Brachioplasty

Brachioplasty: A Surgical Solution for Sagging Arms

As we age, our skin loses its elasticity and firmness, causing it to sag and droop in various areas of the body, including the upper arms. Weight loss, genetics, and the natural aging process can all contribute to sagging skin in the upper arms, leading many people to feel self-conscious about the appearance of their arms. Fortunately, there is a surgical solution to this problem: brachioplasty, also known as an arm lift.

What is Brachioplasty?

Brachioplasty is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of excess skin and fat from the upper arms. During the procedure, an incision is made on the underside of the arm, extending from the armpit to the elbow. The excess skin and fat are then removed, and the remaining skin is tightened and re-draped over the arm. The incision is then closed with sutures, and a compression garment may be worn to help reduce swelling and promote healing.

Who is a Candidate for Brachioplasty?

Candidates for brachioplasty are generally individuals who have excess skin and fat in their upper arms, which can be caused by weight loss, aging, or genetics. Candidates should be in good overall health and have realistic expectations for the outcome of the procedure.

It is important to note that brachioplasty is not a weight-loss procedure, and candidates should be at or near their ideal body weight before undergoing the surgery. Patients who are still actively losing weight may be advised to wait until their weight has stabilized before undergoing the procedure.

The Brachioplasty Procedure

Before the procedure, the patient will meet with their surgeon to discuss the specifics of the surgery, including the type of anesthesia that will be used and the expected recovery time. The surgery itself typically takes two to three hours and is performed on an outpatient basis.

After the surgery, the patient will be monitored in a recovery area until they are alert and stable enough to go home. Pain medication and antibiotics may be prescribed to help manage discomfort and prevent infection.

Recovery from Brachioplasty

Recovery from brachioplasty can take several weeks, during which time patients should avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting. The compression garment should be worn as directed by the surgeon to help reduce swelling and promote healing.

Most patients are able to return to work and light activities within a week or two of the surgery, but it may take several months for the swelling to fully subside and the final results of the procedure to become apparent.

Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks and potential complications associated with brachioplasty. These may include bleeding, infection, scarring, and numbness or tingling in the arms. Patients should carefully consider these risks and discuss them with their surgeon before deciding to undergo the procedure.

In addition, patients should carefully follow their surgeon's instructions for aftercare and attend all follow-up appointments to ensure that the healing process is progressing as expected.