Brachioplasty

Brachioplasty, also known as an upper arm lift, is a cosmetic surgical treatment that helps shape and contour the arms by removing excess skin and fat from the upper arm region. If you have loose or sagging skin on your arms due to weight loss or other factors, this procedure can be an excellent solution. Brachioplasty tightens the supportive tissues and contours the arms for a more toned and youthful look.

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51 year old female 7 months post brachioplasty.

What is a Brachioplasty?

Brachioplasty is often performed to help patients regain confidence and feel comfortable wearing short or sleeveless tops.
You may be a candidate for an arm lift if you:

Have excess sagging or loose skin on your upper arms
Are in good health and have maintained a stable weight
Are a nonsmoker or willing to quit before and after surgery
Have realistic expectations about the surgery and recovery

Ready to find out if an arm lift is right for you? At Alpine Plastic Surgery, we’re here to help and support you through the entire process.

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Brachioplasty FAQ’s

What can brachioplasty do?

An arm lift procedure can do the following:

Reduce the sagging skin that droop downward from the arm
Reduce the pockets of fat found in the upper arms
Tighten the supportive tissue on the upper arm, giving it a more defined look

Am I a good candidate for brachioplasty?

The drooping and saggy appearance of the arm is usually caused by weight fluctuations, aging, and heredity. You are a good candidate for an arm lift if this condition does not respond to diet and exercise.

Moreover, brachioplasty candidates include:

Individuals in good health condition and without diseases that affect the healing process and increase the risk for complications after surgery
Adults with stable weight and who are not overweight
Individuals who do not smoke and have a positive outlook about the procedure

A brachioplasty may also be suitable for you if your upper arms, particularly the underside, appear saggy and loose due to excess fat and skin. You may discuss your options with Dr. Randall Barnett at the Alpine Plastic Surgery Clinic. He can help determine the procedure that is most suitable for you.

How will my brachioplasty consultation go?

Your initial consultation will involve discussion of the following:

Your realistic goals about the surgery
Your current medical conditions, treatments, and allergies
Medications, vitamins, and other supplements you are currently taking
Previous surgeries

During the consultation, your surgeon may also:

Asses your general health status and evaluate any health conditions that may increase your risks during the procedure
Take before and after photographs of the area that will be treated
Lay down your options and other alternatives
Discuss with you the possible outcomes of brachioplasty as well as the potential risks and complications

How will I prepare myself for brachioplasty?

Before undergoing the procedure, your surgeon may ask you to:

Undergo lab tests or a medical examination
Stop smoking and drinking alcohol
Take certain medications or make adjustments on medications you are currently taking
Avoid taking aspirin, herbal supplements, and anti-inflammatory drugs, all of which can increase bleeding during the procedure

How does a brachioplasty procedure go?

During surgery, your doctor makes an incision under your inner arm area – from your elbow to your armpit – since these areas are less likely to be noticed, making scars less visible. After the incisions are made, the surgeon then removes excess skin or fat in the area. To enhance and improve the contour of the area, liposuction may be performed. A brachioplasty usually takes two to four hours to complete.

What can I expect after brachioplasty?

Once the operation is done, you can expect the following:

Bruising and swelling around the treated area
Possible numbness and pain
A drainage tube is attached to the wound to prevent fluid accumulation
Bandages and dressings on the upper arms
Compression garments wrapped around the treated area

How long does it take to recover from brachioplasty?

Usually, initial recovery takes about 10 to 14 days. Complete recovery should take about 4 to 6 weeks. However, the incisions only fully heal after about one year.

What are the risks associated with brachioplasty?

As with any other surgery, there are certain risks associated with a brachioplasty procedure. These include:

Bleeding
Infection
Anesthesia-related risks
Poor wound healing
Fluid accumulation
Unwanted scarring

Fatty tissue death
Persistent pain
Numbness or changes in sensation
Nerve, blood vessel, or muscle damage
Sutures may not be absorbed by the skin, which may lead to irritation and redness
The need to undergo revisional surgery

How will I take care of myself at home?

Your surgeon will give you self-care instructions that you can do at home, which may include:

Avoid strenuous exercises or activities such as heavy lifting for a month.
Wear compression stockings for several weeks.
Have adequate rest.
Follow instructions given about wound care religiously.
Report any unusual signs, such as severe pain and bleeding, to the doctor immediately.

How long will the results last?

The results of brachioplasty vary from person to person and depend on the age of the patient when the procedure was done. It may be long-lasting. The results may also be enhanced if the patient follows a proper diet and performs strength exercises after surgery.

What are the alternatives to brachioplasty?