What is Brachioplasty Surgery?
Brachioplasty, commonly referred to as an arm lift, is a surgical procedure that removes loose skin and excess fat deposits in the upper arm. With age or weight loss, upper arm skin can become loose and flabby, producing what is commonly known as a “bat wing” appearance. Skin tone is lost through the normal aging process or major weight loss. At BodyAesthetic, our arm lift specialist, Dr. Bowell, is a board-certified plastic surgeon that has helped many patients regain arm mobility and self-confidence through brachioplasty.
The conditions that necessitate brachioplasty affect women more often than men, and make some women so self-conscious that they refuse to wear short sleeves. Arm exercises are rarely effective at correcting skin laxity once it has developed.
Brachioplasty Procedure
During a brachioplasty procedure, the contours of the upper arm, armpit area, and the area just in front of the armpit are smoothed and tightened by removing excess skin through an incision typically placed on the inner surface of the upper arm. The length of this incision depends on how far down the arm the excess skin and fat deposits extend, but it may run along the underside of the entire upper arm. In some cases, liposuction alone can correct upper arm contour deformities. In addition to producing a significant cosmetic improvement in arm contour, an arm lift also makes clothes fit much better. Although a brachioplasty surgery can be performed alone, most patients have it done in combination with other body lifting procedures.
Brachioplasty FAQ
How Long Does Arm Lift Surgery Last?
An arm lift surgery usually takes 1-1/2 to 2 hours, followed by quick recovery and return to normal activities.
What Form of Anesthesia is Used for Brachioplasty?
Usually general anesthesia is used for arm lift surgery.
Is Arm Lift Surgery an Inpatient or Outpatient Surgery?
Outpatient if brachioplasty is performed alone. If other procedures are done in the same surgery, patients spend 1 or 2 nights in the hospital.
What are the Side Effects of Brachioplasty?
Temporary pain and discomfort, arm swelling, bruising, change in arm sensation.
What are the Risks of Arm Lift Surgery?
Brachioplasty scarring on the underside of the upper arm will never be invisible and may remain red and quite noticeable for up to a year. With sufficient time, the brachioplasty scar should fade and form a thin line that is visible only when the arms are raised in short sleeves. Other risks include wide scars, contour irregularities of arms, bleeding under skin flaps, blood clots, infection, and permanent numbness in some areas of skin.
What is the Brachioplasty Recovery Time?
Back to work: 1 to 2 weeks.
More strenuous activity, especially lifting: 4 to 6 weeks.
Fading and flattening of scars: 6 to 18 months.
How Long Do the Results of Arm Lift Surgery Last?
Considered permanent, unless weight gain occurs.
Contact Us
To learn more about brachioplasty or whether arm lift surgery is right for you, please contact our St. Louis office to schedule a consultation today.
