Brachioplasty

Brachioplasty or arm lift surgery is helpful for eliminating excess skin or fat within the upper arm area. This is a troublesome problem for many men and women due to aging, fluctuations in weight, or just genetic predisposition.

The skin may also have lost its elasticity over time and now hangs down to form an unattractive flabby area. The fatty component is often refractory to exercise and weight loss, meaning arm lift surgery might be the best solution to eradicate the appearance of excess skin or fat.

Arm lift surgey or brachioplasty is designed to reduce fat, skin or both in the area of the upper arm down to the elbow, thus enhancing your self confidence. The only trade-off to your improved image is a scar on the side of your upper arms, which will fade with time.

Candidates for Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) Surgery

The best candidates for arm lift (brachioplasty) surgery are healthy non-smokers who have a positive outlook with realistic goals for their arm lift in mind. At the time of your consultation your goals, details of the arm lift procedure, and the routine post-operative healing process will be explained in detail. We will also answer any questions you may have about the arm lift surgery and review your medical history to ensure you are a healthy candidate for the arm lift procedure.

The Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) Procedure

Dr. Lynam offers a number of options for the arm lift (brachioplasty) procedure. If skin quality is good and excess fat is the problem, then liposuction alone is possible. Most often, excision of excess skin is needed with excess fat removal, making the arm lift procedure necessary.

During arm lift surgery, the incision is placed in the inside of the upper arm and may extend from the underarm to the elbow. Incision length may depend on the amount of excess skin and fat that needs to be removed. The arm lift (brachioplasty) procedure is done on an outpatient basis taking 2 hours to perform with the patient under general anesthesia. There is usually one drain tube per arm placed to remove any small amount of fluid collection for the first week following arm lift surgery.

After Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) Surgery

Drain tubes are removed one week following the arm lift surgery. Your arms may be swollen, bruised and sore for several weeks after the arm lift procedure. Scars created to perform the brachioplasty (arm lift) procedure are permanent and fade with time. After drain removal, an elastic sleeve is placed and worn 12 hours a day for 1 month to help reduce swelling and support the skin. Approximately 75-80% of the swelling is gone 1 month after the arm lift surgery and any remaining swelling fades away over the next 3-4 month period. Vigorous exercise routines may resume 6-8 weeks after your arm lift procedure, and you may return to work one week after surgery.

The best way to determine if you are a good candidate for the brachioplasty or arm lift procedure is to schedule a consultation. You will learn what are reasonable expectations for the goals you wish to achieve through an arm lift surgery.

“I have wanted an arm lift for the past 10 years
but not sure if I would ever go through with it because
of the scarring. After I met with Dr. Lynam, I knew that
I would be comfortable with him doing my surgery.
He was confident that I would love my new arms and
that gave me the courage to go ahead with it.
It has been 8 weeks since my arm lift
and I couldn’t be happier!.”
– Arm Lift Patient