Arm & Thigh Lift Brachioplasty

Upper Arm Reduction

Also known as brachioplasty upper arm reduction is an operation to reduce the amount of loose skin on the upper arm. This is often undertaken by those who have experienced substantial weight loss or those who as a result of ageing have experienced arm deflation. The surgical procedure involves removing loose skin and excess fat deposits.

Fluctuations in weight, growing older and even heredity can cause your upper arms to have a drooping, sagging appearance.

Exercise may strengthen and improve the underlying muscle tone of the upper arm, but it cannot address excess skin that has lost elasticity or underlying weakened tissues and localized fat deposits.

If the underside of your upper arms are sagging or appear loose and full due to excess skin and fat, an arm lift may be right for you.

An arm lift:

• Reduces excess skin and fat between the underarm and the elbow

• Reshapes your arm to result in smoother skin and contours

• Results in a more toned and proportionate appearance

A special note: In order to achieve your improved image, there will be a scar on the inside of your upper arm.

During the procedure the surgeon makes cuts on the inner and under surfaces of your arm, anywhere from the armpit to as low as the elbow. Excess skin and fat are removed and the remaining skin is stretched and stitched back together. The operation generally results in tighter, firmer upper arms. Despite this there will be visible scarring that may extend from the armpit to the elbow.

In general, candidates for an arm lift include:

• Adults with significant upper arm skin laxity

• Adults of any age whose weight is relatively stable and who are not significantly overweight

• Healthy individuals who do not have medical conditions that can impair healing or increase risk of surgery

• Non-smokers

• Individuals with a positive outlook and realistic expectations

Arm lift can be performed on an outpatient basis, But you must arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery and to stay with you for at least the first night following surgery.

Before undergoing upper arm reduction consideration and preparation are vital elements. Those who are considering the procedure should clearly outline their targets, and openly discuss this with their consultant. Those who are considering the procedure should be aware of the risks and complications that can arise, as well as the practical changes that are needed prior to surgery. Patients are required to stop taking medication which alters blood viscosity; including aspirin, birth control and hormone correction. In preparation of surgery it is also highly recommended that patients avoid smoking, to provide a quicker recovery.

What happens during arm lift surgery?

Step 1 – Anaesthesia

Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedures. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anaesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best choice for you.

Step 2 – The incision

Incision length and pattern depend on the amount and location of excess skin to be removed, as well as the best judgment of your plastic surgeon.

Incisions are generally placed on the inside of the arm or on the back of the arm, depending on the surgeon’s preference, and may extend from the underarm (axilla) to just above the elbow. If fat is to be reduced during your arm lift, it will be excised or treated with liposuction.

Inner Arm Incision

Depending on your specific conditions, incisions may be more limited. Then, underlying supportive tissue is tightened and reshaped with internal sutures. Finally, the skin is smoothed over the new contour of your arm.

Back of Arm Incision

Minimal Incision

Step 3 – Closing the incisions

Your incisions will be closed with absorbable sutures, or stitches that will be removed within 1-2 weeks following your arm lift.

Step 4 – See the results

The smoother, tighter contours that result from brachioplasty are apparent almost immediately following your procedure, although initial results will be somewhat obscured by swelling and bruising. Your new, shapely and toned upper arm is dramatically improved both in appearance and feel.

For the first few days after surgery the patient will experience discomfort in the form of tight and sore underarms. This discomfort and tightness can be controlled with medication.

The surgeon shall also suggest to patients that they should avoid hanging their arms by their sides, and will also suggest means in which to avoid this. This will include keeping arms elevated on pillows for the first day or two in order to keep the swelling from transcending into hands and fingers Patients will need to limit arm motion for the first few weeks after surgery, until the incisions are well healed and should keep their elbows below shoulder level for approximately two weeks after undergoing the procedure.

Drainage tubes will be removed within four days of surgery. Patients are also instructed to apply antibiotic ointment around the drain and on the incisions several times daily. Other guidance will include ensuring treated areas do not get wet, and that applications such as deodorant are avoided.

Patients will be expected to wear supportive clothing to conceal the areas that were treated for three to four weeks. This helps support the skin during healing whilst repressing swelling. The surface stitches will dissolve quickly, whilst the deeper stitches will take longer.

Recovering from upper arm reduction

• The patient will experience tight and sore arms

• Patients should keep their arms elevated for a period of two days whilst avoiding lifting arms above shoulder level and avoid excessive movement for two to three weeks

• Patients should not shower for two days following surgery

• Supportive clothing garment are needed to restrict swelling for up to a month

• Certain applications need to be applied, whilst others such as deodorant should be avoided.

For the large majority of adults who under go an upper arm reduction the results will be a success with no unforeseen consequences. Despite this, the capacity for risks and complications remain, as is the case for almost all surgical procedures.

Important facts about the safety and risks of brachioplasty

The decision to have arm lift surgery is extremely personal and you’ll have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks and potential complications are acceptable.

You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure you will undergo and any risks and potential complications.

The risks include:

• Unfavourable scarring

• Bleeding (hematoma)

• Infection

• Fluid accumulation

• Anaesthesia risks

• Poor wound healing

• Skin loss

• Blood clots

• Numbness or other changes in skin sensation

• Skin discoloration and/or prolonged swelling

• Asymmetry

• Major wound separation

• Fatty tissue found deep in the skin might die (fat necrosis)

• Damage to deeper structures such as nerves, blood vessels, muscles, and lungs

• Pain, which may persist

• Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications

• Sutures may spontaneously surface through the skin, become visible or produce irritation that require removal

• Possibility of revision surgery