Brachioplasty (Arm Lift)

 

Procedure

The surgical rejuvenation of the upper arms remains a persistent problem for both the patient and the surgeon, despite the many techniques that have been proposed for its improvement. The goal of the arm lift (brachioplasty) is to reduce skin redundancy and to reduce the circumference of the arm. When there is good skin tone or minimal skin sagging, fat deposits can be reduced by liposuction. But marked skin redundancy or laxity can only be improved by surgery. The incision has to be placed in an axillar crease and in the internal aspect of the arm along a line extending from the axilla to the epicondyle of the elbow. Then a piece of skin-dermis and fat is removed and the subcutis and skin are closed using routine aesthetic suturing.

Length

Two to three hours.

Anesthesia

The anesthesia can be general or local with sedation.

Inpatient/Outpatient

Both options are possible.

Possible Side Effects

In some cases edema or lymphoedema of the arms can result.

Risks

Highly visible or keloid scars and cutaneous nerve injuries.

Recovery

The healing process may take seven to ten days. An elastic bandage or compression garment may be recommended for several months.

Results

Good and stable results can be achieved in young patients with adiposities and good skin tone as well as in adults of older age, sometimes with the help of several months of postoperative elastic compression.