ARM LIFT (BRACHIOPLASTY)

An arm lift, or brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure that is used to help remove the excess skin and fatty tissue from the underside of the upper arm, extending from the underarm to the elbow. Fluctuations in weight, growing older and heredity can cause your upper arms to have a drooping, sagging appearance. This is also common after massive weight loss or post-bariatric surgery. Brachioplasty is not a surgical treatment for being overweight. Obese individuals who intend to lose weight should postpone all forms of body-contouring surgery until they have reached a stable weight and maintained for one year.

Exercise may strengthen and improve the underlying muscle tone of the upper arm, but it will not get rid of the excess skin that has lost its elasticity or any underlying localized fat deposits. If the underside of your upper arms are sagging or appear loose and full due to excess skin and fat, a brachioplasty may be right for you.

An arm lift is performed to:

• Reduce excess skin and fat between the underarm and the elbow
• Lift and Reshape your arm, resulting in smoother skin and contours
• Give a more toned and proportionate appearance

Special note: In order to achieve your improved image, the trade-off will be a scar on the inside of your upper arm.

Is It Right For Me?
In general, candidates for an arm lift include:

• Patients with significant upper arm skin laxity
• Patients of any age whose weight is stable and who are not significantly overweight
• Healthy individuals who do not have medical conditions that will impair healing or increase risk of surgery
• Non-smokers
• Individuals with a positive outlook and realistic expectations

All Surgery Carries Some Uncertainty And Risk
Arm lift surgery done by a qualified plastic surgeon, who is trained in body contouring, usually have very positive results. Nevertheless, there are always risks associated with surgery and specific complications associated with this procedure. Post-operative complications such as infection and blood clots are rare, but can occur. Infection can be treated with drainage and antibiotics, but will prolong your hospital stay. You can minimize the risk of blood clots by moving around as soon after the surgery as possible. Poor healing, which results in conspicuous scars, may necessitate a second operation. Smokers should be advised to stop, as smoking may increase the risk of complications and delay healing. You can reduce your risk of complications by closely following instructions before and after the surgery, especially with regard to when and how you should resume physical activity.

Planning Your Surgery
In your initial consultation, Dr. De Aguiar will evaluate your general health, determine the extent of fat deposits in your upper arm, and carefully assess your skin tone. Be sure to mention if you smoke, and if you're taking any medications, vitamins, or other drugs. Be frank in discussing your expectations. Dr De Aguiar will determine whether or not you are a good candidate as well as describe your alternatives and the risks and limitations of each. He will also review type of anesthesia, hospital stay, and recovery during your consultation. If you have specific questions please feel free to ask.

The Surgery
Arm lift surgery usually takes two to three hours, depending on the extent of work required. The incision is often lengthy and will generally extend from the axilla (underarm) to the elbow on the underside of the upperarm. Sometimes smaller incisions may be used. The incision used as well as the potential need for adjunctive procedures (such as liposuction), will be discussed with you beforehand. After the excess skin and localized fat deposits are excised, your incisions will be closed. You may have surgical drains in place.

Your New Look
Brachioplasty (arm surgery) provides great results for excessively sagging skin after major weight loss or during the aging process. And in most cases, the results are long lasting, if you follow a balanced diet and exercise regularly. If you're realistic in your expectations and prepared for the consequences of a lengthy and permanent scar and undergoing a surgical procedure, arm lift surgery may be right for you.