Brachioplasty
Brachioplasty is the medical term for an arm lift. An arm lift removes the sagging, excess arm tissue, often called a “bat wing,” and reshapes the under portion of the upper arm. It tightens the skin and muscles, beginning at the armpit and ending at the elbow. By addressing excess skin that has lost elasticity or underlying weakened tissues and localized fat deposits, an arm lift can enhance and reshape your arms offering a more toned appearance.
A good candidate for an arm lift is someone who is in overall good health, who has been at a stable weight for at least one year and desires to improve the contour of their upper arms. Many people find themselves interested in an arm lift after they have undergone an extreme weight loss procedure such as gastric bypass. Regular exercise and strength training can tighten and tone muscles but are unable to reduce the amount of excess skin. An arm lift is not only for those who have lost weight; thin people may also have sagging upper arms due to the impacts of aging and genetics.
Arm Lift Surgery
The location and size of your incision will depend upon how much tissue needs to be removed and whether the tissue is near the armpit or lower down on your arm. A traditional vertical incision goes along the inside of the arm, from the armpit to the elbow, and is placed in the most discreet location possible. If the excess tissue is limited to the top of the upper arm, you may be a candidate for a short-scar arm lift with a crescent-shaped incision in the armpit area where it will be completely unseen. Some people who have lost a significant amount of weight following bariatric surgery may have more excess skin and will need an incision that runs from the elbow, along the arm pit, and onto the side of the chest.
Arm lift surgery is generally an outpatient procedure. It typically takes one to two hours, but may take longer depending on the extent of the surgery. During the procedure, your doctor will make the incisions needed, remove the excess skin and fat, and then close the incisions carefully to minimize scarring. Your sutures may be placed beneath the skin, where they will be gradually absorbed by your body. Recovery may include some mild discomfort right after the procedure. It is normal for some swelling and bruising to occur, with most swelling peaking two to three days after your arm lift and subsiding within two weeks. By elevating your arm with pillows, you can reduce swelling and increase comfort during recovery.
Results
Results of arm lift surgery will be long-lasting, provided that you maintain a stable weight and general fitness. As your body ages, it is natural to lose some firmness in your arms, but most of your improvement from surgery should be relatively permanent. If you have a traditional arm lift, your scar will be visible in short sleeve shirts and tank tops. Initial scar healing takes approximately two weeks. After that time, your surgeon will work with you on scar management.
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