Arm Lift / Brachioplasty
Arm lift surgery contours the arms so they are slimmer and more proportional with the rest of the patient’s body. Also known as brachioplasty, this procedure removes excess skin and fatty tissue from the upper arm and sometimes part of the chest / underarm.
As you get older and your body weight fluctuates, the tissue of your arms can become loose and persistent fat can gradually accumulate, causing an unsightly condition of hanging tissue on the upper arms. This condition, which is often described as a bat-wing, can make a person self-conscious about his or her appearance. Many women in particular choose not to wear sleeveless clothing in order to hide their upper arms. After brachioplasty, your upper arms will exhibit smoother, tighter contour that is proportional to your body.
Are You a Candidate for Brachioplasty?
Candidates for arm lift surgery have, as described above, excess skin and persistent fat on the upper arms. Also, the right candidate must be willing to accept the permanent scars that result from arm lift surgery. The surgical incisions will be placed in areas that can be easily hidden, and the scars will fade and flatten out over time. Nonetheless, the surgery scars will always be somewhat evident.
Patients should also be:
- Non smokers (to prevent complications of delayed healing)
- At a stable and healthy body weight
- Capable of understanding risks/benefits and realistic about results
During a consultation with Dr. Ljung, you can ask specific questions about your individual case and provide details about arm lift risks, benefits, and costs. He will inquire about your medical history and general health to determine if you can safely undergo arm lift surgery.
Before and after arm lift / brachioplasty
Arm Lift Surgery Techniques and Procedures
When performed as a single outpatient procedure, your arm lift will require about 1 to 2 hours under local or general anesthesia. For some patients, Dr. Ljung may recommend liposuction of the arm area, without removal of skin. However, to achieve the best results in most cases, excision of redundant skin is necessary. Dr. Ljung makes an incision in the inner part of your arm, traveling from your armpit (axilla) area toward the elbow. Fat and excess skin is removed to contour the arms. Sutures are placed to close the incisions and maintain the new shape.
What Happens After Arm Lift Surgery
Recovery time is about 2 to 4 weeks. Dr. Ljung will send you home with specific post-operative instructions, which you should follow closely. You may need to keep your arms elevated and limit movement for a time. Swelling and bruising is normal and should subside in about 2 weeks. Compression garments on each arm will minimize swelling and promote optimal skin contraction.
To learn more about arm lift / brachioplasty at Azalea Coast Plastic Surgery, contact our offices in Wilmington or Jacksonville NC.
