with time.
However, only the location of the scars is predictable. The intensity, color, and thickness of the scars from brachioplasty are not predictable, despite skin tone or ethnicity. 

Will brachioplasty improve my muscle tone?

Whilst brachioplasty reduces flabbiness and improves contour, you will need to exercise regularly to firm the muscle beneath the skin. It will be helpful to do so before the procedure, as well.