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Brachioplasty - Arm Lift
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Arm lift or brachioplasty procedure is a fairly common surgery to help remove loose skin and excess fat deposits that are stored in the upper arm area. As we age, the upper arm skin can become lax, loose and flabby. This problem is seen quite frequently with patients who have had extreme weight loss or gastric bypass. Once the skin has been stretched out, it has a harder time with retracting and tightening up which will lead to sagging. An arm lift or brachioplasty:
A brachioplasty procedure can be performed in four different ways: Depending on how much skin laxity is present will determine which method would be the most effective procedure.
Copyright © 2010 MAYO CLINIC - Used with permission Before and After Standard Brachioplasty
The mini or axillary brachioplasty procedure may be performed when there is small amount of skin laxity - and the hanging skin is located within two inches from the armpit. In these cases an incision is made with in the arm pit and along the arm pit crease. Liposuction is sometimes performed during this procedure for additional contouring of the arm.
Image courtesy: Barbara Jemec Axillary or Mini Brachioplasty
A full brachioplasty is necessary when there is too much excess skin and fat through out the arm. An incision is made along the inner portion of the arm from the axillary area to the elbow and excess skin and fat are removed. The incision is well hidden and will not be visible with the arms at the side in the resting position. However, there will be some scar show with wearing a sleeveless dress or top (when moving the arms). A “T” shaped scar is usually visible afterwards. Liposuction is sometimes added for helping with contouring the arms. Although Liposuction is not an essential part of a brachioplasty, some surgeons use this to help dissect and separate the deep tissue from the skin flaps.
Copyright © 2010 - CosmeticSurgeryForums.com Full or Standard Brachioplasty
An extended brachioplasty or arm lift has the incision extending from the elbow to the armpit and along the outer sides of the chest to the level of the horizontal bra strap. The extended brachioplasty enables the reduction of the upper torso (chest area) and bra strap area so that the patient can fit better with certain clothing. A "L" shaped scar us usually visible afterwards.
Copyright © 2010 - CosmeticSurgeryForums.com Extended Brachioplasty - Incision extends into the chest area
The only time
liposuction is a better choice is when there is a lot of fat, but the skin is
tight. It is not a choice if your problem is due to loose skin. An arm lift is
the best choice when the skin is loose.
The incisions are closed mostly with dissolvable sutures and more than likely the patient will have drains to help reduce the amount of edema or swelling that might occur. The entire procedure of an arm lift takes approximately an hour per arm. The surgeon makes zigzag, elliptical or triangular incisions along the inner surface of upper arm. The space contained between the incisions is exactly the area of skin that would be removed. If the patient needs to have fat reduced in the upper arm area, liposuction is used. The underlying supportive tissue is tightened and reshaped with internal sutures. Overlying skin is smoothed over the new contour of the arm with excess skin reduced. Dissolvable sutures are used to close the incision and either fibrin tissue glue or stitches will be used to close the outer portion. If sutures are used, these will be removed within one to two weeks following the brachioplasty procedure. A pressure compression garment or elastic bandage is applied to promote healthy healing.
Different incision sites for the various types of brachioplasty performed.
Copyright © 2010 ASAPS - Used with permission Before Surgery After Surgery
Copyright © 2010 ASAPS - Used with permission Before Surgery After Surgery
Copyright © 2010 ASAPS - Used with permission Before Surgery After Surgery
Patients who are good candidates for an arm lift:
Patients who are NOT a good candidate for an arm lift:
Brachioplasty Advantages
Brachioplasty Disadvantages
Other Brachioplasty Links:
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