Do you hesitate to wear sleeveless tops and dresses or go shirtless because your upper arms are flabby? A cosmetic surgery procedure called an arm lift brachiaplasty can improve the look of your arms and change the way you feel about your body, giving you more confidence.
What is an arm lift / reduction (brachiaplasty)?
Brachiaplasty or brachioplasty, also called an upper arm lift or reduction, is a plastic surgery procedure that involves removal of loose skin and fat from the upper arm area. It is often performed in people who have undergone significant weight loss and have extra skin and fat in the upper arms. The procedure is designed to give the arms a more aesthetic shape and contour.
What can brachiaplasty do for you?
Men and women who have lost a significant amount of weight are often left with excess fat in the upper arms that does not go away with diet and exercise. A brachiaplasty arm lift operation contours the arms after weight loss and gives them a toned appearance. The operation also helps tighten excess skin so that clothes fit better and the arms look more aesthetically appealing.
A brachioplasty can be performed to reduce extra fat deposits that accumulate in the arms with age. The operation improves the contours of the support tissue to give the arms a more youthful appearance.
A brachiaplasty arm lift surgery is sometimes offered as part of a mommy makeover to address the problems caused by pregnancy and childbirth.
Arm Lift Benefits:
- Removal of excess skin and fat
- Tightening of the skin
- Contouring of the arms
- Toning of the arms
- Enhancement of self-confidence
How is a brachiaplasty procedure performed?
Arm lifts are performed through a procedure called liposuction, which is a method of removing stubborn fat from specific areas of the body. The plastic surgeon uses a thin hollow tube called a cannula to loosen and remove excess fat. The length and pattern of the incision and scar depends on the amount of fat that needs to be removed. The medical team in the plastic surgery office will discuss the exact surgical plan with you, but it typically involves a vertical incision extending from the underarm to the elbow. The incision is made on the inside of the arm so that the scar is well-hidden.
What happens during an upper arm lift operation?
A brachiaplasty is an outpatient procedure, meaning most patients can go home the same day, unless the surgeon decides otherwise. The operation can be done under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with IV sedation. When you wake up after the surgery, there will be some minor bruising, swelling, tightness, and discomfort. You will need someone to drive you home.
How long will it take to recover from an upper arm lift?
The recovery from a brachioplasty is relatively quick. You may initially need medications for pain relief. Most patients can start increasing their activity level 2 weeks after surgery. The plastic surgeon may advise not to lift the arms over the head for 6 weeks. Roughly 8 weeks after the procedure, the majority of patients are back to normal activities.
How long will the results of brachiaplasty last?
After a brachiaplasty procedure, patients continue to notice improvements in the first 3 to 6 months as the swelling subsides. There can be numbness in the inner arm for 2-3 months. The scar may appear pink and raised initially but will fade and flatten over time. The results of the procedure are permanent and will last as long as you maintain a steady weight.
What can you learn during a brachiaplasty consultation?
Your plastic surgeon understand your concerns during the consultation. They will examine you and present realistic goals from the surgery. You may be given before and after pictures to see what kind of results other patients who underwent the procedure obtained. The team in the plastic surgery office will also go over the surgical risks and pre- and postoperative instructions with you.
Is an arm lift right for me?
A brachiaplasty is a good choice for you if you have loose skin and fat in the upper arms that has not improved with diet and exercise. The procedure is recommended when you are at or close to a healthy body weight and are committed to maintaining your weight with a balanced diet and regular exercise.
Interested in finding out if brachiaplasty is right for you? The MeTime app makes it easy to find board-certified plastic surgeons, cosmetic surgeons, and other experts near you. You can click and upload pictures and have suggestions sent directly to you. To book a consultation for brachioplasty, try the MeTime app today!
