Could a doctor please help me understand what it means to have a bilateral brachioplasty?

Bilateral Brachioplasty refers to an operation to reduce the size of skin and soft tissues of the upper arms.  Bilateral typically means Right and Left side of the body ( in this case R. and L. arms) and not scar on both side of the same arm.

This is a very satisfying operation for most patient and is common in patients that have lost massive weight and have excess skin that is unsightly.

It typically leaves an  acceptable scar in the inner portion of the upper arm.

Hope this is helpful.

Dr. Sajjadian

Thank you for your question regarding bilateral brachioplasty.
Bilateral means both sides. Therefore, a bilateral brachioplasty is a brachioplasty done to both arms. Almost always, plastic surgeons perform bilateral brachioplasties. It is rare that plastic surgeons perform arm lifts just on one side.
A brachioplasty is arm surgery. Usually there are two components to the arm, namely skin and fat. Many patients have just excess arm fat with excellent skin tone. These patients may respond well to arm liposuction. Some patients have excess arm skin. This excess arm skin needs to be surgically excised. Some incisions are placed in the armpit and are called a “crescent brachioplasty”. Some arm lift incisions are placed in the armpit and extend slightly down the upper arm. Because of the shape of the scar, this type of arm lift is called a “modified T brachioplasty”. Some patients require an incision from the armpit to the elbow. In my practice, this is the most common type of brachioplasty I perform. Some patients have excess forearm skin and fat. These types of patients may require an incision from the axilla to the wrist to eliminate excess arm skin and fat.
I hope this answers your question regarding bilateral brachioplasty.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact my office.
Sincerely, Dr. Katzen

                  Bilateral
brachioplasty is an arm lift that’s performed on both arms. The procedure
removes excess skin and fat of the upper arm. It typically involves an incision
that’s made from the elbow to the armpit. Excess skin is removed in both the
transverse and vertical dimensions with this procedure.

                  The
procedure is effective for removing excess arm skin and creates a more shapely
arm. Unfortunately, bilateral brachioplasty is often accomplished by adverse
scarring.

                  If
you’re considering bilateral brachioplasty, consultation with a board certified
plastic surgeon is appropriate. This surgeon should be able to formulate a
treatment plan that’s appropriate for you. 

Bilateral brachioplasty means both (bilateral) armlifts (brachioplasty). So when someone says bilateral that means both  and when someone says bracio that means arm and plasty means to mold.

Brachioplasty procedures involve removal of excess skin and fat of the upper arms, often on to forearm and into thearmpit, to achieve better shape and contour of the upper extremity.  The usual candidate for the procedure is someone who has had significant weight loss.  Of all the cosmetic body contouring oprocedures I perform, in my opinion it is the most visible scar.  Prospective patients should have their surgeon during a consultation draw on their arm the location of the scar and show before and after results to weigh the improvement in form vs the scar.  

Bilateral means both sides and brachioplasty means arm lift.  After weight loss, patients can develop loose skin and fat which hangs off the back side of the upper arms.  Commonly referred to as "Bat wings" they are corrected by a brachioplasty which frequently combines liposuction with resection of the excess skin to leave an thinner, improved arm contour.