ARM LIFT (BRACHIOPLASTY)

An arm lift, also known as brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure performed to remove excess fat and skin from the upper arms to give them a more toned, slimmer appearance. Over time, the soft tissue in the upper arm becomes lax and may begin to droop and sag, resulting in upper-arm skin that appears to hang. Many people are embarrassed by the appearance of sagging upper arms, and seek treatment to restore a slimmer, more youthful appearance.

The arm lift procedure is ideal for a patient who has a significant amount of hanging skin or fat in the upper-arm area, maintains a stable weight and has realistic expectations for surgery. It is also important that the patient be healthy overall, with no major medical conditions that may be affected by surgery.

The goal of an arm lift is to result in a toned upper arm appearance. The length of the incision varies depending on how much skin and fat are to be removed. Patients who have a fairly good skin tone may only require a minor incision. However, patients who have excessively loose, hanging skin will require an incision that may run from the armpit to the elbow. At this time, the excess skin is trimmed and the underlying muscles are tightened. In some patients, the armpit will also need to be addressed and surgically tightened.

Surgical Technique

In general, the incision stretches from the axilla (underarm) to the elbow. In cases where less skin removal is required, a semi-circular incision may be made in the underarms. If there is excess fat, this will be removed using liposuction. Excess skin is trimmed away, and the underlying tissues are tightened and reshaped with internal sutures. The options will be dictated by the quality of your skin and the amount of excess skin and fat. The incisions are closed with absorbable stitches or stitches that will be removed in 1-2 weeks.

WHAT SHOULD I AVOID BEFORE MY ARM LIFT PROCEDURE?

Before an arm lift, you need to avoid certain medications. Stop taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, homeopathic drugs, and herbal supplements for two weeks before surgery to minimize bleeding.

If you smoke, you have to stop two weeks before surgery. This includes stopping any products that contain nicotine, such as snuff, chewing tobacco, Nicorette gum, and nicotine inhalers. Smoking can increase your chances of developing an infection and can slow your recovery process.

The week before surgery, avoid alcohol, including wine and beer. Do not schedule any other type of surgery for six weeks before or after an arm lift. You also need to stop eating and drinking 12 hours before surgery. This includes water and gum.

RECOVERY

Patients typically experience pain, swelling, and bruising and occasional numbness. Patients usually require about one week free from work. Drains are typically removed after 1-3 weeks. Patients will need to avoid heavy exercise for about four to six weeks. Compression garments are worn for 4-6 weeks. Swelling will take several months to completely resolve.

ARE MY ARM LIFT RESULTS PERMANENT?

The results of an arm lift can last a decade or more but are not permanent. As you age, sagging can still occur. To ensure you enjoy toned arms for longer, maintain a healthy lifestyle and stable weight. You also want to follow proper scar care to ensure the surgery scars are minimal. Make sure you follow the instructions on using a compression garment on your arms for three to six weeks after surgery to help your arm heal correctly.

WHAT SHOULD I NOT DO AFTER AN ARM LIFT?

After an arm lift, you should decrease your activity level. For the first two weeks, limit the use of your arms and prevent excess motions, abrasions, or force on the incisions. Avoid strenuous exercise for six weeks after surgery. You want to wear comfortable clothes that open in the front so you do not have to lift your arms over your head as you heal.

It’s important to limit sun exposure to the incision area so that scars do not darken. You also want to avoid smoking and drinking alcohol so that you can heal more rapidly. Consult with us about beginning to take supplements and vitamins again.

RISKS

Although an arm lift is considered a safe procedure, there are certainrisks associated with any type of surgery. These may include:

Infection
Bleeding
Reaction to anesthesia
Loss of sensation
Scarring Permanent swelling

Can I Combine an Arm Lift With Other Procedures?

Yes, an arm lift can be combined with other surgical procedures. Some patients may choose to have an arm lift performed as part of a Mommy Makeover, during liposuction procedures, or other body-enhancing procedures.

How contoured will my arms be?

An arm lift is performed to remove hanging skin and fat. The only way to build actual muscle is through strength training. Following surgery, once the arms are fully healed, patients can begin weight training if they wish to do so. This is a great way to add shape to the arms by toning and strengthening them. Patients should maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes diet and exercise in order to avoid a recurring weight gain, which could compromise the surgical results.

Arm lift or lipo?

This depends on the amount of loose skin that is present. Patients who lose a significant amount of weight generally need the skin removed in order to attain a positive result. In fact, many times, arm lift patients do not even need liposuction because there’s no excess fat to be removed. On the other hand, patients who have relatively good skin elasticity may only need liposuction or minor tightening.

What about scars?

Any patient who undergoes an operation where skin is removed and incisions are made must understand that scarring is a part of the procedure, including brachioplasty. Doctors will make an effort to ensure that the scar will be as minimal as possible. For post-surgery care, topical ointments to assist in scar healing will be prescribed. It is also recommended that patients avoid sun exposure during the first year to protect the incisions from any additional discoloration. Most patients believe the benefits of a more toned arm overweigh the worry of scars.