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Woman at the Beach

Arm Lift/Brachioplasty

Brachioplasty, commonly known as an arm lift, is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to improve the appearance of the upper arms by removing excess skin and fat

Arm Lift
Brachioplasty

A brachioplasty, commonly called an arm lift, is a surgical procedure to reshape and provide improved contour to the upper arms and connecting area of chest wall. Brachioplasty is often used to address issues such as excessive loose skin or excessive fat in the arms when it does not respond well to diet and exercise. The surgery is performed in the operating room under general anesthesia.

The Ideal Candidate

An ideal candidate for brachioplasty (arm lift surgery) is someone who meets the following criteria:

  • Excess Skin and/or Fat on the Upper Arms:

    • Noticeable sagging or loose skin ("bat wings") caused by aging, weight loss, or reduced skin elasticity.

    • Stubborn fat deposits in the upper arms that are resistant to diet and exercise.

  • Good Skin Elasticity (for Liposuction-Assisted Procedures):

    • If the issue is primarily fat rather than loose skin, good skin elasticity is necessary to achieve smooth results.

  • Stable Weight:

    • At or near a healthy, stable weight. Significant weight fluctuations post-surgery can affect results.

Considerations for Brachioplasty 

Types of Brachioplasty Procedures

Standard Brachioplasty:

  • Involves an incision along the inner arm from the armpit to the elbow.

  • Ideal for individuals with significant skin laxity.

Extended Brachioplasty:

  • The incision extends from the arm to the chest area.

  • Used for patients with extreme skin laxity, often after massive weight loss.

Mini or Limited-Incision Brachioplasty:

  • Smaller incision near the armpit.

  • Suitable for those with minimal sagging.

Liposuction-Assisted Brachioplasty:

  • Combines liposuction with skin tightening.

  • Ideal for patients with good skin elasticity but excess fat.

Downtime

The downtime for brachioplasty (arm lift surgery) depends on the extent of the procedure and individual healing factors. Here's a general timeline to help you understand the recovery process:​

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Immediate Post-Surgery (First 1–2 Weeks

  • Rest and Recovery: Plan to take at least 1–2 weeks off work and other routine activities.

  • Avoid lifting, pulling, or pushing anything heavy during this time.

  • Swelling and Bruising: Swelling and bruising in the upper arms are common but gradually subside.

  • Dressings and Compression: You’ll wear compression garments to minimize swelling and support the healing tissues.

  • Dressings and possibly drains will be placed; drains, if used, are typically removed within a few days.

  • Pain and Discomfort: Discomfort can be managed with prescribed pain medications.

2–6 Weeks After Surgery

  • Light Activities: Most patients can return to light activities and non-strenuous work within 2 weeks.

  • Avoid Strain: Avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and high-impact exercises for at least 4–6 weeks.

  • Scar Care: Begin using scar treatments (e.g., silicone sheets or creams) as directed by your surgeon.

 

6 Weeks and Beyond

  • Resuming Full Activities: Many patients can return to all normal activities, including exercise, after 6 weeks, with clearance from their surgeon.

  • Swelling Reduction: Significant swelling should subside by this time, but minor swelling may persist for several months.

  • Final Results: You’ll begin to see the final results around 3–6 months post-surgery, as scars mature and swelling fully resolves.

Tips for a Smooth Recovery

  • Sleep Position: Sleep with your arms elevated to reduce swelling.

  • Follow Post-Op Instructions: Adhere to the advice for wound care, activity restrictions, and compression garment use.

  • Hydration and Nutrition: Maintain a balanced diet to support healing.

  • Regular Follow-Ups: Attend all scheduled appointments to monitor your recovery.

Alternative Treatments

  1. Liposuction: A minimally invasive procedure that removes fat deposits using suction cannulas. It is a good option for individuals with good skin elasticity but excess fat, without significant sagging skin. Liposuction does not address loose skin; if skin lacks elasticity, it may appear more saggy after fat removal.

  2. BodyTite: A minimally invasive body contouring treatment that uses radiofrequency-assisted liposuction (RFAL) to tighten skin and remove fat simultaneously. It can be an excellent option for individuals with mild to moderate skin laxity and fat in the arms or other areas. However, its suitability depends on your specific needs and goals.

  3. Exilis: This is another non-invasive treatment that uses radiofrequency energy to heat and destroy fat cells and tighten the skin. The Exilis device is applied to the targeted area, and the radiofrequency energy is delivered through a handheld applicator. The heat destroys the fat cells and stimulates collagen production, which can improve skin laxity and texture. Exilis is typically used to treat the face, neck, or body, and there is no downtime after the treatment.​​

  4. Fotona Smooth Skin Tightening: is a non-invasive laser treatment that uses a combination of two laser wavelengths to stimulate collagen production and tighten the skin. The treatment is typically used to treat the face and neck, but it can also be used on other areas of the body, such as the arms or abdomen

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