Brachioplasty / Arm Liposuction
Brachioplasty is a type of cosmetic surgery that treats the sagging underarms by reducing extra skin, tightening and removing extra fat. This will make your upper arms look more toned and defined.
Causes of sagging skin
1. Aging
2. Genetics
3. After massive weight loss
Preoperative instructions
There are several ways of performing an arm lift.
1. The most common one is liposuction.
2. Making incisions on the inside or back of your arms
Anesthesia
Local or general anesthesia, depending on the surgical method. Guided by the preoperative marks made on your arm, your doctor tightens or reshapes the tissue in your upper arm. The entire procedure is usually done within three hours.
Arm lift risks
1. Pain and infection
2. Permanent scarring
3. Seroma
Recovery
While you recover from surgery, you might need to wear a compression garment to control swelling. You should be able to return to work and resume some activities within two weeks. Within six weeks, you should be able to return to your normal activity level.
Contraindications
1. Smoking.
2.Patients with a history of connective tissue disorders (such as ElhersDanlos)
3. Patients on long-term oral steroids for medical conditions.
4. Healing will be a problem for these patients.
Who is a good candidate for an arm lift?
1. Healthy, nonsmoking patients with loose skin on the inside and back of the arms.
2. Patients who have lost a considerable amount of weight should aim to maintain a stable weight for at least six months prior to Brachioplasty
Scar
The greatest consideration for this procedure is the extensive scarring that is somewhat difficult to conceal.
Short-Scar Brachioplasty
is limited to the patients whose loose skin is at the upper posterior arm near the armpit. This scar can be hidden with short-sleeved shirts
Traditional Brachioplasty
the scar extends from the armpit to the elbow either on the very back of the arm or on the inside, facing the chest wall. Therefore, the scar is longer and somewhat more difficult to hide in short-sleeved shirts.
However, for healthy patients who do not smoke, the scars should heal well and fade over time. Protecting the scars fromsun exposure with sunscreen or long sleeves is the key in helping the scars to become as light as possible.
Result
