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Body

Arm Lift

There are generally 3 types of candidates for whom brachioplasty could be a beneficial procedure; the first group are young women with arms that are out of proportion. They usually have firm skin, and just want to bring their arms into proportion with the rest of their body

This can be easily corrected with liposculpture. The second group consists of middle-aged men and women looking to turn back the signs of aging a little. They typically have a moderate amount of loose skin and tissue thickening. The incision can usually be hidden in the crease of the armpit depending on the extent of the loose skin. Sometimes the incision may need to be made a short way down the arm. The third group of people that can significantly benefit from brachioplasty is men and women of any age, who have lost a considerable amount of weight. Weight gain will stretch the skin, and weight loss will leave skin loose and redundant. With this procedure, the incision is made right down the arm: from the arm pit to the elbow. There will be a faintly visible scar, but this will fade in time and is usually considered a small price to pay.

Surgical/Procedure Name

Brachioplasty

Common Name

Arm lift

Surgical Procedure

Your surgeon will first mark the area of excess skin. Then after the anesthetic is administered, incisions are made on the inner and under arm, usually in a zigzag pattern. Skin is usually cut off in an elliptical or triangular shape. Fatty tissues are often suctioned at the same time.

After the loose skin and fat have been removed, the remaining skin is stretched and sutured into place. Occasionally a drain is used to lead excess fluids from the site of incision, allowing the skin better to adhere to the tissue beneath. The incisions are then bandaged.

Duration

4-5 hours

Anaesthetic

General anesthesia - discussed with your surgeon

Pre Operative Care

Before surgery, please inform your surgeon of any allergies, all medical conditions, and any medication that you are taking (both prescription and non-prescription). To eliminate the chance of post-operative bleeding, you should avoid aspirin and any medication containing aspirin or ibuprofen for 2 weeks prior to surgery. You should also not smoke for 1-2 months before or after your surgery as smoking can affect your reaction to the anesthetic and slow down the healing process. Patients who suffer from hypertension must inform the surgeon prior to surgery.

Post Operative Care

After surgery your arm(s) will be covered with a compression garment designed to hold them in shape whilst the newly sculpted skin heals to the tissue beneath. You will have sutures, possibly with a drain inserted to help the skin and tissue heal. Some of the sutures will absorb, and some may have to be removed by your during a follow-up visit

Following the procedure you may feel some discomfort as there may be some swelling, bruising and stiffness. For young women with out of proportioned arms, recovery should not take more than a day or two. For middle-aged patients wishing to hold back aging, the recovery time is about 3-4 days. Candidates who have lost a lot of weight and therefore require surgery may need a week or so before returning to work.

Risks and Complications

Like all surgical procedures, arm lift surgery has its own set of risks and side effects.

Educate

Knowing what complications may arise, as well as what can prevent them, will help patients enjoy a positive experience.

Possible Complications
  • Infection
  • Excessive bleeding
  • Adverse Reaction to anesthesia
  • Need for second or more procedures
  • Scarring
  • Pulmonary embolism

In order to prevent any serious difficulties, patients are strongly urged to follow all instructions provided by their surgeon.

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner