Brachioplasty

What is Brachioplasty?

Brachioplasty or Arm Lift is a procedure where loose and excess skin are removed from your arm.

Where can I get Brachioplasty?

Why is Brachioplasty performed?

The problem of loose upper arm skin usually occurs after weight loss. This problem is more common in people who have lost a lot of weight. If you were over weight, the skin of your arm has to stretch to accommodate the increased volume of your upper arm. After weight loss, the skin usually fails to tighten and sags. Brachioplasty is performed to correct this problem of loose hanging skin of your arms.

Who is an ideal candidate for Brachioplasty?

If you have flabby arms or loose hanging flesh (Loose Hammock) or skin as a result of losing lot of weight, then you are an ideal candidate for Brachioplasty.

Who is not an ideal candidate for Brachioplasty?

If you sweat profusely under your arms, have swelling in one or both of your arms, if your lymph glands have been removed then you are not an ideal candidate for Brachioplasty.

What does the procedure for Brachioplasty involve?

Brachioplasty is performed as an outpatient procedure in the plastic surgeon's office under local anesthesia with sedation. The entire procedure of Brachioplasty takes about an hour per arm. The surgeon makes zigzag, elliptical or triangular incisions along the inner surface of upper arm. The space contained between the incisions is exactly the area of skin that would be removed. Removal of loose skin tightens the surface of the arm however, it does not remove the fat. That is why it is usually recommended that Brachioplasty be accompanied with Liposuction as well to remove extra fat from your arms. Make sure that you make arrangements for some one to accompany you as you will be allowed to go home after a couple of hours following Brachioplasty procedure.

How to prepare for Brachioplasty?

Since Brachioplasty is performed as an outpatient procedure, there is no need for hospitalization. Your doctor will ask you to sign a consent form to perform the procedure of Brachioplasty. Make sure that you wear loose clothing when going in for Brachioplasty.

What to expect during the recovery period following Brachioplasty?

A thin rubber drain will be left in after Brachioplasty to draining excess fluids. Recovery from Brachioplasty takes about 2 - 3 weeks. Make sure that you limit the amount of weight you lift after Brachioplasty. Your doctor will advise you to keep your arm elevated with pillows to minimize discomfort following Brachioplasty. The incision will be dressed with an elastic dressing for protection and compression to prevent bruising and swelling. Depending on how you heal, the scars may take any where from 6 months to 2 years to completely resolve, fade and disappear after Brachioplasty.

What is the outcome of Brachioplasty?

The procedure of Brachioplasty will be extremely rewarding to you. After undergoing Brachioplasty, you will gain the self confidence to wear wider variety of clothing like short sleeves or sleeveless tops and bathing suits that you might have avoided to wear in the past before Brachioplasty.

B . R . A . N . D . of Brachioplasty

Benefits of Brachioplasty

• Brachioplasty will help you get rid of the extra fat and skin after losing weight. Although this requires you to undergo a Brachioplasty procedure, the results are well worth it. To be able to get the lean and shapely arms that you have always longed for, Brachioplasty is the best option available.
• Brachioplasty is performed under local anesthesia, does not require hospitalization and you can return to work and resume your daily activities within 2 weeks.

Risks of Brachioplasty

These are just a few minor complications that can occur rarely following Brachioplasty procedure. These include:

• Infection - If your incision site starts to drain large amounts of pus or fluid mixed with blood, then chances are that there is an infection at the Brachioplasty incision site.
• Accumulation of blood or fluids - Localized accumulation of blood (hematoma) or fluids (seroma) following Brachioplasty which can be drained by your surgeon.
• Scarring - Formation of excessive scar tissue can occur at the site of incision for Brachioplasty.

Alternatives to Brachioplasty

• Liposuction - This procedure involves removal of excess fat from your upper arms and arm pits by means of a mechanical suction device.

Now or Never

• With sophisticated surgical techniques evolving every day, cosmetic and restorative surgical procedures are being commonly used to allow you greater self confidence and an enhanced sense of well being. Brachioplasty or Arm Lift is considered to be a safe procedure with minimal chances of post operative complications. Failure of Brachioplasty is also a rare occurrence

Decision to have Brachioplasty

• The final decision to have Brachioplasty can be made after weighing all the pros and cons regarding the suitability and associated risk of Brachioplasty. It is worth while keeping in mind that the minor risks and complications associated with Brachioplasty do not effect it's outcome.