As people age, their appearance changes and many people struggle with confidence, self-esteem issues, or other personal problems related to their appearance. Some procedures, such as a brachioplasty (arm lift), provide people with a way to improve their confidence and self-esteem. Brachioplasty procedure is performed on the arm and is a way to reduce the sagging skin or tissue that has developed for any number of reasons. Weight changes, hereditary issues, or even the normal aging process can cause the skin to sag. Brachioplasty procedure will reduce the sagging skin under the upper arm, tighten the tissue that gives the arm its shape, and can even be used to remove pockets of fat along the upper arm.
Did You Know…?
Many people will actually combine brachioplasty with other cosmetic procedures. For example, people who succeed in losing weight quickly can actually develop drooping skin in multiple locations around their body because the skin has been stretched during their period with excess weight. It is normal for people to want to combine brachioplasty with other surgical procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people have questions before undergoing a surgical procedure. This is a healthy thought process and we have provided answers to some of the most common questions below.
Who should be considering brachioplasty?
Patients who have sagging skin along their upper arms may want to think about brachioplasty if the excess skin bothers them. While every patient will be discussed on an individual basis, people who are in good health without any chronic medical problems are generally good candidates for surgery. It is important that every patient meets with a plastic surgeon to discuss their expectations prior to undergoing a surgical procedure.
How is a brachioplasty performed?
Brachioplasty is started by placing the patient to sleep during the procedure. Some patients will have intravenous anesthesia while other patients will use general anesthesia. The plastic surgeon will make an incision on the back side of the arm. The excision will vary in length depending on how much tissue is being removed. Through the incision, the excess fat will be removed and the skin will be contoured tightly over the arm to improve the tightness. Most patients do not require a hospital stay and the total procedure generally takes two to three hours.
What is the recovery process like after the procedure?
Most patients will notice an immediate difference in the appearance of their arms when they wake up from surgery. It is normal for there to be some swelling or bruising around the site of the incision. Patients should let their arms rest for about a week or two to give the area time to heal. Exercise and intense activity should be avoided for around a month. Patients with questions regarding brachioplasty should contact our office. Our plastic surgeon has experience performing brachioplasty for countless patients with outstanding results. Call today to schedule an appointment.
