Arm lift (Brachioplasty)
Brachioplasty, also known as upper arm lift, is a procedure to remove loose skin and fatty tissue from the upper arm. After the surgery the arm contour becomes firmer, and the upper arm looks trim and toned.
An arm lift is usually performed after massive weight loss, because most people have a significant amount of fat on their arms. After they loose weight they are left with stretched and excess skin. Some thin people may also have sagging upper arms due to aging and genetics.
The Surgery
Brachioplasty is usually done under general anaesthesia. It usually takes one to three hours. The surgeon makes and incision on the back or inside the arm. The incision may curve to minimize scar contraction, and it may span from the elbow to the underarm. The exact length of the incision and the procedure depends on the amount of extra skin and how loose the supporting tissues have become. Sometimes liposuction is sufficient. In some cases only a minimal incision is made from the area where the inner, upper arm joins the armpit. The surgeon removes the extra skin from incisions along the inner arm, tightens the skin and sutures it. Drainage may be used to drain body fluids that may accumulate after the operation.
After Surgery
Recovery after an arm lift surgery usually takes one to two weeks. There is some swelling and bruising, but it is generally mild to moderate. It peaks 2 to 3 days after the surgery, and dissipates within two weeks.
Dressings are applied after brachioplasty sometimes along with elastic support. Non-dissolvable sutures are normally removed within a week.
People need to avoid strenuous exercise and limit lifting for a few weeks. Scars fade within 6 months. Most people can go back to work after a week or two.
Complications and risks
Every surgery presents some complications and risks. The most common complications include: bruising, swelling, bleeding, blood clotting, infection, scarring and negative reaction to anaesthesia.
The brachioplasty leaves a visible scar. Although the scare fades with time, it may be a major concern. During the surgery nerves might be damaged, resulting in numbness and a change of sensation.
Brachioplasty is not suitable after mastectomy, operations in the axilla lymph nodes or in case of multiple infections of the sweat gland.
You can avoid most complications by choosing the right cosmetic surgeon and following pre- and postoperative instructions.
PRE-OP REQUIREMENTS:
Chest X-ray
ECG
Laboratory test
Please provide the results of Pre-OP requirements before surgery, if cannot be done in your country we can give you the opportunity to do at the Clinic but requires an additional day to the time of stay.
TIME OF STAY:
14 days
