As information about plastic surgery becomes more readily available—through celebrities talking about it and others posting their experiences on social media—people are discovering new procedures they had never heard of before. This includes innovations like the “ponytail lift” and “nose lift” as well as oldies but goodies like brachioplasty.
Otherwise known as an arm lift or arm reduction, a brachioplasty surgery addresses excess, unwanted skin and fat from the inner and upper arm. It’s a fairly common surgery, but still not widely discussed. If you’re even slightly curious, keep reading for more information about brachioplasty by a plastic surgeon.
What is Brachioplasty?
Brachioplasty treats fat and excess skin on the inner, upper arm. “The goal of this procedure is to improve any loose, flabby arms and provide a tighter and toned appearance.” Sujatha Tadiparthi, MB, BCh, MRCS, MSc, FRCS, consultant cosmetic surgeon, tells POPSUGAR. People usually look for it after first trying to reduce arm fat by toning the area through diet and exercise.
Who is a good candidate for brachioplasty surgery?
Two main reasons generally lead to loose skin in the arm area: significant weight loss and age. “With general aging, our skin loses its strength and elasticity,” says Dr. Tadiparthi. “Excessive ‘flabby’ skin may be present on either the front or back of the hands.”
People of all genders can undergo brachioplasty, although it is more commonly performed on women. It is recommended that you are at least 18 years old and at your desired weight before doing so.
Cost of Brachioplasty
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports an arm lift cost of about $4,861. This number varies by region and surgeon. Also, keep in mind that most health insurance plans do not cover arm lifts because they classify them as elective surgery.
Risks of brachioplasty surgery
Every surgery comes with a list of risks and complications. For brachioplasty, this includes “permanent scarring, bulky or stretched scars, bleeding, infection, bruising and swelling, serosa (fluid around the wound), residual excess tissue, altered skin feel and asymmetry (scar length, location and amount of scar removed the tissue),” says Dr. Tadiparthi. Also keep in mind that if your weight after an arm lift fluctuates, you may need to undergo the procedure again in the future. “It’s important to reach your ideal weight before the procedure and stay at your weight afterwards,” she advises.
What to expect during brachioplasty surgery
All plastic surgery procedures begin with a consultation where your suitability will be assessed — both for the procedure itself and for going under general anesthesia. “I examine patients to see how loose the excess skin is, its position, and whether it will improve with an arm lift,” says Dr. Tadiparthi. Occasionally, liposuction is required prior to the arm lift if further contouring of the area is desired.
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia, which carries its own risks. many times, you can go home the same day. “During the operation, if liposuction is needed, this is done first,” explains Dr. Tadiparthi. “The excess skin is then removed with an elliptical incision that runs from the elbow to the armpit.”
You’ll be sent home with a bandage that covers the length of your arm and covers the incision, as well as “a tight elastic garment” [that] it will need to be worn for the better part of six weeks to reduce swelling and provide support.”
Brachioplasty Before and After
Brachioplasty Scar and Rehabilitation
You will be left with a vertical scar that runs the length of your arm, but because of its location on the inside of the arm, it is not very noticeable and not easy to hide. The exception is that “some patients are prone to bad scarring and may have bulkier, ‘hypertrophic’ scars that settle over time,” says Dr. Tadiparthi. Post-operative bandages will remain for two weeks. After about four weeks, mild activity such as light exercise is fine. “After six weeks, you should be able to return to full normal activity, such as swimming, high-intensity exercise.”
