What is an Arm lift?

Arm lift surgery, is also known as brachioplasty. It helps to reshape and gain a toned appearance to the upper arms by reducing the sagging skin.

Brachioplasty is a surgical procedure that involves removing excessive hanging skin or fat in the upper arms. The procedure can help to tighten the underlying supportive tissue and reduce localized pockets of fat in the upper arm region.

Untoned arm appearance may occur due to fluctuations in weight, aging, and heredity.

What are the types of the surgeries?

Arm lift surgery can be performed in many ways:

• Liposuction alone when elasticity of skin is good is the least invasive technique in which extra fat is removed.
• Hidden/Minimal incision brachioplasty is performed if the skin has adequate elasticity and has less excess skin to be removed.
• Traditional brachioplasty leaves a significant scar after the procedure. This surgery helps to remove excessive loose skin through surgical excision.
• Extended brachioplasty involves incision and excision of skin of the upper arm onto the area along the chest wall. It is usually done when patient has had a bariatric surgery with significant weight loss.

Which individuals are suitable for the surgery?

You can undergo arm lift surgery if:

• you have notable upper arm skin laxity
• you have stable body weight
• you are physically healthy
• you are non-smoker

Which individuals are not suitable for the surgery?

• Obese adults
• Chain smokers
• Adults with very less skin laxity
• Individuals with medical conditions that increase the risk of surgery

How should I prepare for the surgery?

You will be asked a number of questions about your health, desires and lifestyle with your plastic surgeon, including:

• Why you want the procedure, your expectations and desired outcome
• Your medical conditions, drug allergies and medical treatments
• Your use of current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drugs

While preparing for arm lift surgery, your surgeon may ask you to:

• Get a complete medical evaluation
• To take certain medications
• To quit smoking
• To avoid taking drugs such as aspirin, that may increase bleeding
• Pre-anaesthesia checkups with the anaesthetist

What to expect during the arm lift consultation

During your arm lift surgery consultation be prepared to discuss:

• Your surgical goals
• Medical conditions, drug allergies and medical treatments
• Current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drug use
• Any previous surgeries

Your plastic surgeon will also:

• Evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors
• Take photographs
• Discuss your options
• Discuss likely outcomes of arm lift surgery and any risks or potential complications

What results can I expect?

The results of arm lift surgery will be long-lasting, provided that you maintain a stable weight and general fitness. As your body ages, it is natural to lose some firmness in your arms, but most of your improvement from surgery should be relatively permanent.

Many patients who have an arm lift may also consider other body contouring procedures, such as tummy tuck, thigh lift or body lift.

What is the aftercare of the surgery?

Postsurgical care includes the wrapping of the arms into a tight elastic bandage to minimize swelling and regular dressings and bandages to the incisions to minimize infections. A drain tube may be placed under the skin temporarily to remove any excess of blood or fluid if present.

You will be provided with specific instructions on how to care for the surgical site and drains, medications, and when to follow-up with your plastic surgeon.

Your arm may be bruising and swelling at the moment but post recovery you can notice the smoother, tighter contours of your arms that resulted from brachioplasty.

Is an arm lift/brachioplasty safe?

All surgical procedures carry some risk.

Possible side effects from arm lift surgery include:

• Swelling
• Bruising
• Scarring
• Loss of sensation
• Bleeding (hematoma)
• Swelling of the hands
• Seromas (fluid filled masses along the incision line).

Is this procedure covered by health insurance?

Like all cosmetic procedures, an arm lift is not typically covered by health insurance.