Cosmetic Plastic Surgery

Arm Lift
(Brachioplasty)

THE PREOPERATIVE FEATURES

• Desire for a more youthful appearance and thinner contour to the arms.
• Focusing on flabbiness and extra skin and fat, especially in the upper inner arms.
• Also related to folds of skin and fat of the upper chest near the armpit, seen especially when the arms are down at the sides.

THE PROCEDURE

• Anesthesia is usually a very light general and the procedure takes about two hours.
• There may be no incisions if liposuction alone is all that is needed.
• Otherwise the incision may be completely concealed within the armpit, or down the inside of the arm in an inconspicuous location for a variable length depending on how much skin and where the excess is.
• Results may be obtained from liposuction alone if the skin has good elasticity.
• If there is excess skin, then incisions are needed to lift the skin, tighten the arms, remove the excess fat, and tighten the arm ligaments to provide extra internal support.
• Drains are used for two days. These are soft and comfortable and removed without pain.
• Dressings and a light compression garment is used for several days.
• This can be combined with other plastic surgical procedures.

THE RECOVERY

• You can go home after several hours or can stay overnight.
• You can shower on the third day after surgery.
• There is only minimal pain that is almost gone by the second or third day and easily controlled by medications.
• Swelling is mild to moderate and peaks at two to three days, then disappears rapidly over the next three weeks.
• Minimal or no bruising is typical.
• Some grogginess is present which persists for about a week.
• You can resume many activities within the first week, and most by at least three weeks.
• The stitches are removed at seven days.
• Expect to be off of work for only three to seven days.

THE RESULT

• Beautiful, balanced and proportioned contour.
• More confident and comfortable in clothing, especially sleeveless dresses.
• Lasts the rest of your life and always looks better than if you didn't do it.
• Natural and presentable appearance in the first week that just gets better over the next three to six months.