Do you have excessive arm fat or sagging skin that won't budge no matter how hard you exercise? Perhaps you feel self-conscious wearing sleeveless shirts in the summertime? Whether it is stubborn genetics or something else, a Brachioplasty may be the right option for you.
Brachioplasty, also called an arm lift, is a surgical procedure to correct and reduce excess skin and fat, reshaping the arm for a smoother contour and a more well-toned and proportioned appearance of the arms so you can be proud of your strength and underlying muscle tone. An arm lift takes 2-3 hours to perform in an outpatient hospital surgery setting under general anesthesia.
The length and pattern of the incisions depend on the amount and location of the skin to be removed. They are generally along the inside or back of the arm and may extend into the underarm and/or just above the elbow.
Following your surgery, your arms will be wrapped in elastic bandages or special compression sleeves to help minimize swelling. Most patients are out of work for about 2 weeks, mostly due to the lack of mobility of the arms during that time. Prescription pain medication is available after surgery to alleviate discomfort.
This surgery requires many sutures. There are layers of internal dissolvable stitches that “melt” over time. Others, on the surface of the skin, are removed within 1-2 weeks.
Your improved contour will be more apparent once the swelling and bruising has subsided and your results will continue to improve over the next 6-9 months, however substantial weight gain will alter your otherwise permanent result. A stable weight and healthy habits will help you maintain your results and improve overall appearance for a lifetime.