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Arm Lifts/Brachioplasty

As part of the aging process, the skin around the arm area changes. It loses thickness, elasticity and the underlying tissue is affected by gravity. The deep layers of fat, muscle and bone also thin. The amount of elastic tissue and collagen in the deep layer of the skin also decreases. These changes can be especially noticeable in the upper arm. An arm lift (brachioplasty) can lift and tighten loose skin in the upper arms, creating a firmer, more youthful shape.

The Surgery

Your surgeon may offer you the choice between using a local or general anesthetic. First, the area where there is excess skin is marked and anesthesia is administered. Incisions are made on the inner and under surface of the arm. Sometimes fat is suctioned at the same time. The surgical opening may run from the armpit to the elbow. While the excess skin and fat is removed, the remaining skin is pulled into place. The incisions are then bandaged. An arm lift usually takes about two hours and patients can usually go home the same day.

The Recovery

You may experience moderate pain after this procedure. Your arm will be placed in a compression garment to help the healing process. Some of the stitches will be absorbable, and some may have to be removed during a follow-up visit. For the first week, you will have to avoid strenuous activity, including bending and lifting. You will be able to shower on the third day after surgery. The swelling is mild to moderate. The recovery period after an arm lift typically lasts one to two weeks. You'll likely be able to return to work in a week, and start exercise within two weeks. You should wait four weeks before any strenuous workouts.

Best Candidate for an Arm Lift

If you are looking to reduce flabbiness, extra skin and fat, especially in the upper arm area, you may be a good candidate for an arm lift. However, an arm lift is usually not recommended for patients who’ve had a mastectomy. Also, patients who have experienced infections in the armpit, or suffer from excess sweating, may also not be good candidates for this surgery.

The Risks

As with any surgery, there are risks that include: infection, bleeding and reaction to anesthesia. The most common risks associated with this type of surgery include possible asymmetry or irregularities, and possible changes in nerve sensation. Another rare, but possible risk includes pulmonary embolism due to the freeing of fat or blood clots into the bloodstream.