Brachioplasty for Well-Contoured Arms
Brachioplasty, or arm lift surgery, aims to reduce excess skin and fat in the arms and improve their contour.
Well-contoured arms play a crucial role in the attractive appearance of the upper body. However, while exercise can strengthen muscles, it has little effect on addressing loose skin in this area.
How Brachioplasty is Performed
When the skin quality is good with only minor laxity, fat deposits can be removed with liposuction alone. The modern 4D liposuction technique with Vibrasat Pro offers greater precision and control in removing unwanted fat, providing simultaneous skin tightening and ensuring natural, even, and ideal long-lasting results.
However, significant laxity (when the skin has “sagged” and there is vertical excess) can only be improved surgically with brachioplasty. In mild cases, the incision is made only within the armpit. Depending on the problem, it may extend from the armpit to the elbow or even to the torso and chest, especially in cases of significant laxity after major weight loss. In the technique I apply as a plastic surgeon, the incision is made on the underside of the arms, so when the arms are in a horizontal position, the scar is not visible from any side.
Brachioplasty lasts 2-3 hours and is performed under general anesthesia. Hospitalization is usually day-long or at most requires an overnight stay in the clinic.
What Happens After the Surgery
The pain is temporary and mild, with possible numbness of the skin near the incisions, and more rarely, some swelling may occur. Return to work happens in 2 weeks, with full activity resuming in 4-5 weeks. The final appearance of the scars forms in 3-10 months. The use of an elastic bandage or elastic splint is recommended for several weeks.
Surgery Results
If there are no future weight fluctuations, the aesthetic result of brachioplasty is permanent. Lifestyle and exercise determine the enhancement of the surgery’s outcome, as the arms will look more attractive if the muscles under the skin are toned.
Brachioplasty Cost
The extent of the problem and the technique to be followed determine the cost of the surgery, so an accurate estimate can only be made during the preoperative session.
For Before and After photos of brachioplasty: Click here.