Brachioplasty

This is how an arm lift works for you

There can be many reasons that you want excess skin removed from your underarms. Brachioplasty is the surgery to consider when you’re ready to make this cosmetic change, especially if you have lost significant weight. Also called underarm surgery or an arm lift, a brachioplasty removes excess skin and fat deposits to create upper arms with greater tone.

How does a brachioplasty work?

The outpatient procedure, performed under local or general anesthesia, involves tightening the loose skin of the inner arm between the armpit and elbow. Incisions are made on the inside or back of the arm.

For surgeries requiring more extreme measures - patients who have already undergone bariatric surgery, for example - incisions may stretch beyond the armpit and onto the side of the chest.

Liposuction is commonly performed to remove extra fat and enhance the surgery’s final results with a smoother finish. Once any fat and skin is removed, the skin is tightened and sutured shut.

What to expect from brachioplasty surgery

You will exit your brachioplasty surgery with a compression garment and dressings or bandages applied to your incisions. Swelling and bruising is typical and should greatly decrease over two weeks. Your surgeon may also insert small tubes under the skin, which are later removed, to drain blood or fluids. You may be advised to care for your wounds with surgical paper tape for several months.

After a brachioplasty procedure, you should plan on waiting up to two weeks before lifting or taking part in any kind of physical activity. If your responsibilities include regular lifting, four weeks is a likely wait time before returning to your job.

Arm lift surgery results are relatively permanent, based on the assumption that you maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle.

Risks of brachioplasty surgery

The brachioplasty surgery is not associated with any severe risks. Typical surgery-induced side effects may develop, including swelling, bruising, scarring, loss of sensation, bleeding and seromas (fluid that accumulates under the skin’s surface). Some patients experience temporary swelling of the hands and uneven numbness in the upper and lower arm. To avoid these issues, it is very important to have an experienced reconstructive surgeon performing your surgery.

Have questions? Contact us to schedule a consultation with a reconstructive surgeon.