Brachioplasty (arm lift) by Dr. Haworth

Terminology notes

An arm lift is a significant surgical procedure but compared to an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) postoperative discomfort is minor, complications few and postoperative convalescence dramatically shorter. This operation removes “flabby” skin in a dramatic fashion while reducing the actual circumference of the arms. However, it does produce a permanent scar which, depending on the extent of the original problem and the surgery required to correct it, can extend from the elbow through and past the armpit. If you are exploring options to make your arms not only smoother but svelte and in proportion to the rest of your body, then this page will give you a better understanding of your available options. Of course, it can’t answer all of your questions, since a lot depends on the individual patient and surgeon. Please ask your surgeon about anything you don’t understand. The placement and length of the arm incision will depend on the location and amount of the patient’s perceived excess fat, their skin thickness as well as its elasticity and how it hangs. It goes without saying that each plastic surgeon may have a different approach to the same aesthetic problem but the general goal is the same-to remove excess soft tissue to create a natural, smooth and elegant upper arm which a patient will no longer want to hide in long sleeves. The traditional brachioplasty results in a newly imperceptible scar running longitudinally on the inner aspect of the arm, the length of which depends on the extent of the original cosmetic problem. A limited incision brachioplasty is exactly that, a shorter scar arm lift, designed to tighten the upper arm but located transversely across the apex of the axilla (armpit). However, Dr Haworth feels that these brachioplasties often times fall short of their stated goals and should therefore be used to only correct arms with minor sagging. alternatives to surgery include lasers and radiofrequency devices such as Titan ®, Thermage ® and Ulthera ®. In Dr. Haworth’s experience, these devices overpromise and under deliver falling far short of their stated goals.

Candidates for Brachioplasty

The best candidate for an arm lift are those in relatively good shape but are bothered by excess loose, hanging and/or flabby skin that won’t respond to diet or exercise. The surgery is particularly helpful for people who have lost a significant amount of weight and have stretched their arm skin to the point where its elasticity has been irreversibly damaged to the point where it cannot return to normal. Patients who intend to lose a significant amount of weight should postpone this type of surgery (this also goes for abdominoplasties, breast lifts or reductions and facelifts). Of course, loss of skin elasticity in older patients, which frequently occurs with slight obesity and or genetic predisposition, can also be improved with the surgery. Of course, individual results can vary, but brachioplasty can enhance your appearance and self-confidence but it won’t necessarily change your looks to match your ideal or, indeed, cause certain people to treat you differently. Before you decide to have this type of surgery, you must think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with your surgeon.

Operation and recovery logistics

Most surgeons perform arm lifts an outpatient surgical center or office-based facility. Some surgeons utilize a hospital, where the patient can stay for a few days. In today’s day and age, this is unnecessary both in terms of cost, time and safety. You will be given specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on oral intake, smoking and avoiding certain vitamins, medications and food types. If you’re a smoker, you need to stop smoking at least two weeks before and not resume until two weeks after your surgery. You need to avoid overexposure to the sun both before surgery and in the postoperative period. Do not go on a stringent diet as this can affect your healing ability. In the unfortunate circumstance you may develop a cold or infection of any kind, your surgery may be postponed. Whether your surgery is done as an outpatient or inpatient, you will need to arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery. However, brachioplasty does not involve specialized nursing care after the procedure unlike that required for an abdominoplasty, facelift, etc.

Risks and challenges

Thousands of brachioplasties are performed with excellent results each year. When performed by a board-certified, respected plastic surgeon who is trained in body contouring, the results of this surgery are generally very positive. Nonetheless, there are risks associated with all types of plastic surgery including this one. These generally fall into two groups: infection and poor healing. Infections are treated with antibiotics and drainage is necessary. Poor healing, which results in conspicuous scars may necessitate further treatments such as steroid injections, lasers and possibly a minor secondary operation such as a scar revision. Smokers should be advised to stop smoking since tobacco use may increase the risks of complications and possible dehiscence (separation of the wound in the postoperative period). You can reduce complication risk by closely following your surgeon’s instructions before and after the surgery and should you have any questions, never hesitate to ask the office staff.