BRACHIOPLASTY, OR ARM LIFT IS ONE OF OUR MOST POPULAR PROCEDURES! Patients who have full upper arms, loose skin of the upper arms or heavy upper arms find it hard to wear sleeveless clothing or difficult to fit into shirts or jackets. Full heavy arms tend to run in the family and are a combination of excess fat of the upper arm and excess skin. Options for improving this area include liposuction to remove the excess fat in the arms. This results in lighter, thinner arms, easier fit into clothing and more confidence. We often hear the term "my mother's arms". There are two options for improving the arm appearance.
Liposuction of the Arms-this surgery involves removing excess fatty tissue from the upper arm with small precise liposuction cannulas via a couple small, well-hidden incisions. Removal of the excess fat will make the arms lighter and thinner but will not remove excess skin. Over time, skin will retract to some degree, and this may be enough for some patients. If there is a lot of excess skin, skin removal may be necessary.
Brachioplasty--This is often combined with liposuction and involves excising the excess skin and well as removing the fat. The involves a scar on the arm from elbow to armpit. We prefer to keep the scar above the elbow. While the scar is long, we have found patients feel the tradeoff of getting the excess skin removed is worth it. This is done in the operating room and takes about 4 hours (2 hours per side). Afterwards you will have a light compression wrap on your arms and later an arm garment. Scars tend to be pink for a few months and respond well to scar massage and silicone gel or strips. It is very important to avoid sun on scars especially in the first few months.
If you have a lot of loose skin on your arms, brachioplasty may be right for you! Call us to discuss or speak to patients who have had it done.
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