Arm Lift or Brachioplasty
Excess skin and fat in the upper arms can be frustrating. Patients who feel self-conscious about the appearance of their upper arms are reluctant to wear short sleeve shirts or tank tops. Even shirts with long sleeves can pose problems as the upper arms may not fit in the sleeves. Weight loss may not always be a cure. For many patients, the upper arms can be resistant to the effects of weight loss and therefore see only minimal changes in the size of their arms. Liposuction of the arm may be required prior to a formal arm lift (brachioplasty) if there is still significant adipose tissue present. Liposuction is very efficient in removing the excess fat but will have only a small effect on the excess skin.
A brachioplasty removes the excess skin of the upper arms. This procedure is effective in recontouring and tightening the upper arms in patients who have lost significant fat in the upper arm, either by weight loss or liposuction. Placement of the scar in a brachioplasty is paramount. Dr. Antimarino has developed a technique that gives excellent contour with minimal exposure of the incision.
Surgery:
A brachioplasty is usually performed under general anesthesia in an outpatient setting.
After Surgery:
The post-operative pain is minimal. Surgical drains are used for 3-4 days. Compression garments are used for 3-4 weeks. The patient may return to work in approximately 1 week and exercise in 3 weeks. The scars are pink early in the recovery phase but generally fade to fine white lines.
To answer all of your surgical questions and for detailed discussions, schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Antimarino today.
