Arm Lift
Brachioplasty, or arm lift surgery, is a procedure for patients who wish to tighten their arm skin and reduce sagging. You may have noticed this if your weight has fluctuated or you’ve grown older. Some people refer to their arms as “hammock” arms, or “bat wings”. These terms certainly don’t make one feel any better about themselves. Exercise is often ineffective at correcting this condition. If you suffer from loose, hanging upper arm skin, you might want to consider a brachioplasty or arm lift procedure.
You may be a good candidate for brachioplasty, or arm lift surgery, if the following apply to you:
- Loose or hanging upper arm skin.
- Excess fatty deposits in the upper arm.
- Sagging tissues in the axillary (arm pit) region or upper arm after massive weight loss.
- Are of relatively stable weight and are not significantly overweight.
- Have no medical conditions that impair healing or increase surgery risk.
- Are a non-smoker.
- Have a positive outlook and realistic expectations.
About Arm Lifts / Brachioplasty
Brachioplasty, or arm lift surgery, involves the removal of excess skin and fat of the upper arms. The arms appear smaller and more toned.
An incision will be made along the upper arm, either on the inner aspect by the arm groove or along the back of the arm. There are advantages to each of these incision locations, but also some limitations of each. Dr. Richard Tepper will personally spend time during your consultation to explain these choices as well as the relative merits of each.
Liposuction may be combined during arm lift skin excision surgery.
Dr. Richard Tepper usually performs the surgery in an outpatient surgery center or hospital. Smaller procedures can be performed in the comfort of his approved office-based surgical facility. Anesthesia choices range from local anesthesia, to sedation, to general anesthesia, depending on the surgical plan and patient preference.
Recovery
Most patients recovery fairly quickly after arm lift surgery, with the following information often applicable to most people:
- Patients typically recover fairly quickly after arm lift surgery.
- Soreness may last for several days and is often well controlled with oral pain medication or over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen.
- Patients go home after surgery with arms bandaged with gauze and gentle compression wraps and will often be seen within 2-3 days.
- A small surgical drain may be used, depending on the situation.
- A compression garment will be worn for several weeks.
Patients often return to light activity within the first week, and a return to normal activity in about 4 weeks.
A brachioplasty can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence. Your clothing may even fit the way you want.
