Arm lift (Brachioplasty)
An arm lift or brachioplasty is a cosmetic plastic surgery procedure performed to tighten loose or sagging skin around the arms, which often results from weight loss. Liposuction is often conducted at the same time as the arm lift. Arm lift cost ranges from $3,000 to $10,000. Arm Lift surgery can be performed on a large variety of people including those at normal weight who need a little tightening. The majority of people undergoing arm lifts are massive weight loss patients that have stabilized their weight loss. Many of these people complain that their arms feel and look like “bat wings”. Occasionally some older women have extra skin under the arm that is bothersome and may be reasonable candidates.
Arm lift plastic surgery (brachioplasty)
The technique used in arm lift plastic surgery depend upon whether you have excess skin or fat.
- Minimal upper arm fat excess, with no skin excess: liposuction alone can be effective.
- Minimal extra skin located near the arm pit: an improvement can be attained through a scar limited to the arm pit.
- A lot of upper arm excess (as in the case of most massive weight loss patients): tissue must be removed through a scar that runs from the elbow, through the arm pit, and onto the side of the chest.
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For minimal excess fat and skin, you may be a candidate for an arm lift alternative: the mini-brachioplasty ("bat wing" procedure).
Most arm lifts are performed under a general anesthetic, although some surgeons will utilize a local anesthetic, with sedation. It is important that the facility that the procedure is performed in is an accredited facility where the type of anesthesia utilized is allowed.
Before arm reduction surgery
During an arm reduction surgery consultation the plastic surgeon will conduct a medical history and physical examination, your doctor consultation is the time to ask questions.
It is important for you to provide complete medical history information. High blood pressure, thyroid problems, diabetes, etc. should be reviewed as these medical conditions may increase some risks associated with surgery.
If you are a smoker, your doctor will recommend that you stop smoking well in advance of the surgery. Smoking can affect your ability to heal. Certain medications that increase the risk of bleeding such as Aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, and some vitamins/homeopathic regimens should be discontinued prior to arm lift surgery.
After Arm Lift Surgery
Immediately after surgery some patients will have a feeling of tightness in the upper arm as the area swells due to the trauma of surgery. Some patients may develop swelling and some tingling of the hands as well. Most of these symptoms resolve with time.
- Some surgeons prefer to wrap the arms or use compression garments
- Most surgeons prefer that the arms are elevated for a few days, above the heart
- Slow return of normal function of the arms and hands over a couple of weeks
Postoperative pain is subjective and will vary considerably from person to person. The average patient undergoing an upper arm reduction procedure will usually require a few days of oral pain medication to treat discomfort. Over a 7 to 10 day period most people resolve the majority of their acute postoperative pain.
You should avoid Aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications for the first few days after your arm lift surgery. Smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke may impair the healing process and should be avoided.
Arm Lift Surgery Results: what to expect
Arm Lift surgery results are long-lasting. However, because upper arm reduction involves the removal of skin, it necessitates the creation of a scar that starts near the elbow, traverses to the arm pit, and often crosses onto the chest wall. Any scar goes through a maturation process, which takes a year to complete.
Most scars are conspicuous, at least initially. Some surgeons prefer to place the upper arm reduction scar on the inner arm aspect so that it is not visible when the patient’s arm is by their side. Other surgeons prefer to place the scar a bit more towards the back of the arm so that it is not visible from the front, especially when the patient is observed from the front while moving the arm.
Arm Lift Surgery risks
According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASPS) potential arm lift complications that may be relevant to you include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Unattractive scarring
- Swelling of the hands
- Seroma formation (seromas are fluid collections that can arise after surgery along the incision line.
Arm Lift Surgery Cost
Arm Lift surgery cost can vary widely as reflected in the Arm Lift Cost Data posted on RealSelf.com. A surgeon’s cost for Arm Lift surgery may vary based on his or her experience, the type of procedure used, as well as geographic office location.
- Surgeon’s professional fee
- Facility fee
- Anesthesia fee
- Medications
- Surgical garments
- Medical tests
Sources: American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and RealSelf.com
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